DETROIT — Matthew Stafford dropped back and perfectly lofted the ball where only Calvin Johnson could catch it.

Johnson leaped to come down with the 25-yard pass in the end zone for the first of a career-high-matching three touchdown receptions. Stafford also tied a personal best with five scoring passes, and the surging Detroit Lions kept the Philadelphia Eagles reeling with a 45-14 rout Thursday.

“When we’re on point like that, it’s hard to stop,” Johnson said.

The Lions (4-7) have won three straight since firing their team president and general manager, and three in a row in their annual Thanksgiving Day game.

Detroit ran for 108 yards, tied a season high with six sacks and Matt Prater made a 48-yard field goal.

“That’s as complete a victory as we’ve had since we’ve been here,” said Jim Caldwell, who won 11 games last season in his first year as Detroit’s coach.

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The Eagles (4-7) have lost three straight. They have allowed at least 45 points in consecutive games in one season for the first time, according to STATS, and have lost by at least 28 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1971.

“We all take accountability,” Coach Chip Kelly said. “I’m a coach, not a player, so it starts with me. I’m not pointing fingers at anybody, and I don’t think anybody points fingers at anybody.”

Stafford threw for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover by halftime to help the Lions lead 24-7. He finished 27 of 38 for 337 yards and threw five TDs for the fourth time in his career.

“Our quarterback is comfortable in this offense,” Caldwell said. “And when that happens, it gives you opportunities for your playmakers to do things.”

Johnson had eight catches for 93 yards and three TDs, matching his career high set in 2010. After not throwing to Johnson much early in the game, Stafford started connecting with the star receiver. The Eagles couldn’t do much about it, especially when starting cornerback Nolan Carroll left in the second quarter with a broken right ankle.


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