2008 Detroit Lions season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Detroit Lions
season was the 79th season for the franchise in the National Football League
. Although the Lions had a flawless preseason with a 4-0 record, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to compile an 0-16 record in regular season play. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after Week 11. Team president and CEO Matt Millen
was fired on September 24, while head coach Rod Marinelli
and most of his assistants were fired the day after the season ended. This season has been framed as the Detroit Lions
worst season ever, and - statistically - the worst season ever in football.
To celebrate their 75th year playing as the Lions (they had been known as the Portsmouth Spartans their first four seasons), the Lions wore special throwback uniforms for two home games, a replica of the ones used in 1934, the first year as the Lions. The uniforms had blue jerseys with silver lettering, solid silver pants, blue socks, and solid silver helmets (as helmets were leather back then). This replaced their black alternate jersey used in the 2005-2007 seasons.
* Due to new rules implemented that year regarding Military athletes by the U.S. Military Academy, Campbell was later ruled ineligible to play professionally until 2010, and instead had to serve in the Army until then.
Because the Lions went undefeated in exhibition games, they were dubbed by the media as "The Pre-season Champions". T-shirts were made to reflect this.
against the Atlanta Falcons
. A pre-season poll on thespread.com said the Falcons (who finished 11-5 before losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs), were less likely (dead last for that matter) to make the Super Bowl than the Lions. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as QB Matt Ryan
completed a 62-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Michael Turner scored twice; in which he ran a 66-yard TD run and then a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions would respond when rookie RB Kevin Smith
scored on a 3-yard TD run, while QB Jon Kitna
completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Roy Williams
. However, in the third quarter, Atlanta continued its dominant start when kicker Jason Elam
kicked a 50-yard field goal, while RB Jerious Norwood
scored on a 10-yard TD run. Detroit would reply when Kitna hooked up with TE Casey FitzSimmons
on a 1-yard TD pass. However, the Falcons sealed the win in the fourth quarter when Elam nailed a 25-yard field goal.
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed as Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR James Jones
. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as Rodgers completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
and a 29-yard TD pass to WR Jordy Nelson
. Detroit would close out the first half when kicker Jason Hanson
nailed a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions continued to hack away at Green Bay's lead with Hanson kicking a 49-yard and a 53-yard field goal. The Packers responded when kicker Mason Crosby
nailed a 25-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit clawed away at the Pack's lead when QB Jon Kitna
completed a 38-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. The Lions closed in as the snap to Packers punter Derrick Frost
was high, causing it to go through the back of his end zone, giving Detroit a safety. The Lions would take the lead on Kitna's 47-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson. However, Green Bay rebounded with Crosby's 39-yard field goal, RB Brandon Jackson's 19-yard TD run, CB Charles Woodson
's 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, and safety Nick Collins
' 42-yard interception return for a touchdown.
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as 49ers (and former Lions) QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased its lead when RB Frank Gore
scored on a 4-yard TD run. The Lions would get on the board when kicker Jason Hanson
hit a 44-yard field goal. The 49ers closed out the half when O'Sullivan completed a 24-yard TD pass to TE Delanie Walker
.
In the third quarter, Detroit tried to rally as Hanson kicked a 51-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco increased its lead when CB Allen Rossum
scored on a 1-yard TD run. The Lions tried to come back as QB Jon Kitna
completed a 34-yard TD pass to RB Rudi Johnson
, yet the 49ers pulled away when kicker Joe Nedney
nailed a 25-yard field goal.
was fired after eight years of management in which the team accumulated a league-worst record of 31 wins and 84 losses.
duel at home with the Chicago Bears
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
got a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as QB Kyle Orton
completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forté
and a 12-yard TD pass to WR/KR Devin Hester
. In the third quarter, Chicago continued its domination as Forté got a 1-yard TD run, and CB Charles Tillman
returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Detroit got its only score of the game as rookie RB Kevin Smith
scored on a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bears sealed the win when Gould nailed a 45-yard field goal.
