ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions' defensive performance in season-opening victory over the St. Louis Rams will look a little more impressive when people go back and look at the box score. That's because the NFL changed the ruling on the game's final play, awarding defensive end Cliff Avril with a sack.

With the Rams needing a touchdown on the play, and the ball placed little more than 60 yards from the end zone, the Lions dropped eight back into coverage, rushing just three, including Avril. The franchised defensive end used his speed to get around St. Louis tackle Barry Richardson, but overshot Sam Bradford. Since the quarterback had to wait for his receivers to get downfield, Avril was able to loop back around and take down Bradford from behind.

Since Avril knocked Bradford back toward the line of scrimmage, the play was originally ruled a one-yard run. After further review, it was changed to a 0-yard sack.

The change gives the Lions' a fourth sack, which ties them for second in the NFL after Week 1. The Denver Broncos sacked Ben Roethlisberger five times in their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.

Avril also assisted on another tackle and added two quarterback hits in the victory.