Calvin Johnson isn't dragging three defenders all over the field

 Suh continues to miss critical time with his new team and is, according to Schwartz, only hurting himself on the opening days of camp when he could be making a solid impression.

Meanwhile, the Lions' other top running back - running back Jahvid Best - is ready to carry the load for Detroit this season although he's starting his career by carrying his teammates' shoulder pads.

Nate Burleson is here to help, any way he can. If that means getting open so Calvin Johnson isn't dragging three defenders all over the field, that's what he plans to do.

If it means providing veteran leadership, no problem. If it means organizing weekly bowling outings to bond the receivers, sure. If it means being the voice of the famously low-key Johnson, hey, Burleson will stretch those vocal cords.

"I'll speak for him!" said Burleson, whose personality bounces off walls. "I'll be his buddy, his sidekick and his promoter. He has just about every tool you can have -- height, speed, strength, the ability to jump. He's the closest thing to Randy Moss, and in my eyes, Randy Moss is one of the biggest threats in NFL history."

In Calvin Johnson's three seasons with the Lions, that's primarily what he has been -- a threat. Dangerous and occasionally dominant, Johnson has been the quietest star in the NFL.

Every week began with the Lions trying to figure out how to get him the ball. Every season ended with the belief Johnson could do much more. As the team has switched quarterbacks and offensive coordinators and directions, Johnson has gotten lost at times. Frustrated, too.

For the Lions to truly change, that has to change, and Calvin Johnson's talent must be maximized. Now, Matthew Stafford and Johnson are going through their first camp together as starters, and the growing chemistry is apparent. The Lions have more experienced players on offense, which should lead to more continuity, more noise.

Burleson was an expensive addition, signed from the Seahawks for $25 million. GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz also traded for tight end Tony Scheffler, desperately placing a premium on getting a premium out of their chief investments, Johnson and Stafford.

Johnson likes what he sees and doesn't mind saying it. He just doesn't say it as vociferously as Burleson.

"Obviously, people are gonna talk about the one-two punch, but I want to be the best receiving corps in the NFL," Burleson said Monday. "My goal is to come in and make enough plays to where Calvin will get more single coverage and Bryant (Johnson) will make plays. You hear about T.O. (Terrell Owens) and Chad Johnson (Chad Ochocinco) in Cincinnati. I'm gonna say firsthand, we will be the most-respected receiving corps after it's all said and done."

At least that's the plan. Burleson loves the plan, just as he did in Minnesota, as Moss' sidekick. Burleson welcomes it, cheerfully saying, "I've played Robin to someone else's Batman before."

With the Lions, there have been too many Jokers for too long. (Sorry.) Of all their issues, receiver has been particularly vexing, going to Matt Millen's infamous drafting strategy. A little stability would be nice, and Burleson is eager to provide it.

The receivers' bowling get-together Tuesday nights was one way to fit in. Another was the unusual step Burleson took shortly after arriving, when he stood up in a meeting room and addressed his fellow receivers.

"There's a lot of things that can get between players when new guys come along, especially when money's involved," Burleson said. "So I made an announcement that I've been in the league long enough to know, as a guy who just got paid, I'm gonna play a lot. So my goal is to prove I'm worth more than what they paid me. I'm here for the team, not to pat myself on the back."

No, he'd much rather pat Johnson on the back, partly because Johnson has no intention of patting himself.

Ask him about the rest of the offense and Johnson doesn't mind expanding.