Once Calvin Johnson’s touchdown catch was ruled an incomplete pass, it seems everything else about the Lions’ 19-14 loss to the Bears on Sunday was forgotten.

Make no mistake, the Calvin Play had huge implications not just for the Lions. It was another black mark on the NFL. Fans are incensed because they know the same thing could happen to their team.

However, let’s move on for a minute and take another look at the Lions’ season opener.

They came close to the first road win in almost three years. That pass to Calvin Johnson for the touchdown that wasn’t, was a 25-yarder from Shaun Hill. It was a great pass and shows a glimpse of what Hill has to offer. He will be playing with Stafford expected to be out for at least this Sunday and probably longer.

The Lions were disappointed in the loss, but there were good signs for the rest of the season.

“We played hard, we didn’t play our best football. I think it’s a good sign when we play on the road and we don’t play our best football, but we still have a chance to win,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “That’s a good sign for this team and I’m happy about that. But other than that you’re never happy with a loss and there’s things you can do to improve even in a win.’’

Credit the Lions for not sulking about The Calvin Play. RB Kevin Smith said there was little talk of it in the locker room on Monday. The focus is for this Sunday when they play the Philadelphia Eagles.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)