ALLEN PARK — Dominic Raiola will not use the word “relax” like Aaron Rodgers did when the Packers got off to a slow start.

But it seems that word is on the edge of Raiola’s lips since there does seem to be a sense of panic in Detroit. Not in the locker room though.

“We’ll be fine. I’m not freaking out,’’ Raiola said. “We didn’t lose to a bad team, it was a good team. We’re excited to get back out there and getting this bad taste out of our mouth and really letting it fly, letting it all hang out there on Sunday.’’

The Lions are coming off a loss to the Arizona Cardinals (9-1) and heading to New England to face the Patriots (8-2).

“We’re fine, we’re 7-3 and in a pretty good situation and taking a good team to Gillette Stadium. I’m pumped up about that,’’ said Raiola, in his 14th season as the Lions’ center. “We’ll be fine, I’m looking forward to what we’re going to put out there on Sunday.’’

VIDEO OF DOMINIC RAIOLA

Raiola remembers the Lions last game at New England in 2006. The Lions held a 21-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Patriots came back with two late touchdowns to win 28-21.

These Lions are much different. In fact Raiola’s the only one left from that roster.

“They’re one of the elite teams, one of the elite franchises in the NFL, we’re preparing like any other team, we expect to win the game,’’ Raiola said on Friday. “We’re not just saying that with false bravado, we really expect to go out there and perform and play well.

“It’s kind of funny, that Kansas City game, everybody’s calling for (Tom) Brady’s head and he’s done and everything,’’ Raiola said. “We’re kind of in that situation after Arizona, it’s kind of a unique situation to be in. it’s going to be a fun atmosphere to play in.’’

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