Peete’s Touchdown Gives Lions First Win

This time, Rodney Peete wouldn’t let the Detroit Lions self-destruct.

Peete, the rookie quarterback from USC, scrambled five yards for a touchdown with 23 seconds remaining Sunday as Detroit’s Silver Stretch offense overcame four turnovers and 13 penalties to beat Tampa Bay, 17-16.

The victory snapped a seven-game losing streak dating back to last season and was the first for the Lions (1-5) using the run-and-shoot offense installed by offensive assistant coach Mouse Davis.

“This football team needed a win like a cure for cancer,” Detroit linebacker Chris Spielman said. “We almost forgot how to win. We proved we have character, poise and don’t quit.”

Peete, making his second start, moved Detroit 76 yards in eight plays for the winning points. He dropped back to pass on fourth and goal and ran around right end when he spotted an opening.

“I knew it was our last play, and if I had to scramble all around the field to keep it alive, I’d do it,” said Peete, who gained 78 yards in 10 carries in the absence of injured running back Barry Sanders.

“Everyone was covered. The play was to go to the flat on the left, but nobody was there,” Peete said. “So I just took off and ran.”

Eddie Murray, who kicked a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter, made the extra point to put the Lions ahead, 17-16.

The loss dropped Tampa Bay to 3-3 and kept the Bucs, who played without quarterback Vinny Testaverde, from going two games over .500 for the first time since 1981.

Peete finished with 17 completions in 31 attempts for 268 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Robert Clark that tied the score, 10-10, midway through the third quarter.

“I wasn’t comfortable for almost half the game, but then I started to settle down and play within myself,” said Peete, a sixth-round draft pick who missed four of the Lions first five games after spraining his knee in preseason.

“I wanted to take what they gave us. When it was open downfield, I took it.”

Peete threw two interceptions and Detroit lost two fumbles to increase its league-leading giveaway total to 23. The Lions also had 13 penalties for 110 yards, and Richard Johnson dropped what could have been a touchdown pass late in the third quarter.

Tampa Bay Coach Ray Perkins said: “That’s one of the ugliest games I’ve ever been associated with. I’m certain the guys in the other dressing room don’t care. If I were the winner I wouldn’t care either.”