Sharp: Lions found their game, but what took so long?

Detroit Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez break down the good, the bad and the ugly of the Lions' 37-34 overtime win against the Chicago Bears.

(Photo: Julian H. Gonzalez DFP)What a novel concept the Detroit Lions employed against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Throwing the ball downfield farther than 20 yards.

It's only through a win that it's fully understood what the Lions have wasted.

Calvin Johnson performed as though he were a revelation in the Lions' first win, reconnecting with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Getting big yards after the catch. Getting big chunks on deep bombs with his freakish body control.

But after Johnson gained more than 100 receiving yards for…