. In the first quarter, Detroit's misery continued as Orlovsky unintentionally ran out of the back of his endzone, giving the Vikings a safety. In the second quarter, the Lions got the lead as kicker Jason Hanson
got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead as Orlovsky completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. However, Minnesota answered when QB Gus Frerotte
completed an 86-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings sealed the win when kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed the game-winning 26-yard field goal.
Dan Orlovsky's run out of the end zone for a safety topped the list of ESPN's Not Top 10 of 2008.
to the Dallas Cowboys
for three picks in the 2009 NFL Draft
. The same day, quarterback Jon Kitna
was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, due to chronic back pain. Dan Orlovsky
took over his place.
for an interconference duel with the Houston Texans
. In the first quarter, Detroit's slow starts continued as Texans QB Matt Schaub
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Owen Daniels
, along with RB Ahman Green
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Houston increased their lead as RB Steve Slaton
got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions responded when kicker Jason Hanson
completed a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit began to catch up as rookie RB Kevin Smith
got a 26-yard TD run, yet the Texans answered with Schaub completing a 1-yard TD pass to Daniels. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to come back as QB Dan Orlovsky
completed a 96-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
, along with Hanson nailing a 54-yard field goal. However, Houston's defense prevented any comeback from happening.
. This was the first ever regular season game at Ford Field that had failed to sell out by the 72-hour deadline and was, therefore, subject to local television blackout.
In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham
got a 25-yard field goal. In what would be the first time in the season the Lions scored during the first quarter, RB Rudi Johnson
got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Detroit increased its lead as kicker Jason Hanson
got a 43-yard field goal. Washington closed out the half with Suisham getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Redskins regained the lead as Suisham made a 45-yard field goal, along with QB Jason Campbell
completing a 50-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions' struggles continued as Moss returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. Detroit tried to rally as QB Dan Orlovsky
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. However, Washington closed out the game with Suisham nailing a 42-yard field goal.
. He signed with the Lions on November 3 and played 4 games before suffering a shoulder injury.
for a Week 9 NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Bears kicker Robbie Gould
got a 36-yard field goal, along with QB Kyle Orton
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions greatly responded with rookie RB Kevin Smith
getting a 1-yard TD run (with a blocked PAT), along with QB Dan Orlovsky
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
and a 14-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald
. Chicago would respond with Gould getting a 41-yard field goal, yet Detroit answered with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears began to rally as QB Rex Grossman
(who took over for Orton after he left the game in the second quarter with a right foot sprain) completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
. In the fourth quarter, Chicago completed their rally as Grossman got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions tried to rally, but the Bears' defense prevented any possible comeback from happening.
With their 9th straight road loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0-8, but they were swept by the Bears for the first time since 2006. Due to the Bengals' victory over the Jaguars, the Lions remained the only winless NFL team.
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee
got a 34-yard field goal. The Lions would respond as QB Drew Stanton
made his NFL debut and completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE John Owens on his first NFL pass. In the second quarter, Jacksonville took a huge lead as RB Maurice Jones-Drew
got a 6-yard, a 1-yard, and an 8-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Detroit's misery continued as Jaguars QB David Garrard
completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville pulled away as Garrard completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Troy Williamson
. The Lions would end the game when rookie RB Kevin Smith
scored on a 1-yard TD run.
in Charlotte, Charlotte
for a Week 11 duel with the Carolina Panthers
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first as QB Daunte Culpepper
completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead when kicker Jason Hanson
got a 40-yard field goal. The Panthers responded when QB Jake Delhomme
completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Jeff King
. Detroit answered when Hanson completed a 56-yard field goal, yet Carolina took the lead as RB DeAngelo Williams
scored a long 56-yard TD run. Later, Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart
scored on a 22-yard TD run. The Lions closed out the half as Hanson completed a 27-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Panthers increased their lead when kicker John Kasay
nailed a 29-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit tried to come back as Culpepper got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion due to a missed facemask call against Carolina), but Carolina pulled away as Williams scored on a 4-yard TD run.
team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first as QB Daunte Culpepper
completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. The Lions continued their early success as safety Daniel Bullocks
returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson
got a 38-yard field goal.
