2007 Detroit Lions season
Encyclopedia
The 2007
Detroit Lions
season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League
. After starting the 2007 season with a 6-2 record, the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games. They finished with a 7-9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season. The Lions improved upon their 3-13 record in 2006
but failed to make the playoffs once again, extending their postseason drought to eight years.
, Oakland, California
The Lions began their 2007 campaign on the road in an interconference game against the Oakland Raiders
. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit got off to a fast start in the second quarter. QB Jon Kitna
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
and kicker Jason Hanson
connected on a 46-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Lions increased its lead with Kitna completing a 16-yard TD pass to rookie WR Calvin Johnson
. The Raiders, however, started to catch up with QB Josh McCown
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
along with RB LaMont Jordan
getting a 12-yard TD run. In a wild fourth quarter, Hanson gave Detroit a 46-yard field goal, yet the Raiders took the lead with McCown's 7-yard TD pass to FB Justin Griffith
. Fortunately, the Lions hung on to take the lead with Kitna's 32-yard TD pass to WR/PR Shaun McDonald
, Hanson kicking a 23-yard field goal, and wrapping it up with RB Tatum Bell
getting a 14-yard TD run.
With the win, Detroit began its season at 1-0.
, Detroit, Michigan
Following their road win over the Raiders, the Lions played their Week 2 home opener against their NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings
for the lead in the division. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit pounced first with QB Jon Kitna
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. The Vikings tied the game with QB Tarvaris Jackson
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Lions took the lead prior to halftime with kicker Jason Hanson
's 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, when Kitna was temporarily out with a concussion, QB J. T. O'Sullivan came in and completed a 7-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson
to increase Detroit's lead. Minnesota, however, tied the game up with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 32-yard field goal and DE Ray Edwards
returning a fumble 9 yards for a touchdown. After both teams failed to score in the fourth quarter, the Vikings got the ball to begin overtime. The Lions forced a fumble nine plays into their drive and would eventually get the win with Hanson's 37-yard field goal.
With the win, Detroit improved its record to 2–0.
, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Following their impressive divisional home win over the Vikings, the Lions flew to Lincoln Financial Field
for an intraconference fight with the throwback-clad Philadelphia Eagles
.
In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
got a 25-yard TD run. The Lions tied the game as RB Kevin Jones
got a 2-yard TD run, but Philadelphia managed to regain the lead with Westbrook's 5-yard TD run, along with QB Donovan McNabb
's 68-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Curtis
. In the second quarter, the points bonanza continued as McNabb and Curtis hooked up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass and a 43-yard TD pass to increase the Eagles' lead. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
and a 91-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. Philadelphia, however, capped off the half with McNabb completing a 43-yard TD pass to Westbrook.
In the second half, the Eagles took control as RB Correll Buckhalter
got a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter and RB Tony Hunt
got a 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-1.
, Detroit, Michigan
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Eagles, the Lions went home for an NFC North duel with the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears
. In the first quarter, Detroit drew first blood with kicker Jason Hanson
nailing a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Bears took the lead with QB Brian Griese
(Rex Grossman
was benched prior to the game) completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with kicker Robbie Gould
getting a 49-yard and a 41-yard field goal.
Afterwards, a high-flying fourth quarter began with QB Jon Kitna
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
, along with DB Keith Smith returning an interception 64 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lions the lead. However, the Bears regained the lead with WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, Detroit retook the lead with Kitna completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Troy Edwards
, along with RB Kevin Jones getting a 5-yard TD pass. Chicago would get close with Griese completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. Afterwards, the Lions sealed their impressive victory with TE Casey Fitzsimmons
returning an onside kick 41 yards for a touchdown.
The Lions' 34 points would be the most 4th Quarter points in NFL history. There was a combined total of 48 points in the fourth quarter, also an NFL record.
With their wild win, the Lions improved to 3-1.
