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Lions' QB competition could last another week

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers (49) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Bryant Johnson (80) during the second quarter of an exhibition NFL football game, Saturday, Aug.29, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith runs for 19 yards on a pass play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an exhibition NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (84) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts safety Melvin Bullitt after a 13-yard reception during the second quarter of an exhibition NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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By LARRY LAGE, The Associated Press Updated 5:06 PM Saturday, August 29, 2009

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions' quarterback competition looks as if its headed to their final preseason game.

Daunte Culpepper threw for a touchdown and Matthew Stafford passed for 160 yards to help the Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 18-17 on Saturday in an exhibition game.

Culpepper started and completed seven of 12 passes for 67 yards. Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, was 13-of-19 but also threw an interception.

Drew Stanton followed Culpepper and Stanton, and led the Lions to the winning points with 4:13 left. He threw a 21-yard pass to rookie Dan Gronkowski and a 2-point conversion to John Standeford to help Detroit improve to 2-1 in the preseason.

While Manning has started since he was the No. 1 pick in 1998, Detroit doesn't want to just hand Stafford the top job.

Stafford put the Lions in position to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but they were denied on a fourth-down run from the 1.

Stafford made a perfect 40-yard connection with fellow rookie Derrick Williams and converted a third-down pass to get the Lions to the 9, but Detroit chose to have Stafford hand the ball off four times instead of giving him a chance to throw in the end zone.

Detroit linebacker Darnell Bing made a diving deflection to help force the Colts into a field goal that made it 17-10 midway through the fourth.

After Stanton's first drive for the Lions ended quickly, they got him the ball back in Indianapolis territory when Marquand Manuel intercepted a ball that deflected off receiver John Matthews.

Stanton then completed four straight passes to give Detroit the lead. After forcing the Colts to punt, Stanton's sharp pass to Keary Colbert on a third-and-11 at midfield allowed the Lions run almost all the time off the clock.

Colts rookie Curtis Painter, playing in place of banged-up backup Jim Sorgi, completed nine of 14 passes for 145 yards and an interception.

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August 29, 2009 09:03 PM EDT

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