Although the 17-0 early advantage was the largest lead the Lions would have all year, it didn't even last until halftime. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers' RB Warrick Dunn
got a 13-yard TD run, while QB Jeff Garcia
completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
and a 24-yard TD pass to TE Jerramy Stevens
.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay added onto their lead as RB Clifton Smith
returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, along with CB Ronde Barber
returning an interception 65 yards for a touchdown. Detroit scored when Hanson got a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, only the Buccaneers scored when kicker Matt Bryant
nailed a 48-yard field goal.
Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans (Thanksgiving Classic
Later that week, the Lions stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played their 69th Annual Thanksgiving Day game against the then 10-1 Tennessee Titans
. It was the only nationally televised game of the regular season and the only one of the final six home games that wasn't blacked out, although the Lions needed a 24-hour extension to sell out Ford Field. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Titans RB Chris Johnson
got a 6-yard TD run. The Lions would respond with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 53-yard field goal. Tennessee would answer with Johnson getting a 58-yard TD run, along with DE Dave Ball returning an interception 15 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Detroit's misery continued as RB LenDale White
got a 6-yard TD run and a 2-yard TD run. Detroit would end the half with QB Daunte Culpepper
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Michael Gaines
.
In the third quarter, the Titans continued to pull away as kicker Rob Bironas
got a 49-yard and a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee scored two more times when Bironas nailed a 45-yard and a 43-yard field goal.
Singer Jesse McCartney
performed during halftime.
The 47 points were most points that Detroit had ever given up on Thanksgiving Day as they fell to 0-12. It also became the 2nd straight NFL season to have a team start out 0-12 after the Dolphins in 2007.
's former team the Minnesota Vikings
. In the first quarter, Detroit was on the board first as kicker Jason Hanson
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead as Hanson got a 23-yard field goal. The Vikings would close out the half as kicker Ryan Longwell
got a 35-yard field goal.
During the first half, Moran Norris
was ejected by referee Jerome Boger
for throwing a punch at Minnesota's Napoleon Harris
.
In the third quarter, Minnesota took the lead as RB Chester Taylor
got a 17-yard TD run. Detroit would reply with former Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper
completing a 70-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
. However, Minnesota got the lead again as QB Tarvaris Jackson
completed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to rally as Hanson made a 39-yard field goal. However, the Vikings pulled away as Longwell nailed a 50-yard field goal.
to take on the Indianapolis Colts
. The Colts struck first when Dominic Rhodes
ran in a TD from 1 yard out midway through the first quarter. The Lions would respond a few minutes later with a 51 yard field goal by Jason Hanson. With just under 6 minutes left in the half, Chad Simpson
of the Colts ran in a TD from 2 yards out. Calvin Johnson of the Lions responded a few minutes later by catching a 33 yard TD pass. The Colts struck back with just under a minute in the half, when Dallas Clark
caught a 3 yard TD pass.
The only points for either team in the 3rd quarter was a Jason Hanson 30 yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Kevin Smith ran in a TD from 1 yard out. The Lions decided to go for the 2 point conversion to tie it up and were successful when Casey Fitzsimmons caught a pass and ran it in. The Colts responded with another Dominic Rhodes 1 yard TD run. They put it away with a 31 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal.
With the loss to the Colts, the Lions became the third team (after the 1976 Buccaneers
and the 1980 Saints
) to lose the first 14 games of the regular season.
With their 11th straight road loss, the Lions fell to 0-14 and 0-4 against AFC Opponents.
. Detroit trailed early in the first quarter as Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem
got a 20-yard touchdown run, along with running back Deuce McAllister
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. The Lions would respond in the second quarter with rookie running back Kevin Smith
getting a 1-yard touchdown run. However, New Orleans answered with running back Mike Bell getting a 1-yard touchdown run, along with running back Pierre Thomas
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. The Saints would then close out the game's scoring in the third quarter quarterback Drew Brees
completing a 6-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
.
