New Detroit quarterback Daunte Culpepper went into overtime this week, cramming to learn Detroit’s offense so he could start today versus Jacksonville.

Fortunately for him, Detroit’s offense is similar to the one he operated in Minnesota; thus Culpepper has been able to pick it up fairly quickly. Still, the Lions have adjusted their game plan for today’s game, scaling back their pass-protection schemes and the number of audibles.

But Culpepper said over the weekend he has a good grasp of what the Lions have included in their game plan.

He also raved over his new top target, wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

“That’s a special dude,” Culpepper said. “I’ve never seen anything like this kind of guy. He definitely reminds me of a cross between Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Calvin’s a different kind of monster. I’ve never seen a person that tall and big move like that. He moves like a little guy. He’s special.”

What also has stood out to Culpepper is the effort that Detroit has exerted at practice all week. He insisted the Lions did not look like or practice like an 0-8 team. “Not one person loafed, everyone worked hard,” Culpepper said.

Then, asked if he were willing to guarantee a Lions victory this season, Culpepper laughed. “You can bet on this — the guys will give 100 percent. I don’t want to guarantee a win. But we’re upbeat and we’re going to start winning. With the attitude we have here, there’s no way this team will continue to lose.”

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