2010 Detroit Lions season

Last updated

2010 Detroit Lions season
Owner William Clay Ford Sr.
General manager Martin Mayhew
Head coach Jim Schwartz
Home field Ford Field
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers DT Ndamukong Suh
WR Calvin Johnson

The 2010 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 81st season in the National Football League (NFL). It was Jim Schwartz's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Minnesota Vikings (whose overall record was the same), the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the season with a victory over that team. They were eliminated from playoff contention after their Thanksgiving Day loss, extending their postseason drought to 11 seasons, tied with the Buffalo Bills for the longest active streak in the NFL. High points of the season included two division wins, the first being a 7–3 victory over the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers that snapped a 19-game losing streak against division opponents, and a four-game winning streak which included a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that ended their record 26-game road losing streak. The Lions also sent two players to the 2011 Pro Bowl: wide receiver Calvin Johnson and rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Contents

The Lions missed the playoffs for the eleventh straight season, tying a record set between 1971 and 1981. After the Week 13 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Lions hit a low point of 5 wins and 47 losses since their 44–7 win against the Denver Broncos in Week 9 of the 2007 season.

Off-season


Roster changes

Free agents

PosPlayerTag2010 TeamSigned
ILB Cody Spencer RFA
G/T Damion Cook UFA Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)
QB Daunte Culpepper UFA Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL)June 7
ILB Larry Foote UFA Pittsburgh Steelers March 15
CB Anthony Henry UFA
CB William James UFA San Francisco 49ers May 5
QB Patrick Ramsey UFA Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)June 1
RB Cedric Peerman UFA Cincinnati Bengals April 27
WR Michael Ray Garvin UFA Las Vegas Locomotives (UFL)June 2
DT Terrance Taylor UFA
S DeAngelo Smith UFA Cleveland Browns April 28
WR Kole Heckendorf UFA Seattle Seahawks May 12

Releases

PosPlayerReleased2010 TeamSigned
CB Phillip Buchanon March 4 Washington Redskins March 29
DT Grady Jackson March 5
DE Dewayne White March 8 Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)June 2
OG Daniel Loper April 15 Oakland Raiders May 16
S Kalvin Pearson April 16
CB Kevin Hobbs April 16 Miami Dolphins August 12
CB Brian Witherspoon April 16 Carolina Panthers April 16
SS Daniel Bullocks July 8 Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)

Signings

PosPlayerTag2009 TeamSigned
S Jonathan Hefney UFA Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)January 4
LB Ashlee Palmer UFA Buffalo Bills February 18
WR Nate Burleson UFA Seattle Seahawks March 5
DT Corey Williams RFA Cleveland Browns March 5
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch UFA Tennessee Titans March 5
CB Jonathan Wade UFA St. Louis Rams March 8
CB Chris Houston RFA Atlanta Falcons March 8
QB Shaun Hill RFA San Francisco 49ers March 14
LB Landon Johnson UFA Carolina Panthers March 19
OG Rob Sims RFA Seattle Seahawks April 5
TE Tony Scheffler RFA Denver Broncos April 19
G Trevor Canfield RFA Seattle Seahawks April 19
DB C.C. Brown UFA New York Giants May 10
LB Isaiah Ekejiuba UFA Oakland Raiders July 23
DE Lawrence Jackson RFA Seattle Seahawks August 18
CB T. J. Rushing UFA Indianapolis Colts August 18
S John Wendling UFA Buffalo Bills August 27
TE Spencer Havner UFA Green Bay Packers September 5
WR Stefan Logan UFA Pittsburgh Steelers September 5
TE J. J. Finley UFA San Francisco 49ers September 8

Trades

2010 Draft class

RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
12 Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
130 a Jahvid Best RB California
366 Amari Spievey CB Iowa
4128 a Jason Fox OT Miami (FL)
7213 b Willie Young DE North Carolina State
7 255 c Tim Toone WR Weber State

Denver traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection. [2]

The Lions traded their original seventh-round pick to Buffalo for S Ko Simpson. [3]

The Lions traded their 2010 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2011 seventh-round pick to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston. [4]