, Landover, Maryland
Coming off of their surprising home win over the Bears, the Lions flew to FedExField
for a Week 5 intraconference duel with the Washington Redskins
. Heading into the game, Detroit had never won a game against the Redskins in Washington, D.C. (0–20)
After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions trailed as in the second quarter, Redskins QB Jason Campbell
completed a 7-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley, along with FB Mike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 39-yard field goal. However, Washington came right back with DE Andre Carter
sacking Lions QB Jon Kitna
in the endzone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins sealed Detroit's fate with Campbell completing an 8-yard TD pass to Sellers, kicker Shaun Suisham
nailing a 28-yard field goal, and CB Carlos Rogers returning an interception 61 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 3–2 heading into their bye week, but lessened their record to 0–21 against the Redskins in Washington, D.C.
, Detroit, Michigan
Coming off their bye week, the Lions were at home and wearing their alternate uniforms for a Week 7 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 34-yard field goal, along with RB Kevin Jones
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers got on the board with QB Jeff Garcia
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
. Afterwards, the Lions ended the half with Hanson kicking a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead with Hanson nailing a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Lions increased its lead with WR Calvin Johnson
getting a 32-yard TD run. Afterwards, Tampa Bay worked on a comeback as Garcia completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Maurice Stovall
. Later, the Buccaneers would recover their onside kick and eventually turn it into kicker Matt Bryant
's 48-yard field goal. Fortunately, Detroit erased the Buccaneers' hopes of recovering another onside kick.
With the win, the Lions improved to 4-2, and also surpassed their 2006 win total.
, Chicago, Illinois
Coming off an impressive home win over the Buccaneers, the Lions flew to Soldier Field
for Round 2 of their NFC North duel with the Chicago Bears
. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit jumped into the lead with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Lions increased its lead with RB Kevin Jones
getting a 4-yard TD run, while Hanson nailed a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears threatened Detroit's lead as QB Brian Griese
completed a 20-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen
for the only score of the period. Fortuntaely, in the fourth quarter, the Lions held on to win as Hanson got a 20-yard field goal.
Detroit's defense was a huge part of this victory, as they intercepted Griese 4 times, including 3 times in the endzone.
With their first season-sweep over Chicago since 2004, the Lions improved to 5-2. Given their winless 2008 season, this became the Lions' last win on the road until Week 15 of the 2010 season. This also became their most recent win over a division rival until Week 14 of the 2010 season when the Lions beat the Packers.
, Detroit, Michigan
Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Bears, the Lions went home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 43-yard field goal for the first score of the game. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead with Hanson kicking a 53-yard field goal and QB Jon Kitna
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Mike Furrey
. Detroit ended the half with Hanson kicking a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions continued their domination as DE Dewayne White
returned a fumble 3 yards for a touchdown and Kitna completed a 49-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
. In the fourth quarter, Detroit sealed Denver's doom with NT Shaun Rogers returning an interception 66 yards for a touchdown and RB T. J. Duckett scoring on a 3 yard TD run. The Broncos avoided getting shut out as QB Patrick Ramsey
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
.
With the win, the Lions improved to 6-2 for the first time since 1999.
The defense continued to shine as they continued to lead the league in takeaways (24) and points off turnovers (90).
, Glendale, Arizona
Coming off their blowout home win over the Broncos, the Lions flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium
for a Week 10 duel with the Arizona Cardinals
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RB Kevin Jones
getting a 4-yard TD run. The Cardinals would respond with kicker Neil Rackers
nailing a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions trailed as Arizona QB Kurt Warner
completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
, while back-up QB Tim Rattay
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Leonard Pope
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead with Warner completing a 16-yard TD pass to Pope. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. In the fourth quarter, Arizona sealed the win with Warner hooking up with Fitzgerald again on a 20-yard TD pass. The Lions' last score for the game would be another 7-yard TD pass from Kitna to Williams.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6-3.
Along with committing 5 out the game's 9 turnovers, the Lions' rushing attack was held to an embarrassing -18 yards (the fewest in one game since 1946).
, Detroit, Michigan
Hoping to rebound from their tough road loss to the Cardinals, the Lions went home for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the New York Giants
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes
managed to get a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as QB Eli Manning
completed a 10-yard TD pass to RB Brandon Jacobs
for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 42-yard field goal, yet New York responded with Tynes kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants increased their lead with Tynes nailing a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QB Jon Kitna
completed a 35-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. However, New York managed to hold on for the win.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6-4.