With the loss, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to have a record of 0-15. They also became the first team to lose 15 straight in a single season since the 2001 Carolina Panthers
, who won their first game, then lost the remaining 15 to go 1-15.
to take on division rivals the Green Bay Packers
(who Detroit had not beaten on the road since 1991
). The Packers struck first midway through the first quarter when Deshawn Wynn
ran in a career long 73 yard TD. They made it 14-0 when Jermichael Finley
caught a 3 yard TD pass near the end of the first quarter. The Lions got on the board in the second quarter when Calvin Johnson caught a 9 yard TD pass. At the end of the half, Will Blackmon called a fair catch as time expired, allowing Mason Crosby to attempt a rare 69 yard field goal. Crosby kicked it accurately but it fell just a yard short with the wind blowing against him. Before the game, Crosby also attempted a 64 yard field goal. Calvin Johnson scored another TD to tie it up in the 3rd quarter when he caught a 14 yard pass. The Packers responded just after the start of the 4th quarter with a 36 yard Mason Crosby
field goal, and later with a John Kuhn
5 yard TD catch. The Lions responded less than a minute later with a Kevin Smith 9 yard TD run. The Packers sealed the Lions' fate though with a 71 yard TD pass caught by Donald Driver
.
With the loss, the Lions became only the second NFL team of the post-merger era to go winless without a tie in the regular season, and the first to go 0-16. (The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
also went winless, but that was when the regular season only had 14 games.) The Lions ended 2008 having lost 23 of their last 24 regular-season games, going back to the previous season
. The Lions also finished 2008 with 17 consecutive regular season losses (the NFL record is 26 by the Buccaneers, who lost the next twelve games after their winless season).
After allowing 31 points to the Packers, it brought their season total points allowed to 517. This is the second highest point total allowed in a single season in NFL history, trailing only the 533 allowed by the 1981
Baltimore Colts
.
summed up the whole year in a few sentences:
On the NFL Network
's "Top 10 Worst Teams of All Time", the 2008 Lions were recently placed at #1, with the 0-14 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
falling to #2.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
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 79th season for the franchise 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...
. Although the Lions had a flawless preseason with a 4-0 record, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to compile an 0-16 record in regular season play. They were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after Week 11. Team president and CEO Matt Millen
Matt Millen
Matthew George "Matt" Millen is an American former National Football League linebacker and a former executive. Millen played for the Oakland Raiders, the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. In Millen's 12-year NFL playing career, he played on four Super Bowl-winning teams...
was fired on September 24, while head coach Rod Marinelli
Rod Marinelli
Rodney Marinelli is the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Chicago Bears. He is the former head coach of the Detroit Lions...
and most of his assistants were fired the day after the season ended. This season has been framed as the 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...
worst season ever, and - statistically - the worst season ever in football.
To celebrate their 75th year playing as the Lions (they had been known as the Portsmouth Spartans their first four seasons), the Lions wore special throwback uniforms for two home games, a replica of the ones used in 1934, the first year as the Lions. The uniforms had blue jerseys with silver lettering, solid silver pants, blue socks, and solid silver helmets (as helmets were leather back then). This replaced their black alternate jersey used in the 2005-2007 seasons.
Notable roster losses and trades
- RB Kevin JonesKevin 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...
- Released on March 13 - signed with the Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe 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... - DE Kalimba EdwardsKalimba EdwardsKalimba Edwards is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina.Edwards has also played for the Oakland Raiders.-College career:Edwards played...
- Released on March 13 - DT Shaun Rogers - On February 29, 2008, the Lions traded Shaun Rogers to the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for cornerback Leigh BoddenLeigh BoddenLeigh Edmond Bodden is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Duquesne....
and a third-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL DraftThe 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
.
