Intro:

Calvin Johnson practiced for the third day in succession on Friday (24th October) ahead of the Detroit Lions' NFL International Series against the Atlanta Falcons in London. Head coach Jim Caldwell, running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Matthew Stafford gave their views as they prepare for the game at Wembley Stadium

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions head coach (on Atlanta Falcons kick returner Devin Hester):

"Yeah, anytime he gets the ball in his hands he's obviously a threat to go all the way. He's a very difficult guy to handle. We've faced some very good ones prior to this weekend and he's no exception. He's probably going into the hall of fame so he's maybe a cut above the rest. Our kicking game has been our weapon for us. In terms of our punting Sam (Martin) has been able to get the ball high and kick it far and give our guys chances to get down and force fair catches. In terms of the return game from the kick off standpoint he's been able to get it out of the end zone."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions running back (on the Lions defence driving the offence to perform):

"It think it drives us more. Because our defence is playing so well we kind of see it as competition - we want to be playing as well as those guys. We're definitely going to do our best to improve and score more points."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions quarterback (on the Atlanta Falcons):

"A tough one. They're a powerful team. They've got a tonne of talent, they've been in some big situations, some big games before in the past so we known we're going to get their best shot. Nobody wants to fly all the way over here and lose - we're the same as them so we're expecting a tough fight."