, Detroit, Michigan
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Lions stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving divisional duel with the Green Bay Packers
. In the first quarter, Detroit took the early lead as kicker Jason Hanson
managed to get a 47-yard and a 41-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, the Packers took the lead as QB Brett Favre
completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
, along with RB Ryan Grant
getting a 5-yard TD run. The Lions tried to respond as Hanson kicked a 45-yard field goal, yet Green Bay answered with kicker Mason Crosby
getting a 20-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Packers increased their lead with Favre completing a 4-yard TD pass to Jennings. Detroit continued to try to come back as Hanson kicked a 52-yard, yet Green Bay was one step ahead as Favre completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Ruvell Martin
. In the fourth quarter, the Packers added on to their lead with Crosby kicking a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QB Jon Kitna
completed a 6-yard TD pass to rookie WR Calvin Johnson
, along with RB Kevin Jones
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Green Bay sealed the win with Crosby nailing a 26-yard field goal.
With the their third-straight loss (along with their fourth-straight Thanksgiving loss), Detroit fell to 6-5.
, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the Lions flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
for a Week 13 NFC North rematch with the Minnesota Vikings
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Vikings RB Chester Taylor
managed to get a 2-yard TD run. The Lions would get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota replied with RB Adrian Peterson. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE/FB Casey Fitzsimmons
. However, the Vikings immediately began its pounding with WR Aundrae Allison
returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, while QB Tarvaris Jackson
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
, along with 2-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
. In the third quarter, Minnesota ended its day with Peterson getting a 13-yard TD run for the only score of the half.
With their fourth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-6.
, Detroit, Michigan
Trying to end a four-game skid, the Lions went home for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 32-yard TD run, while kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with RB Marion Barber
getting a 20-yard TD run. The Lions would respond with Hanson nailing a 36-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
getting a 2-yard TD run. Dallas would end the half with QB Tony Romo
completing an 8-yard TD pass to Barber.
In the third quarter, Detroit replied with Jones getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys came back and won with Barber getting a 1-yard, along with Romo's 16-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
.
With their fifth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-7.
, San Diego, California
Trying to snap a five-game slide, the Lions flew to Qualcomm Stadium
for a Week 15 interconference duel with the San Diego Chargers
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson
managed to get a 6-yard TD run, kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 22-yard field goal, and Tomlinson getting a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions' struggles continued as Kaeding kicked a 22-yard field goal and LB Shaun Phillips
returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. The Lions would get on the board with QB Jon Kitna
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Middleton
. San Diego would end the half with QB Philip Rivers
completing a 1-yard TD to TE Brandon Manumaleuna
.
In the third quarter, the Chargers continued their domination as RB Darren Sproles
managed to get a 1-yard TD run, while Kaeding nailed a 45-yard field goal. Detroit would reply as Kitna completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed the win with Sproles getting an 11-yard TD run.
With their sixth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-8.
, Detroit, Michigan
Trying to halt a six-game losing streak, the Lions returned home to Ford Field for an interconference matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs
. Detroit got on the board early with a T.J. Duckett 11 yard TD run and a safety off a blocked Dustin Colquitt
punt. In the second quarter, the Lions opened up a 19-0 lead with a Jason Hanson
field goal and a Paris Lenon
interception return for a touchdown. Kansas City fought back with a Jackie Battle
3 yard run and a 1-yard pass from Damon Huard
to Jared Allen
to make it 19-14, but the Lions' Jason Hanson added two more field goals in the second half and the Chiefs could not convert a two-point conversion to Tony Gonzalez in the 3rd after a Dwayne Bowe
receiving TD. Detroit held KC off, 25-20, ending their long skid.
With the win, the Lions improved to 7-8, 5-3 at home. Given the Lions' winless 2008 season, this was the Lions last regular-season victory until the third week of the 2009 season.
, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Looking for their first win in the state of Wisconsin since 1991, the Lions headed to Lambeau Field for their 2nd game of the year against Brett Favre
and the Green Bay Packers
. In the first quarter, after a Jason Hanson FG, Ryan Grant
and Koren Robinson
both scored touchdowns to make it 14-3 Green Bay. In the second quarter, Bubba Franks
caught a 4-yard pass from Brett Favre to make it 21-3, but Shaun McDonald
scored on a 30-yard pass from Jon Kitna
to make it 21-10 at halftime. The teams exchanged field goals to start the third quarter, but on 4th and 2, Craig Nall
found Ruvell Martin
for a 32-yard score, putting the Packers up 31-13, icing the game. Rookie Mason Crosby
added another FG in the fourth to seal up a 34-13 win for the Packers.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 7-9 and were edged out of the playoff race.
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. After starting the 2007 season with a 6-2 record, the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games. They finished with a 7-9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season. The Lions improved upon their 3-13 record in 2006
2006 Detroit Lions season
The 2006 Detroit Lions season began with the team trying to improve on their 5-11 record in 2005.-Offseason:On January 19, the Lions hired Rod Marinelli as the team's new head coach. From the Tony Dungy "coaching tree", Marinelli had previously served as the defensive line coach and assistant coach...
but failed to make the playoffs once again, extending their postseason drought to eight years.
Draft
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Team |
| 1 | 2 | Calvin Johnson | Wide Receiver | Georgia Tech |
| 2 | 43 | Drew Stanton | Quarterback | Michigan State |
| 2 | 58 | Ikaika Alama-Francis | Defensive End | Hawaii |
| 2 | 61 | Gerald Alexander | Defensive Back | Boise State |
| 4 | 105 | A.J. Davis | Defensive Back | North Carolina State |
| 4 | 117 | Manuel Ramirez | Guard | Texas Tech |
| 5 | 158 | Johnny Baldwin | Linebacker | Arkansas A&M |
| 7 | 255 | Ramzee Robinson | Defensive Back | Alabama |
Staff
| Detroit Lions 2007 coaching staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Roster
| Detroit Lions 2007 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Jeff Backus Jeff Backus is an American football offensive tackle with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Backus played football for the University of Michigan. He was drafted with the 18th pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions... T George Foster (American football) George Foster was an American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 20th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft... T Edwin Mulitalo Edwin Moliki Mulitalo is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.... G Stephen Peterman Stephen Frederick Peterman is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.... G Dominic Raiola Dominic Raiola is an American football center with the Detroit Lions; his younger brother, Donovan Raiola, plays center for the Washington Redskins.-High school career:... C Blaine Saipaia Blaine Saipaia [Sy-puh-EE-uh] is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Colorado State.-External links:*... C/G Damien Woody Damien Michael Woody is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and New York Jets of the National Football League... T/G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Boss Bailey Rodney "Boss" Bailey is a American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL Draft... OLB Anthony Cannon Anthony Devon Cannon is a gridiron football linebacker for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... OLB Teddy Lehman Teddy Lehman is an American football linebacker for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... ILB Paris Lenon Paris Michael Lenon is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2000... ILB Alex Lewis Alex Lewis is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin where he currently holds the record for most sacks in a game with 6.5 on October 18, 2003 vs. Purdue... OLB Ernie Sims -Detroit Lions:Sims was selected as ninth overall in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Sims was targeted by Lions general manager Matt Millen to bolster the Lions' defense at weakside linebacker. On July 30, 2006, he signed a 5-year, $15.735 million contract with $12.1... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Idrees Bashir Idrees Bashir is an American football safety for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-NFL career:Bashir, a defensive back out of Memphis, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Bashir played in 51 games over 4 seasons with the Colts, amassing... FS (IR)  Daniel Bullocks Daniel Bullocks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... FS (IR) Brian Calhoun Brian Calhoun is a gridiron football running back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.... RB (IR) Dan Campbell Daniel Allen Campbell is a former American football tight end and currently a tight ends coach for the Miami Dolphins. He played tight end for four teams in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at... TE (IR) John Deraney John Deraney is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at North Carolina State.... P (IR) Devale Ellis Devale Ellis is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006... WR (IR) LaMarcus Hicks LaMarcus Hicks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Iowa State.-External links:*... SS/CB (IR) Etric Pruitt Etric Pruitt is an American football defensive back for the Mobile Bay Tarpons. Pruitt played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2005 as a special teams player and 3rd string safety... FS (NFLE NF-Inj.) Matthew Rice Matthew Nathaniel Rice is an American football player, best known for playing the defensive end position. He played collegiately at Penn State University and attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland.-Football:... DE (NFLE NF-Inj.) Drew Stanton Drew Emeric Stanton is a quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Michigan State Spartans.-Early life:... QB (IR) Roy Williams (wide receiver) Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft... WR (IR) Stanley Wilson Stanley Wilson is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.... CB (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