2008 Draft
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Team |
| 1 | 17 | Gosder Cherilus Gosder Cherilus Gosder Cherilus is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 17th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boston College.- Family :... |
Offensive Tackle | Boston College Boston College Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early... |
| 2 | 45 | Jordon Dizon Jordon Dizon Jordon Dizon is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. Dizon played college football for the University of Colorado. He was voted runner-up for the 2007 Butkus Award, given each year to college football's best linebacker... |
Linebacker | Colorado University of Colorado at Boulder The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado... |
| 3 | 64 | Kevin Smith Kevin Smith (running back) Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School... |
Running Back | Central Florida University of Central Florida The University of Central Florida, commonly referred to as UCF, is a metropolitan public research university located in Orlando, Florida, United States... |
| 3 | 87 | Andre Fluellen Andre Fluellen Andre Fluellen is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 87th overall. He played college football at Florida State.-External links:***... |
Defensive Tackle | Florida State Florida State University The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation... |
| 3 | 92 | Cliff Avril Cliff Avril Clifford Samuel Avril is a defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:... |
Linebacker | Purdue Purdue University Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and... |
| 5 | 136 | Kenneth Moore, Jr. Kenneth Moore (American football) Kenneth Moore, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Wide Receiver | Wake Forest Wake Forest University Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is... |
| 5 | 146 | Jerome Felton Jerome Felton Jerome Jean-Marie Felton is an American football fullback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Fullback | Furman Furman University Furman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina... |
| 7 | 216 | Landon Cohen Landon Cohen Landon Cohen is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Defensive Tackle | Ohio Ohio University Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus... |
| 7 | 218* | Caleb Campbell Caleb Campbell Caleb Matthew Campbell is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He is also a lieutenant in the United States Army. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Safety | Army Army Black Knights Army Black Knights is the name of the athletics teams of the United States Military Academy. They participate in NCAA Division I-A as a non-football member of the Patriot League, a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision independent school, and a member of Atlantic Hockey, the Collegiate Sprint... |
Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 7, 2008 | 7:00 PM EDT North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... |
New York Giants 2008 New York Giants season The 2008 New York Giants season was the franchise's 84th season in the National Football League as the team looked to defend its Super Bowl XLII title. They improved upon their 10–6 record from 2007, becoming NFC East champions and finished with the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs with a 12-4 record... |
W 13-10 | 1-0 | Ford Field Ford 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... |
Lions TV Network Detroit Lions Television Network The Detroit Lions Television Network is a network of six television stations in Michigan that broadcast the NFL's Detroit Lions preseason games as well as its weekly regular season pregame show The Ford Lions Report. As of 2011, WXYZ-TV in Detroit is the flagship station... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 17, 2008 | 7:30 PM EDT | at Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2008 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League and their 41st overall season. The team finished the season with 4 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie, and did not qualify for the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.-Coaching changes:This season marked... |
W 27-10 | 2-0 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
Lions TV Network | Recap |
| 3 | August 23, 2008 | 4:00 PM | Cleveland Browns 2008 Cleveland Browns season The 2008 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 62nd season as a franchise and was the team's 58th season as a member of the National Football League. The Browns finished with a 4–12 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The season marked Romeo Crennel's fourth year as head coach of the... |
W 26-6 | 3-0 | Ford Field | Lions TV Network | Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | 6:30 PM EDT | at Buffalo Bills 2008 Buffalo Bills season The 2008 Buffalo Bills season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League and their 49th season overall. They finished with a record of 7–9 for the third consecutive year... |
W 14-6 | 4-0 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Lions TV Network | Recap |
Because the Lions went undefeated in exhibition games, they were dubbed by the media as "The Pre-season Champions". T-shirts were made to reflect this.
