PRO FOOTBALL : Lions Get Line on Winning : NFC: Detroit’s free-agent acquisitions up front earn their pay in 30-13 victory over Atlanta.

All the money that the Detroit Lions spent on free agents paid off in their opener Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Lions, with a rebuilt offensive line and linebacker Pat Swilling leading the defense, beat the Falcons, 30-13.

“We did a lot of good things,” said Lion Coach Wayne Fontes, who had been 0-4 in openers. “The best thing we did was protect the ball. We didn’t turn the ball over. And we got some turnovers.”

The Lions now have one of the most expensive offensive lines in the NFL, with contracts totaling $18 million for the front five. During the off-season, Detroit signed free agents Bill Fralic, Dave Richards and Dave Lutz to team with veterans Lomas Brown and Kevin Glover.

The line made things easier for Barry Sanders, who gained 90 yards in 26 carries, including a 26-yard touchdown run.

Rodney Peete completed 11 of 20 passes for 178 yards.

“Give Detroit credit,” Falcon Coach Jerry Glanville said. “They took advantage of our young players and beat us. We didn’t protect our quarterback. Their defense was just too good.”

The Lions, 5-11 last season, signed Swilling as a free agent to give them a pass rush. Swilling said the Falcons--who did not cross midfield until 1:41 remained in the first half--appeared confused.

“They had no idea,” Swilling said. “I could see it in their eyes. They were whispering to one another. They didn’t know where we were going, or what we’d do.”

The Lions, who were 4-0-1 during the exhibition season, have won their last four against the Falcons.

The Lions’ defense took charge from the outset, pressuring Chris Miller into throwing three consecutive incomplete passes on the game’s first series.

“That’s probably the most pressure I’ve felt since I’ve been here,” said Miller, who completed 26 of 50 passes for 260 yards, with two interceptions. “They took away most everything today. They had a good feel for what we wanted to do.”

Five plays and 61 yards later, the Lions were in the end zone and on their way to a 24-3 halftime lead.

Linebacker George Jamison returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown, and Peete connected with Herman Moore on a 21-yard touchdown pass play for the Lions.

The Lions’ Jason Hanson kicked a 44-yard field goal and two 37-yarders.