The Lions traded a 2010 fifth-round pick (the pick they acquired from Denver) to Cleveland for DT Corey Williams and a 2010 seventh-round pick (214). [5]

The Lions traded seventh-round pick 220 to Philadelphia for their 2011 sixth-round selection. [6]

The Lions traded LB Ernie Sims to Philadelphia, the Broncos received a fifth-round pick from Philadelphia, and the Lions received TE Tony Scheffler and a 2010 seventh-round pick 220 from Denver in a three team trade. [7]

^a The Lions traded their second-round pick, their original fourth-round pick and seventh-round pick 214 to Minnesota for their first-round pick and their fourth-round pick. [8]

^b The Lions traded their 2010 fifth-round pick and DE Robert Henderson to Seattle for OG Rob Sims and their 2010 seventh-round pick. [9]

^c Awarded to the Lions as a compensatory pick.

Undrafted free agents

PositionPlayerCollege
WR Michael Moore Georgia
DT Robert Callaway Saginaw Valley State
TE Richard Dickson Louisiana State
CB Aaron Berry Pittsburgh
S Randy Phillips Miami (FL)
DE Korey Bosworth UCLA

Staff

Detroit Lions 2010 staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2010 Detroit Lions final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 20 inactive, 6 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 14at Pittsburgh Steelers L 23–70–1 Heinz Field Recap
2August 21at Denver Broncos W 25–201–1 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap
3August 28 Cleveland Browns W 35–272–1 Ford Field Recap
4September 2 Buffalo Bills W 28–233–1Ford Field Recap

Regular season

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1September 12at Chicago Bears L 14–190–1 Soldier Field Recap
2September 19 Philadelphia Eagles L 32–350–2 Ford Field Recap
3September 26at Minnesota Vikings L 10–240–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
4October 3at Green Bay Packers L 26–280–4 Lambeau Field Recap
5October 10 St. Louis Rams W 44–61–4Ford Field Recap
6October 17at New York Giants L 20–281–5 New Meadowlands Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8October 31 Washington Redskins W 37–252–5Ford Field Recap
9November 7 New York Jets L 20–23 (OT)2–6Ford Field Recap
10November 14at Buffalo Bills L 12–142–7 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
11November 21at Dallas Cowboys L 19–352–8 Cowboys Stadium Recap
12 November 25 New England Patriots L 24–452–9Ford Field Recap
13December 5 Chicago Bears L 20–242–10Ford Field Recap
14December 12 Green Bay Packers W 7–33–10Ford Field Recap
15December 19at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 23–20 (OT)4–10 Raymond James Stadium Recap
16December 26at Miami Dolphins W 34–275–10 Sun Life Stadium Recap
17January 2 Minnesota Vikings W 20–136–10Ford Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

  Indicates that throwback uniforms were worn.

Standings

NFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(2) Chicago Bears 1150.6885–18–4334286L1
(6) Green Bay Packers 1060.6254–28–4388240W2
Detroit Lions 6100.3752–45–7362369W4
Minnesota Vikings 6100.3751–55–7281348L1

Regular season results

Week 1: at Chicago Bears

Week 1: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions770014
Bears3100619

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

The Lions opened the season at Soldier Field against their NFC North foe the Chicago Bears. The Bears took an early lead in the first quarter with a 20-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould. The Lions answered with two consecutive touchdowns by rookie running back Jahvid Best: first a 7-yard run, and later in the second quarter with a 4-yard run. The Bears responded with an 89-yard catch and run touchdown by Matt Forté and later with a 31-yard field goal from Gould just before halftime. The only score of the second half was a 28-yard touchdown catch by Forté (with a failed 2-point conversion), giving the Bears a late lead. Late in the game, quarterback Shaun Hill completed what would have been the game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. A touchdown was initially signaled, but the officials conferred and ruled that Johnson did not "complete the catch during the process of the catch." The play was reviewed and the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass stood.

