Historically, players who are featured on the cover of the “Madden NFL” franchise experience significant drops in their offensive production. NFL.com is tracking the performance of Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions over the course of the 2012 season because we believe Johnson will debunk the Madden curse.

(Associated Press)

In case you missed it, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman appointed himself “Optimus Prime” in advance of the team’s road trip to Detroit. Megatron is unfazed.

(Associated Press/Universal Studios Hollywood)

Wonder whose side this guy is on?

(G. Paul Burnett/Associated Press)

Enough talk. Let’s get to the game.

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FIRST QUARTER
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(Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)

The Lions win the toss and their first drive results in a punt. The Seahawks respond with a field goal. Nothing exciting there.

On Detroit’s 2nd possession, Matthew Stafford leads the squad down the field for their first red-zone opportunity of the game. Johnson draws the coverage, leaving rookie Ryan Broyles open for his first second career touchdown.

9 plays, 82 yards. Score 7-3, Detroit.

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SECOND QUARTER
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Forget Optimus Prime or Megatron. It’s Beast Mode time. Marshawn Lynch’s 77-yard touchdown quiets the home crowd.

And the Seahawks aren’t done yet. A quick three and out by the Lions leads to good field position and a Sidney Rice touchdown for Seattle.

This guy is happy.

(Rob Carr/Associated Press)

But this one is not.

(Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)

With two unanswered touchdowns, the Seahawks are now up by 10, but not for long.

On third down, Stafford connects to Titus Young for a 46-yard touchdown strike.

Detroit closes the gap, but the Seahawks still lead 17-14.

(Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)

Calvin Johnson finished the half with zero receptions.

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SECOND HALF
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The third quarter becomes a defensive battle. Stafford is intercepted by Earl Thomas, but the Seahawks are unable to take advantage of the turnover.

(Rick Osentoski/Associated Press)

Minutes later, Ricardo Silva snags a ball away from Russell Wilson.

The fourth quarter begins and all eyes are on Stafford. He runs it in for a touchdown.

Detroit leads 21-17.

The Seahawks respond with some QB magic of their own. Russell Wilson finds Zach Miller in the end zone.

(Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

Miller’s one-handed catch gives his team the lead.

With five minutes left in the game and down by three, Stafford needs to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers.

Second and 10. With 47 seconds left in regulation, Stafford tosses to Johnson for the game-winner. He drops the pass.

Next play. A short pass to Joique Bell puts the Lions on the 1-yard line with a new set of downs. Stafford tries again for the game-winner, this time connecting to Titus Young for the touchdown and the win.

Final score: Detroit win 28-24.

Despite a poor performance by Johnson, who finishes with 3 catches and 46 yards, his team steps up and delivers the victory. We’re hoping Megatron gets his chance to shine next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Until then the Madden Curse continues.

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