Regular season
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | 1:00 PM EDT North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... |
at Atlanta Falcons 2008 Atlanta Falcons season The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal and head coach Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding... |
L 34-21 | 0-1 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
FOX NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 1:00 PM EDT | Green Bay Packers 2008 Green Bay Packers season The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers... |
L 48-25 | 0-2 | Ford Field Ford 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... |
FOX | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 4:05 PM EDT | at San Francisco 49ers 2008 San Francisco 49ers season The 2008 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 63rd season. Although they failed to reach the playoffs for the straight 6th year, the team improved on their disappointing 5-11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season on a high note... |
L 31-13 | 0-3 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 4 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
|||||||
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 1:00 PM EDT | Chicago Bears 2008 Chicago Bears season The 2008 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 89th regular season in the National Football League. They finished the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, improving upon their 7-9 record from the 2007 season... |
L 34-7 | 0-4 | Ford Field | FOX | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 1:00 PM EDT | at Minnesota Vikings 2008 Minnesota Vikings season The 2008 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 48th season in the NFL, and the 17th season in which they won their division. They won the NFC North with a 10–6 record, but had to play in the wild card round of the playoffs... |
L 12-10 | 0-5 | 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... |
FOX | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | 4:05 PM EDT | at Houston Texans 2008 Houston Texans season The 2008 Houston Texans season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.The 2008 season also marked... |
L 28-21 | 0-6 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
FOX | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | 1:00 PM EDT | Washington Redskins 2008 Washington Redskins season The 2008 Washington Redskins season was the 76th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 9-7 record from 2007... |
L 25-17 | 0-7 | Ford Field | FOX | Recap |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... |
at Chicago Bears | L 27-23 | 0-8 | 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... |
FOX | Recap |
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 14th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars failed to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2007 and did not make the playoffs, contrary to many preseason predictions.-2008 NFL Draft picks:... |
L 38-14 | 0-9 | Ford Field | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | at Carolina Panthers 2008 Carolina Panthers season -Preseason:-Regular season:-Postseason:-Week 1: at San Diego Chargers:The Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers were locked in a defensive battle in the first quarter. John Kasay made three field goals while Philip Rivers connected with Chris Chambers on a 44-yard pass to score. At halftime the... |
L 31-22 | 0-10 | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... |
FOX | Recap |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the 33rd season for the club in the National Football League. Though the team finished with a winning record , they failed to defend their 2007 NFC South championship and did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing the year on a four game losing streak... |
L 38-20 | 0-11 | Ford Field | FOX | Recap |
| 13 | November 27, 2008 Thanksgiving Classic The National Football League's Thanksgiving Classic is a series of games played during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It has been a regular occurrence since the league's inception in 1920. Since 2006, three games are played every Thanksgiving... |
12:30 PM EST | Tennessee Titans 2008 Tennessee Titans season The 2008 Tennessee Titans season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League, their twelfth in Tennessee, and their tenth as the Titans. Despite being expected by most sportswriters to finish third or even fourth in the AFC South, they compiled a 13–3 regular season record and... |
L 47-10 | 0-12 | Ford Field | CBS | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | Minnesota Vikings | L 20-16 | 0-13 | Ford Field | FOX | Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | at Indianapolis Colts 2008 Indianapolis Colts season The 2008 Indianapolis Colts season was the 56th season for the team in the National Football League and the 25th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not win the AFC South title. However, after a 3–4 start on the season Peyton Manning led the Colts to a nine-game... |
L 31-21 | 0-14 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
FOX | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | New Orleans Saints 2008 New Orleans Saints season The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:... |
L 42-7 | 0-15 | Ford Field | FOX | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 1:00 PM EST | at Green Bay Packers | L 31-21 | 0-16 | Lambeau Field Lambeau 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... |
FOX | Recap |
Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons
The Lions began their 2008 season at the Georgia DomeGeorgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
against the Atlanta Falcons
2008 Atlanta Falcons season
The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal and head coach Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding...
. A pre-season poll on thespread.com said the Falcons (who finished 11-5 before losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs), were less likely (dead last for that matter) to make the Super Bowl than the Lions. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
completed a 62-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Michael Turner scored twice; in which he ran a 66-yard TD run and then a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions would respond when rookie RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
scored on a 3-yard TD run, while 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 21-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...
. However, in the third quarter, Atlanta continued its dominant start when kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
kicked a 50-yard field goal, while RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
scored on a 10-yard TD run. Detroit would reply when Kitna hooked up 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:...
on a 1-yard TD pass. However, the Falcons sealed the win in the fourth quarter when Elam nailed a 25-yard field goal.
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Falcons, the Lions played their Week 2 home opener against their NFC North foe, the Green Bay Packers2008 Green Bay Packers season
The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed as Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR James Jones
James Jones (wide receiver)
James Deandre Jones is an American football wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as Rodgers completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
and a 29-yard TD pass to WR Jordy Nelson
Jordy Nelson
Jordy Ray Nelson is an American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State....
