On 10th try, Lions finally get to enjoy Thanksgiving

DETROIT – Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush did their part to keep the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers in the game.

Stafford turned the ball over a few times and Bush did once.

Instead of crumbling and losing confidence, both players bounced back and helped the Detroit Lions put together a dominant performance after an awful start.

Stafford threw three touchdown passes, including one to Calvin Johnson, Bush had 182 yards of offense and scored, and Detroit scored 37 straight points to rout Green Bay 40-10 on Thursday.

“When we get out of our own way, we can be pretty special,” Bush said.

The Lions (7-5) had lost their last two games, five consecutive against Green Bay and a franchise-record nine straight in their annual showcase on Thanksgiving.

Bush responded from fumbling deep in Green Bay territory to score a 1-yard TD run that gave Detroit a 17-10 lead late in the first half. He finished with 117 yards rushing and 65 yards receiving. Bush’ backup, Joique Bell, ran for a career-high 94 yards and a score.

Matt Flynn became the fourth starting quarterback for Green Bay this year.