With the loss, the Lions started their season 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Eagles7147735
Lions71001532

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

For their home opener, the Lions hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles scored first midway through the first quarter with a 45-yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 14-yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Later in the second quarter the Lions broke the tie with a 49-yard Jason Hanson field goal. They increased their lead with a 75-yard touchdown catch by Jahvid Best. The Eagles answered with 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a 14-yard run by LeSean McCoy. Next a 9-yard run by Jeremy Maclin just before halftime. Midway through the third, Philadelphia added to their lead with 2 touchdowns by LeSean McCoy. First a 4-yard run, then in the 4th quarter one for 46 yards. The Lions then attempted a comeback with 2 consecutive touchdowns late in the game. First a 2-yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Then a 19-yard catch by Calvin Johnson with a 2-point conversion tacked on. The Lions completed an onside kick but turned the ball over on downs.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 0–2 for the 3rd straight season.

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 3: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions730010
Vikings7710024

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

In week 3, the Lions traveled to Minneapolis to take on division rivals the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions took an early lead with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Tony Scheffler. The Vikings tied it up 24-yard catch by Percy Harvin. They then took the lead in the second quarter with a 6-yard run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 33-yard field goal. Midway through the third quarter the Vikings added to their lead with a 31-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell. A few minutes later they sealed their win with an 80-yard run by Adrian Peterson.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

Week 4: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions0146626
Packers7147028

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

In week 4, the Lions traveled across Lake Michigan to Green Bay, Wisconsin to play division rivals the Green Bay Packers. The Packers started the scoring in the first quarter with a 29-yard TD catch by Donald Driver from Aaron Rodgers. The Lions tied it up in the second quarter with a 23-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Packers took the lead with a 13-yard catch by Jermichael Finley. They added to their lead 17-yard catch by Greg Jennings. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 21-yard catch by Calvin Johnson. Just after the break, the Packers' Charles Woodson returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions attempted a comeback with 4 consecutive field goals: from 39 yards and 52 yards in the 3rd quarter, and later from 49 yards and 24 yards in the 4th. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0–4, but it also marked their 19th consecutive loss in Wisconsin.

Week 5: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week 5: St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams33006
Lions32171344

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 5 the Lions hosted the St. Louis Rams. The Lions started the scoring early with a 30-yard Jason Hanson field goal. The Rams tied it up at the end of the first quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Josh Brown. To start the second quarter, the Lions took the lead with a 105-yard kickoff return by Stefan Logan, the longest touchdown run in the NFL this season. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 1-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Rams kicked another 28-yard field goal a few minutes later. The Lions made it 24–6 just before halftime with a 3-yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions' defense shut out the Rams in the second half. The only score of the third quarter was a 26-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. In the fourth quarter the Lions kicked 2 field goals: from 48 then from 47. The Lions capped off their victory with a 42-yard interception return TD by Alphonso Smith. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 1–4, but it was their largest margin of victory since 1995 and their first win since November 22, 2009.

Week 6: at New York Giants

Week 6: Detroit Lions at New York Giants – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions7301020
Giants777728

at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

In week 6, the Lions traveled east to East Rutherford, New Jersey to take on the New York Giants. The Lions took an early lead midway through the first quarter with a 14-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. The Giants responded at the end of the 1st quarter with a 4-yard TD run by Brandon Jacobs. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead with a 33-yard TD catch by Mario Manningham. The Lions responded with a 50-yard field goal just before halftime. Shaun Hill was also injured before halftime and left the game with a broken left forearm. Drew Stanton took over the QB role for the remainder of the game. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1-yard TD catch by Travis Beckum of the Giants. The Lions attempted a comeback when Calvin Johnson caught an 87-yard TD. The Giants responded with a 6-yard TD catch by Brandon Jacobs. The Lions ended the scoring with another 50-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 1–5 into their bye week, but it increased their road losing streak to 24, tying the NFL record that the team set from 2001 to 2003.

