Lions, Panthers Claim Pre-Season Wins, NFL News

Detroit Lions Thump Patriots

(Detroit MICH) -- Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew sat in a large conference room on the second floor of the team’s Allen Park headquarters back in January and told members of the media that the Lions needed more playmakers on defense. He wanted guys who could get their hands on footballs, more players who could force turnovers and more defenders who could make a difference. Mayhew had to be smiling a little bit watching his defense force four first-half turnovers in the Lions 40-9 thumping of the New England Patriots in their regular-season tune-up Thursday night.

Panthers Hand Ravens Loss

(Baltimore MD) -- Offensively, it was a struggle, but the Panthers defense and special teams made up for it in a 34-27 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium Thursday night. Carolina recorded three defensive touchdowns and one game-turning special teams score, courtesy of new return man Ted Ginn. "Ted Ginn ignited us as a football team," head coach Ron Rivera said. The Ravens got off to a flying start, forcing a Carolina three-and-out before completing a nine-play, 69-yard touchdown drive on their opening possession.

Hernandez Indicted For Murder

(Boston, MA) -- Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez was formally indicted for first-degree murder Thursday. Hernandez appeared in court for a hearing in the case involving the shooting death of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd in June. His next court appearance is scheduled for next Friday.

RG3 Fined For "Operation Patience" Shirt In Pre-Game Warmups

(Ashburn, VA) -- Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin the Third was fined for an apparel faux pas. The "Washington Post" reports the league has penalized RG3 $10,000 for wearing an unauthorized shirt during pre-game warmups Monday night against Pittsburgh. Griffin sported a shirt with the phrase "Operation Patience" as a nod to his slow integration into team drills following offseason knee surgery.

Bucs' Nicks, Tynes Treated For Staph Infections

(Tampa, FL) -- Several members of the Buccaneers are dealing with staph infections. Left guard Carl Nicks and kicker Lawrence Tynes have both received treatment. The Bucs say it will take five-to-seven days for the medicine to work. The team facility was sanitized last weekend with the players in New England to take on the Patriots in preseason play.

Manziel Not On SEC Preseason First Team

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel is not a member of the SEC preseason coaches' all-conference team this year. The Texas A&M quarterback is listed instead on the second team behind Georgia QB Aaron Murray. Manziel became the first freshman in history to win the Heisman last year.

Thursday, August 22 Scoreboard

NFL Preseason

Detroit Lions 40, New England Patriots 9

Carolina Panthers 34, Baltimore Ravens 27

Friday, August 23 Schedule (All Times Central)

NFL Preseason

7:00 p.m. - Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers

9:00 p.m. - Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders