"It was great," Stanton said. "It was one of those things that you dream about as a kid. Obviously having it come to fruition was tremendous, to get a chance to get out there and play, especially in Ford Field in front of the home crowd."

The Lions drafted Stanton in the second round last year. He spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve with a knee problem, then had his mechanics changed for the second time in two years in the offseason, then suffered a sprained thumb in August.

As the Lions struggled this year, fans and media called for Stanton to play. But offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said he didn't want to embarrass Stanton by playing him because he wasn't ready, igniting a minor firestorm. And then the Lions signed veteran Daunte Culpepper and started him against Jacksonville even though he had only three days of practice.

Culpepper couldn't learn everything in three days, though. So the Lions had a goal-line package ready for Stanton, and when they faced a first-and-goal at the 3 in the first quarter, Stanton trotted into the field to cheers.

Stanton handed off on his first play, then threw a TD pass to tight end John Owens on his second play. The Lions led the Jaguars 7-3.

But with the Lions trailing 24-7 at halftime, Stanton was told he might play more. And when Detroit fell behind 38-7 in the fourth quarter, he got his shot.

"He was so excited in that huddle," left tackle Jeff Backus said. "Not to the point where it was bad. It just kind of surprised me. He was just talking and relaxed and ready to go."

Stanton took his lumps -- five sacks, to be exact. The Jaguars knew he had to throw and came after him, and his inexperience showed.

"Sometimes you've just got to get it out of there or throw it away," coach Rod Marinelli said. "I think it's just anticipating. Instead of waiting for the guy to get open, it's throwing to a spot knowing he's going to get open."

But Stanton also made some good throws and led a touchdown drive against the Jaguars' prevent defense, finishing 6-for-8 for 94 yards.

"Obviously being down by so much isn't what you would hope for," Stanton said. "But I think that's one thing I have to try and do: Whatever opportunities I get, make the most of them, because I don't know when they're coming."