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins

Week 8: Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Redskins01301225
Lions0772337

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 8, the Lions hosted a Halloween afternoon contest against the Washington Redskins. Neither team scored in the 1st quarter. The Lions took an early lead in the second quarter with a 13-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Redskins tied it up with a 6-yard TD catch by Ryan Torain. Washington's Graham Gano kicked 2 field goals just before halftime, from 38 and 46 yards out. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 2-yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew of the Lions. The Redskins took the lead in the 4th quarter with a 5-yard TD run by Keiland Williams; they went for a 2-point conversion and failed, however. The Lions took the lead back with a 7-yard catch by Calvin Johnson; they also failed to complete a 2-point conversion. The Redskins responded with a 96-yard kickoff return for a TD by Brandon Banks; they again failed to complete a 2-point conversion. The Lions retook the lead with a 10-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson, and completed a 2-point conversion. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 32-yard field goal by Jason Hanson. The Lions sealed their win with a fumble recovery by Ndamukong Suh which he ran back 17 yards for a touchdown, but the 2-point conversion failed. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 2–5, but it was the first time since 2007 that the team has won back-to-back home games.

Curiously, this was the Lions' second consecutive blacked-out home game against the Redskins. The Lions had won the previous season's meeting as well.

Week 9: vs. New York Jets

Week 9: New York Jets at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Jets010010323
Lions7067020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 9, the Lions hosted an interconference duel against the New York Jets. The only score of the first quarter was a 10-yard TD catch by the Lions' Brandon Pettigrew. The Jets responded in the second quarter with a 31-yard field goal by Nick Folk and later a 74-yard TD catch by Braylon Edwards just before halftime. The only score of the third quarter was a 1-yard quarterback sneak TD by Matt Stafford of the Lions; however the extra point attempt by defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh (an emergency fill-in for injured kicker Jason Hanson, who got run into on the previous field goal attempt which gave them a fresh set of downs) was no good. Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions added to their lead with a Nate Burleson 2-yard TD catch. The Jets responded late in the quarter with a 1-yard TD quarterback sneak by Mark Sanchez. The Jets kicked a field goal to tie it up just before time expired, forcing overtime. The Jets won the toss and kicked a 30-yard field goal for the win as the Lions fell to 2–6.

Week 10: at Buffalo Bills

Week 10: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions030912
Bills077014

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

In week 10, the Lions traveled east to rainy Orchard Park, New York to take on the Buffalo Bills. Neither team scored in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board first with a 1-yard run by Fred Jackson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 25-yard field goal by newly signed kicker Dave Rayner. The only score of the third quarter was a 16-yard TD catch by Fred Jackson of the Bills. The Lions kicked a 45-yard field goal midway through the fourth. Late in the game, the Lions attempted a comeback with a 20-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. They went for a 2-point conversion for the tie but failed. With the loss not only did the Lions fall to 2–7, but it was their 25th consecutive road loss, setting a new league record. [10]

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 11: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions0109019
Cowboys70141435

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

In week 11, the Lions traveled to Arlington, Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys. The only score of the first quarter was a 1-yard TD catch by Dez Bryant of the Cowboys. In the second quarter the Lions got on the board with a 47-yard field goal, and took the lead with a 9-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. After halftime, Leonard Davis of the Cowboys committed an offensive holding penalty in his own end zone, giving the Lions a safety. The Cowboys took the lead though with a 97-yard punt return by Bryan McCann, and added to it with a 3-yard catch by Miles Austin. The Lions responded with a 14-yard catch by Calvin Johnson. In the 4th quarter, Miles Austin caught another TD, this time from 4 yards out. Later, Jon Kitna sealed the Cowboys win with a 29-yard TD run. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 2–8, but they added to their already record setting 26 game road losing streak.

Week 12: vs. New England Patriots (Thanksgiving Day game)

Week 12: New England Patriots at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Patriots37142145
Lions7107024

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

For their 71st annual Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted the New England Patriots. In a rare occurrence, both teams wore the home versions of their throwback uniforms. The Patriots got on the board first with a 19-yard field goal by Shayne Graham. The Lions took the lead late in the first quarter with a 19-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions added to their lead in the 2nd quarter with a 1-yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots responded later in the quarter with a 15-yard run Benjarvus Green-Ellis. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 44-yard field goal.

Detroit area native Kid Rock performed for the halftime show.

The Patriots tied the game early in the 3rd quarter with a 5-yard catch by Wes Welker. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 1-yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots then scored 4 unanswered touchdowns: a 79-yard catch by Deion Branch, then in the 4th quarter a 22-yard catch by the same, then a 16-yard catch by Wes Welker, and finally a 1-yard run by Benjarvus Green-Ellis.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 2–9 and were eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 13: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears773724
Lions7103020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 13, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Chicago Bears. The Lions took an early lead when Drew Stanton ran in a 3-yard touchdown. The Bears tied it up near the end of the 1st quarter with a 1-yard run by Chester Taylor. The Lions broke the tie with a 50-yard field goal. The Bears responded with a 14-yard TD run by Matt Forté. The Lions took the lead just before halftime with a 46-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions only points of the 2nd half was a 25-yard field goal by Dave Rayner early in the 3rd quarter. The Bears responded with a 54-yard field goal by Robbie Gould. The Bears took the lead midway through the 4th quarter with a 7-yard TD catch by Brandon Manumaleuna and held off the Lions offense for the remainder of the game for the win.

Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 14: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Packers00303
Lions00077

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 14, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Green Bay Packers. Neither team scored in the first half. The only points of the 3rd quarter was a 42-yard field goal by Mason Crosby of the Packers. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13-yard touchdown catch by Will Heller of the Lions to give them the win. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 3–10, but it was the first time the team beat the Packers since 2005, snapping a 10-game losing streak. It was also their first division win since 2007, snapping a 19-game losing streak.

Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 15: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Lions7373323
Buccaneers01406020

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

In week 15, the Lions traveled south to Tampa, Florida to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions took an early lead in the 1st quarter with a 10-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. Tampa Bay tied it up in the second quarter with a 24-yard TD catch by Mike Williams, and later took the lead with a 39-yard TD run by LeGarrette Blount. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 41-yard field goal. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 10-yard TD run by Maurice Morris of the Lions. Tampa Bay had 2 field goals in the fourth quarter, from 30 then 26 yards out. The Lions tied the game just before the end of regulation with a 28-yard field goal, taking it to overtime. In overtime the Lions got the ball first and kicked a 34-yard field goal for the win. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 4–10, but it broke their record 26-game road losing streak. It was also their first back to back wins since 2007.

Week 16: at Miami Dolphins

Week 16: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions3771734
Dolphins3147327

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

In week 16, the Lions flew back to Florida, this time to play the Miami Dolphins. The Lions took an early lead with a 39-yard field goal by Dave Rayner. The Dolphins tied it up with a 40-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. In the second quarter, the Lions took the lead when Brandon Pettigrew caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins tied it up with a 4-yard rush by Lousaka Polite. Miami took the lead with a 13-yard TD catch by Davone Bess. After halftime, the Lions tied it back up with a 5-yard TD rush by Maurice Morris. The Dolphins responded with a 1-yard TD run by Ronnie Brown. Miami added to their lead with a 28-yard field goal. The Lions then scored 17 unanswered points. First Jahvid Best caught a 53-yard TD pass. Then Dave Rayner kicked a 47-yard field goal. They sealed their win when DeAndre Levy intercepted a Chad Henne pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 5–10, but it was their first back-to-back road victories since 2004, and first three-game winning streak since 2007.

Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Vikings007613
Lions0103720

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • DET – Dave Rayner 55-yard field goal, Lions 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:18.
  • DET – Nate Burleson 7-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner Kick), Lions 10–0, Drive: 15 plays, 94 yards, 4:39.

Third quarter

  • DET – Dave Rayner 37-yard field goal, Lions 13–0, Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:02.
  • MIN – Jared Allen 36-yard interception return, Lions 13–7, Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:35.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, Lions 13–10, Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 7:17.
  • DET – Maurice Morris 5-yard run (Dave Rayner kick), Lions 20–10, Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:36.
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 48-yard field goal, Lions 20–13, Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 3:41.