|||||
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 9, 2007 | at Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 36-21 | |
| 2 | September 16, 2007 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W 20-17 | |
| 3 | September 23, 2007 | at Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 21-56 | |
| 4 | September 30, 2007 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 37-27 | |
| 5 | October 7, 2007 | at Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
L 3-34 | |
| 6 | Bye | |||
| 7 | October 21, 2007 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
W 23-16 | |
| 8 | October 28, 2007 | at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 16-7 | |
| 9 | November 4, 2007 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 44-7 | |
| 10 | November 11, 2007 | at Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 21-31 | |
| 11 | November 18, 2007 | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 10-16 | |
| 12 | November 22, 2007 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 26-37 | |
| 13 | December 2, 2007 | at Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
L 10-42 | |
| 14 | December 9, 2007 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 27-28 | |
| 15 | December 16, 2007 | at San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 14-51 | |
| 16 | December 23, 2007 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
W 25-20 | |
| 17 | December 30, 2007 | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 13-34 | |
Week 1: at Oakland Raiders
at McAfee ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
, Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
The Lions began their 2007 campaign on the road in an interconference game against the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit got off to a fast start in the second quarter. QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
and kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
connected on a 46-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Lions increased its lead with Kitna completing a 16-yard TD pass to rookie WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
. The Raiders, however, started to catch up with QB Josh McCown
Josh McCown
Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
Ronald Curry
Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....
along with RB LaMont Jordan
LaMont Jordan
LaMont Damon Jordan is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 12-yard TD run. In a wild fourth quarter, Hanson gave Detroit a 46-yard field goal, yet the Raiders took the lead with McCown's 7-yard TD pass to FB Justin Griffith
Justin Griffith
Justin Montrel Griffith is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Fortunately, the Lions hung on to take the lead with Kitna's 32-yard TD pass to WR/PR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, Hanson kicking a 23-yard field goal, and wrapping it up with RB Tatum Bell
Tatum Bell
Tatum Antoine Bell is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 14-yard TD run.
With the win, Detroit began its season at 1-0.
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
Following their road win over the Raiders, the Lions played their Week 2 home opener against their NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
for the lead in the division. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit pounced first with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Vikings tied the game with QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Lions took the lead prior to halftime with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
's 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, when Kitna was temporarily out with a concussion, QB J. T. O'Sullivan came in and completed a 7-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
to increase Detroit's lead. Minnesota, however, tied the game up with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 32-yard field goal and DE Ray Edwards
Ray Edwards
Raymond James Edwards, Jr. is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:Edwards attended Woodward High School in...
returning a fumble 9 yards for a touchdown. After both teams failed to score in the fourth quarter, the Vikings got the ball to begin overtime. The Lions forced a fumble nine plays into their drive and would eventually get the win with Hanson's 37-yard field goal.
With the win, Detroit improved its record to 2–0.
Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles
at Lincoln Financial FieldLincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Following their impressive divisional home win over the Vikings, the Lions flew to Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
for an intraconference fight with the throwback-clad Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
got a 25-yard TD run. The Lions tied the game as RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
got a 2-yard TD run, but Philadelphia managed to regain the lead with Westbrook's 5-yard TD run, along with QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
's 68-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
. In the second quarter, the points bonanza continued as McNabb and Curtis hooked up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass and a 43-yard TD pass to increase the Eagles' lead. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
and a 91-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. Philadelphia, however, capped off the half with McNabb completing a 43-yard TD pass to Westbrook.