. Detroit would close out the first half when 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...
nailed a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions continued to hack away at Green Bay's lead with Hanson kicking a 49-yard and a 53-yard field goal. The Packers responded when 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...
nailed a 25-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit clawed away at the Pack's lead when 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 38-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....
. The Lions closed in as the snap to Packers punter Derrick Frost
Derrick Frost
Derrick E. Frost is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
was high, causing it to go through the back of his end zone, giving Detroit a safety. The Lions would take the lead on Kitna's 47-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson. However, Green Bay rebounded with Crosby's 39-yard field goal, RB Brandon Jackson's 19-yard TD run, CB Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Charles C. Woodson is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Michigan for the Michigan Wolverines. In 1997, Woodson led the Wolverines to a national championship...
's 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, and safety Nick Collins
Nick Collins
Nicholas Cardell Collins is an American football free safety who plays for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.-High school:...
' 42-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Week 3: at San Francisco 49ers
Trying to snap a two-game skid, went to Candlestick Park in San Francisco for a Week 3 duel with the 49ers2008 San Francisco 49ers season
The 2008 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 63rd season. Although they failed to reach the playoffs for the straight 6th year, the team improved on their disappointing 5-11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season on a high note...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as 49ers (and former Lions) QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased its lead when RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
scored on a 4-yard TD run. The Lions would get on the board when 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...
hit a 44-yard field goal. The 49ers closed out the half when O'Sullivan completed a 24-yard TD pass to TE Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He has also played in the positions of fullback and wide receiver. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Missouri...
.
In the third quarter, Detroit tried to rally as Hanson kicked a 51-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco increased its lead when CB Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
scored on a 1-yard TD run. The Lions tried to come back 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 34-yard TD pass to RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
, yet the 49ers pulled away when kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
nailed a 25-yard field goal.
Week 4: Bye week - Millen fired
In the bye week, team president and CEO Matt MillenMatt Millen
Matthew George "Matt" Millen is an American former National Football League linebacker and a former executive. Millen played for the Oakland Raiders, the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. In Millen's 12-year NFL playing career, he played on four Super Bowl-winning teams...
was fired after eight years of management in which the team accumulated a league-worst record of 31 wins and 84 losses.
Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears
Coming off their bye week, the Lions played a Week 5 Black and Blue DivisionNFC North
The NFC North is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference, based in the Upper Midwest region of the United States...
duel at home with the Chicago Bears
2008 Chicago Bears season
The 2008 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 89th regular season in the National Football League. They finished the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, improving upon their 7-9 record from the 2007 season...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Bears 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...
got a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
and a 12-yard TD pass to WR/KR 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...
. In the third quarter, Chicago continued its domination as Forté got a 1-yard TD run, and CB Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Detroit got its only score of the game as rookie RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
scored on a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bears sealed the win when Gould nailed a 45-yard field goal.
Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings
The Lions traveled to Minneapolis in week 6 to take on the Minnesota Vikings2008 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2008 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 48th season in the NFL, and the 17th season in which they won their division. They won the NFC North with a 10–6 record, but had to play in the wild card round of the playoffs...
. In the first quarter, Detroit's misery continued as Orlovsky unintentionally ran out of the back of his endzone, giving the Vikings a safety. In the second quarter, the Lions got the 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...
got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead as Orlovsky completed a 12-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, Minnesota answered when QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completed an 86-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...
. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings sealed the win when 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...
nailed the game-winning 26-yard field goal.
Dan Orlovsky's run out of the end zone for a safety topped the list of ESPN's Not Top 10 of 2008.
Roster moves
On October 14, The Lions traded wide receiver Roy WilliamsRoy 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...
to 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...
for three picks in the 2009 NFL Draft
2009 NFL Draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the seventy-fourth annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. The draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25 and 26, 2009. The draft consisted of two rounds on the first day starting at 4:00...