Top passers

  • MIN – Joe Webb – 19/31, 133 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • DET – Shaun Hill – 28/39, 258 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Top rushers

  • MIN – Joe Webb – 5 rushes, 35 yards
  • DET – Jahvid Best – 10 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

Top tacklers

To finish the season, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Minnesota Vikings. Neither team scored in the first quarter; the Vikings were shut out in the first half. The Lions got on the board midway through the second quarter with a 55-yard field goal by Dave Rayner. They added to their lead with a 7-yard touchdown catch by Nate Burleson just before halftime. After the break, Detroit kicked another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. The Vikings finally got on the board midway through the third quarter when Jared Allen intercepted a Shaun Hill pass and ran it back 36 yards for a touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Minnesota added more points with a 27-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 5-yard TD run by Maurice Morris. The Vikings kicked a 48-yard field goal late in the game, and attempted an onside kick to try to tie it but failed, giving Detroit the win. With the win not only did the Lions finish their season 6–10, but it became their first four-game winning streak since 1999 as they snapped the Vikings' 6-game winning streak against them and also became the first time the team has won back-to-back division rival games since 2007.

Awards and records

Ndamukong Suh

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The 2011 season was the New Orleans Saints' 45th in the National Football League (NFL), their 36th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their sixth under head coach Sean Payton. In Week 16, Drew Brees broke the single-season passing record previously held by Dan Marino; Brees ended the season with 5,476 passing yards, an NFL record. The team also broke the record for offensive yards from scrimmage with 7,474 and Darren Sproles broke the record for all purpose yards, with 2,696. The Saints also finished second in scoring for total points with 547, and finished second for points per game with 34.2 points and sacks with 24.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Atlanta Falcons season</span> NFL team season

The 2012 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 47th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fifth under head coach Mike Smith. Atlanta started the season 8–0, a franchise best for a start to a season. By beating the Detroit Lions during Week 16, the Falcons clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC for the second time in three years, and made it to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2004, where they lost 28–24 against the San Francisco 49ers. It was the third straight year in which they didn't lose two consecutive regular season games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Detroit Lions season</span> NFL team season

The 2012 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 83rd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 79th as the Detroit Lions and the fourth under head coach Jim Schwartz. The Lions failed to improve from their 10–6 record in 2011, during which they made it to the postseason as a wild card team. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, and ended the season with an eight-game losing streak, their worst skid since the winless 2008 season. It was also the franchise's 21st consecutive season without a playoff win.

The 2013 season was the Detroit Lions' 84th in the National Football League (NFL), their 80th as the Detroit Lions, as well as the fifth and final under head coach Jim Schwartz, who was fired on December 30. It was also the final season under the ownership of William Clay Ford Sr., who died in March 2014.

The 2014 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 85th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 81st as the Detroit Lions and the first under a new coaching staff led by head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions suffered the passing of long-time owner William Clay Ford Sr., who died on March 9, 2014, at the age of 88, and wore patches with his initials on their jerseys in his honor. After the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Washington Redskins in Week 16, the Lions clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2011. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Game 24–20, ending their season. It was their eighth straight playoff loss, tying the Kansas City Chiefs for the longest postseason losing streak in NFL history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 82nd US team football season

The 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 82nd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 15th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the eighth under head coach Mike Tomlin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Oakland Raiders season</span> 56th season in franchise history

The 2015 Oakland Raiders season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 56th overall, the 21st of their second stint in Oakland, and the first under new head coach Jack Del Rio. Coming off a 3–13 season the prior year, the Raiders improved to 7–9 on the season. Despite their improvement, the Raiders were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15 with a loss to the Green Bay Packers at home. They once again failed to finish with a winning record, not having done so since 2002. This meant that the Raiders were the only team from 2003 to 2015 that did not have a single winning season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Philadelphia Eagles season</span> 83rd season in franchise history

The 2015 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 83rd season in the National Football League and the third and final year of head coach Chip Kelly.