In the second half, the Eagles took control as RB Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
got a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter and RB Tony Hunt
Tony Hunt
Antonio Christopher Hunt is an American football running back for the Raiffeisen Vikings Vienna of the Austrian Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.-Early years:A standout player at T. C...
got a 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-1.
Week 4: vs. Chicago Bears
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Eagles, the Lions went home for an NFC North duel with the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Detroit drew first blood with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
nailing a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Bears took the lead with QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
(Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
was benched prior to the game) completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
getting a 49-yard and a 41-yard field goal.
Afterwards, a high-flying fourth quarter began with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, along with DB Keith Smith returning an interception 64 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lions the lead. However, the Bears regained the lead with WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, Detroit retook the lead with Kitna completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Troy Edwards
Troy Edwards
Troy Edwards , is a professional American football player who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft. A wide receiver from Louisiana Tech University, Edwards led the nation in receiving during his senior year in college with 140 receptions for 1,996 yards and...
, along with RB Kevin Jones getting a 5-yard TD pass. Chicago would get close with Griese completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, the Lions sealed their impressive victory with TE Casey Fitzsimmons
Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:...
returning an onside kick 41 yards for a touchdown.
The Lions' 34 points would be the most 4th Quarter points in NFL history. There was a combined total of 48 points in the fourth quarter, also an NFL record.
With their wild win, the Lions improved to 3-1.
Week 5: at Washington Redskins
at FedExFieldFedExField
FedExField is a football stadium located in an unincorporated area near the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, near the site of the old Capital Centre . FedExField is the home of the Washington Redskins football team...
, Landover, Maryland
Landover, Maryland
Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover...
Coming off of their surprising home win over the Bears, the Lions flew to FedExField
FedExField
FedExField is a football stadium located in an unincorporated area near the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, near the site of the old Capital Centre . FedExField is the home of the Washington Redskins football team...
for a Week 5 intraconference duel with the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. Heading into the game, Detroit had never won a game against the Redskins in Washington, D.C. (0–20)
After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions trailed as in the second quarter, Redskins QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 7-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley, along with FB Mike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 39-yard field goal. However, Washington came right back with DE Andre Carter
Andre Carter
Rubin Andre Carter is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
sacking Lions QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
in the endzone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins sealed Detroit's fate with Campbell completing an 8-yard TD pass to Sellers, kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
nailing a 28-yard field goal, and CB Carlos Rogers returning an interception 61 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 3–2 heading into their bye week, but lessened their record to 0–21 against the Redskins in Washington, D.C.
Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Coming off their bye week, the Lions were at home and wearing their alternate uniforms for a Week 7 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 34-yard field goal, along with RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers got on the board with QB Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
Ike Hilliard
Isaac Jason "Ike" Hilliard is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver for twelve seasons in the National Football League during the 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for...
. Afterwards, the Lions ended the half with Hanson kicking a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead with Hanson nailing a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Lions increased its lead with WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
getting a 32-yard TD run. Afterwards, Tampa Bay worked on a comeback as Garcia completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Maurice Stovall
Maurice Stovall
Maurice Aurilius Stovall is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early years:Stovall grew up in Philadelphia and went...
. Later, the Buccaneers would recover their onside kick and eventually turn it into kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
's 48-yard field goal. Fortunately, Detroit erased the Buccaneers' hopes of recovering another onside kick.
With the win, the Lions improved to 4-2, and also surpassed their 2006 win total.
Week 8: at Chicago Bears
at Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
, Chicago, Illinois
Coming off an impressive home win over the Buccaneers, the Lions flew to Soldier Field
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for Round 2 of their NFC North duel with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit jumped into the lead with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Lions increased its lead with RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 4-yard TD run, while Hanson nailed a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears threatened Detroit's lead as QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
completed a 20-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
for the only score of the period. Fortuntaely, in the fourth quarter, the Lions held on to win as Hanson got a 20-yard field goal.
Detroit's defense was a huge part of this victory, as they intercepted Griese 4 times, including 3 times in the endzone.
With their first season-sweep over Chicago since 2004, the Lions improved to 5-2. Given their winless 2008 season, this became the Lions' last win on the road until Week 15 of the 2010 season. This also became their most recent win over a division rival until Week 14 of the 2010 season when the Lions beat the Packers.
Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Bears, the Lions went home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 43-yard field goal for the first score of the game. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead with Hanson kicking a 53-yard field goal and QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Mike Furrey
Mike Furrey
Michael Thomas Furrey is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Northern Iowa and Ohio State University.Furrey has also played for the...
. Detroit ended the half with Hanson kicking a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions continued their domination as DE Dewayne White
DeWayne White
DeWayne White is an American defensive end for the Omaha Nighthawks who is currently a free agent. He entered the league as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft. White tied a team record by recording at least half-a-sack in six consecutive games in 2004. He has...
returned a fumble 3 yards for a touchdown and Kitna completed a 49-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Detroit sealed Denver's doom with NT Shaun Rogers returning an interception 66 yards for a touchdown and RB T. J. Duckett scoring on a 3 yard TD run. The Broncos avoided getting shut out as QB Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Ramsey
Patrick Allen Ramsey is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, the Lions improved to 6-2 for the first time since 1999.
The defense continued to shine as they continued to lead the league in takeaways (24) and points off turnovers (90).
Week 10: at Arizona Cardinals
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
Coming off their blowout home win over the Broncos, the Lions flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for a Week 10 duel with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 4-yard TD run. The Cardinals would respond with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailing a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions trailed as Arizona QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
, while back-up QB Tim Rattay
Tim Rattay
Timothy F. Rattay [] is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and United Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Leonard Pope
Leonard Pope
Leonard Pope is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead with Warner completing a 16-yard TD pass to Pope. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Arizona sealed the win with Warner hooking up with Fitzgerald again on a 20-yard TD pass. The Lions' last score for the game would be another 7-yard TD pass from Kitna to Williams.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6-3.
Along with committing 5 out the game's 9 turnovers, the Lions' rushing attack was held to an embarrassing -18 yards (the fewest in one game since 1946).
Week 11: vs. New York Giants
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Hoping to rebound from their tough road loss to the Cardinals, the Lions went home for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
managed to get a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completed a 10-yard TD pass to RB Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 42-yard field goal, yet New York responded with Tynes kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants increased their lead with Tynes nailing a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 35-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
. However, New York managed to hold on for the win.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6-4.
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Lions stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving divisional duel with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, Detroit took the early lead as kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
managed to get a 47-yard and a 41-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, the Packers took the lead as QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
, along with RB Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant
Ryan Brett Grant is a running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick...
getting a 5-yard TD run. The Lions tried to respond as Hanson kicked a 45-yard field goal, yet Green Bay answered with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 20-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Packers increased their lead with Favre completing a 4-yard TD pass to Jennings. Detroit continued to try to come back as Hanson kicked a 52-yard, yet Green Bay was one step ahead as Favre completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin is an American football wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers in 2004. He played college football at Saginaw Valley State....
. In the fourth quarter, the Packers added on to their lead with Crosby kicking a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to rookie WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
, along with RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Green Bay sealed the win with Crosby nailing a 26-yard field goal.
With the their third-straight loss (along with their fourth-straight Thanksgiving loss), Detroit fell to 6-5.
Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings
at Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the Lions flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 13 NFC North rematch with the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Vikings RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
managed to get a 2-yard TD run. The Lions would get on the board with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota replied with RB Adrian Peterson. Detroit would respond with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE/FB Casey Fitzsimmons
Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:...
. However, the Vikings immediately began its pounding with WR Aundrae Allison
Aundrae Allison
Aundrae Akeem Allison is an American football wide receiver for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at East Carolina.He has also been a member of the New York Jets, and...
returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, while QB Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Wade
Bobby Wade
Robert Louis Wade, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, along with 2-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
. In the third quarter, Minnesota ended its day with Peterson getting a 13-yard TD run for the only score of the half.