The 2016 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 87th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 83rd as the Detroit Lions, and their third under head coach Jim Caldwell. This was the first time since 2006 when Calvin Johnson was not on the opening day roster. On January 8, 2016, the Lions hired Bob Quinn as general manager. This was also the first season in over 40 years in which the Lions had an official cheerleading squad. The Lions improved upon their 7–9 record from 2015, and clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2014—the Lions finished tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last NFC playoff spot, but won the tiebreaker based on their record against common opponents. However, the Lions were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round and extended their playoff losing streak to nine games, making it the longest losing streak in the playoffs ever. The Lions would not return to the playoffs again until 2023, where they would snap that postseason losing streak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Philadelphia Eagles season</span> 84th season in franchise history; first with Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz

The 2016 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 84th season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Doug Pederson. The Eagles named 2nd overall pick Carson Wentz the starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles started 3–0 including a 34–3 win over their intrastate rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following their Week 4 bye week, the Eagles went 4–9, including a 2–4 record against their divisional rivals. Following a 27–26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15, the Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in five seasons and suffered back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998—1999. This was the last season the Eagles missed the playoffs until 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Detroit Lions season</span> NFL team season

The 2017 season was the Detroit Lions' 88th in the National Football League (NFL), their 84th as the Detroit Lions, and their fourth and final season under head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions finished with a 9–7 record, the same record they had in 2016, but unlike the previous year, failed to qualify for the playoffs. After starting the season 3–1, they lost 6 of their next 12 games. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in week 16 following their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite missing the playoffs, the Lions recorded consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1994–1995. They also won all of their division road games for the first time ever and swept their division rival Green Bay Packers for the first time since 1991. Despite this, Caldwell was dismissed by the Lions after the season, having accumulating a winning record of 36–28, but no playoff wins, in four seasons. The team also unveiled a new uniform set and logo, which removed the black that had been used a secondary color since 2003, as well an all-silver uniform in week 15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> 51st season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 49th season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 16th and final under head coach Marvin Lewis. The Bengals failed to improve upon their 2017 campaign as they collapsed to a 6–10 finish to finish in 4th place in the AFC North. This marked the 3rd consecutive season the Bengals have failed to make the playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Detroit Lions season</span> NFL team season

The 2018 season was the Detroit Lions' 89th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under a new coaching staff led by head coach Matt Patricia. With their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, the Lions failed to improve on their 9–7 campaign from the season before. With their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Lions clinched their first losing season since 2015, making this also their first losing season in the post-Calvin Johnson era. They also missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season and finished last in the NFC North for the first time since 2012 with a 6–10 record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Detroit Lions season</span> 90th season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the Detroit Lions' 90th in the National Football League (NFL) and their second year under head coach Matt Patricia. The Lions had a promising start to the season with a 2–0–1 record. However, they lost 12 of their last 13 games, with 8 of those 12 losses being decided by a touchdown or less, and were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Chicago Bears in week 13. After franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford broke his backbone in a Week 9 loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Lions were forced to turn to former Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Jeff Driskel and later undrafted free agent David Blough, neither of whom was able to lead the Lions to a single win. The Lions failed to improve on their 6–10 record from last season, finishing the season with a 3–12–1 record and nine consecutive losses. This resulted in the 3rd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. They also posted consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2012–2013. Not only that, they also got swept by their division rivals for the first time since 2012.

References

  1. ↑ "Lions Trade TE Gronkowski for CB Smith". DetroitLions.com. September 6, 2010. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  2. ↑ "2009 Draft Tracker". NFL. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  3. ↑ Niyo, John (February 22, 2010). "Net gain in '09 free agency could be Lions' loss in 2010 draft". Detroit News. Retrieved February 25, 2010.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. ↑ Kowalski, Tom (March 8, 2010). "Lions close deal for Chris Houston, sign Jonathan Wade". MLive.com. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  5. ↑ Kowalski, Tom (March 5, 2010). "Lions get Corey Williams, seventh-round pick from Browns for fifth-rounder". MLive.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  6. ↑ "NFL Draft trade tracker Day 3". NFL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  7. ↑ Kowalski, Tom (April 19, 2010). "Lions trade linebacker Ernie Sims for tight end Tony Scheffler in three-team deal". MLive.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  8. ↑ "NFL Draft trade tracker". NFL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  9. ↑ Kowalski, Tom (April 5, 2010). "Detroit Lions send fifth-round pick to Seattle for Rob Sims and seventh-rounder". MLive.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
  10. ↑ Kowalski, Tom (November 14, 2010). "Detroit Lions' record 25th consecutive road loss comes against previously winless Bills". MLive.com. Retrieved November 14, 2010.

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