With their fourth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-6.
Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Trying to end a four-game skid, the Lions went home for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 32-yard TD run, while kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
getting a 20-yard TD run. The Lions would respond with Hanson nailing a 36-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard TD run. Dallas would end the half with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing an 8-yard TD pass to Barber.
In the third quarter, Detroit replied with Jones getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys came back and won with Barber getting a 1-yard, along with Romo's 16-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
.
With their fifth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-7.
Week 15: at San Diego Chargers
at Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
, San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
Trying to snap a five-game slide, the Lions flew to Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
for a Week 15 interconference duel with the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
managed to get a 6-yard TD run, kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 22-yard field goal, and Tomlinson getting a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions' struggles continued as Kaeding kicked a 22-yard field goal and LB Shaun Phillips
Shaun Phillips
- San Diego Chargers :As a rookie, Shaun Phillips played in all 16 games and was second on the team with four sacks. He continued to improve in his second season as he recorded seven sacks in 15 games, good for second on the team....
returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. The Lions would get on the board with QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Middleton
Brandon Middleton
Brandon Anthony Middleton is a professional gridiron football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Houston....
. San Diego would end the half with QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completing a 1-yard TD to TE Brandon Manumaleuna
Brandon Manumaleuna
-St. Louis Rams:Manumaleuna was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed with the team on June 21, 2001. He agreed to a three-year $1.15 million contract including a $255,000 signing bonus. In 2001, Manumaleuna only had one reception on the season...
.
In the third quarter, the Chargers continued their domination as RB Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
managed to get a 1-yard TD run, while Kaeding nailed a 45-yard field goal. Detroit would reply as Kitna completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed the win with Sproles getting an 11-yard TD run.
With their sixth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6-8.
Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
at Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
, Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
Trying to halt a six-game losing streak, the Lions returned home to Ford Field for an interconference matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. Detroit got on the board early with a T.J. Duckett 11 yard TD run and a safety off a blocked Dustin Colquitt
Dustin Colquitt
Dustin Farr Colquitt is an American football punter for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
punt. In the second quarter, the Lions opened up a 19-0 lead with a Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
field goal and a Paris Lenon
Paris Lenon
Paris Michael Lenon is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
interception return for a touchdown. Kansas City fought back with a Jackie Battle
Jackie Battle
Jackie Battle is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2007...
3 yard run and a 1-yard pass from Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
to Jared Allen
Jared Allen
-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
to make it 19-14, but the Lions' Jason Hanson added two more field goals in the second half and the Chiefs could not convert a two-point conversion to Tony Gonzalez in the 3rd after a Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
receiving TD. Detroit held KC off, 25-20, ending their long skid.
With the win, the Lions improved to 7-8, 5-3 at home. Given the Lions' winless 2008 season, this was the Lions last regular-season victory until the third week of the 2009 season.
Week 17: at Green Bay Packers
at Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
Looking for their first win in the state of Wisconsin since 1991, the Lions headed to Lambeau Field for their 2nd game of the year against Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
and the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, after a Jason Hanson FG, Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant
Ryan Brett Grant is a running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick...
and Koren Robinson
Koren Robinson
Koren Lynard Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seahawks ninth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State....
both scored touchdowns to make it 14-3 Green Bay. In the second quarter, Bubba Franks
Bubba Franks
Daniel Lamont "Bubba" Franks is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 14th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
caught a 4-yard pass from Brett Favre to make it 21-3, but Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
scored on a 30-yard pass from Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
to make it 21-10 at halftime. The teams exchanged field goals to start the third quarter, but on 4th and 2, Craig Nall
Craig Nall
Craig Matthew Nall is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
found Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin is an American football wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers in 2004. He played college football at Saginaw Valley State....
for a 32-yard score, putting the Packers up 31-13, icing the game. Rookie Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
added another FG in the fourth to seal up a 34-13 win for the Packers.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 7-9 and were edged out of the playoff race.