. The same day, quarterback 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...
was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, due to chronic back pain. Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
took over his place.
Week 7: at Houston Texans
In week 7, the Lions flew down to Houston, TexasHouston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
for an interconference duel with the Houston Texans
2008 Houston Texans season
The 2008 Houston Texans season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.The 2008 season also marked...
. In the first quarter, Detroit's slow starts continued as Texans QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels is an American football tight end and emergency backup quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, along with RB Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Houston increased their lead as RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions responded when 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...
completed a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit began to catch up as rookie RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
got a 26-yard TD run, yet the Texans answered with Schaub completing a 1-yard TD pass to Daniels. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to come back as QB Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 96-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....
, along with Hanson nailing a 54-yard field goal. However, Houston's defense prevented any comeback from happening.
Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins
The Lions went home for a Week 8 duel with the Washington Redskins2008 Washington Redskins season
The 2008 Washington Redskins season was the 76th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 9-7 record from 2007...
. This was the first ever regular season game at Ford Field that had failed to sell out by the 72-hour deadline and was, therefore, subject to local television blackout.
In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Redskins 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...
got a 25-yard field goal. In what would be the first time in the season the Lions scored during the first quarter, RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Detroit increased its 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...
got a 43-yard field goal. Washington closed out the half with Suisham getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Redskins regained the lead as Suisham made a 45-yard field goal, along with 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...
completing a 50-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions' struggles continued as Moss returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. Detroit tried to rally as QB Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 17-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, Washington closed out the game with Suisham nailing a 42-yard field goal.
Signing of Daunte Culpepper
On October 28, the Lions discussed a contract with veteran quarterback Daunte CulpepperDaunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
. He signed with the Lions on November 3 and played 4 games before suffering a shoulder injury.
Week 9: at Chicago Bears
Still trying to get their first win of the season, the Lions traveled to 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...
for a Week 9 NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears
2008 Chicago Bears season
The 2008 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 89th regular season in the National Football League. They finished the 2008 season with a 9-7 record, improving upon their 7-9 record from the 2007 season...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Bears 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...
got a 36-yard field goal, along with QB Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions greatly responded with rookie RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
getting a 1-yard TD run (with a blocked PAT), along with QB Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 17-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....
and a 14-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...
. Chicago would respond with Gould getting a 41-yard field goal, yet Detroit answered 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 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears began to rally as QB 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...
(who took over for Orton after he left the game in the second quarter with a right foot sprain) completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Rashied Davis
Rashied Davis
Rashied Khalid Davis is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at San José State...
. In the fourth quarter, Chicago completed their rally as Grossman got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions tried to rally, but the Bears' defense prevented any possible comeback from happening.
With their 9th straight road loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0-8, but they were swept by the Bears for the first time since 2006. Due to the Bengals' victory over the Jaguars, the Lions remained the only winless NFL team.
Week 10: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
In week 10 the Lions went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played an interconference game against the Jacksonville Jaguars2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season
The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 14th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars failed to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2007 and did not make the playoffs, contrary to many preseason predictions.-2008 NFL Draft picks:...
. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
got a 34-yard field goal. The Lions would respond as QB Drew Stanton
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:...
made his NFL debut and completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE John Owens on his first NFL pass. In the second quarter, Jacksonville took a huge lead as RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 6-yard, a 1-yard, and an 8-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Detroit's misery continued as Jaguars QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville pulled away as Garrard completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Troy Williamson
Troy Williamson
-Minnesota Vikings:The Vikings needed a receiver with deep speed after trading Randy Moss to Oakland, drafting Williamson with the 7th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The Lions would end the game when rookie RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
scored on a 1-yard TD run.
Week 11: at Carolina Panthers
The still winless Lions next went to Bank of America StadiumBank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...
in Charlotte, Charlotte
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
for a Week 11 duel with the Carolina Panthers
2008 Carolina Panthers season
-Preseason:-Regular season:-Postseason:-Week 1: at San Diego Chargers:The Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers were locked in a defensive battle in the first quarter. John Kasay made three field goals while Philip Rivers connected with Chris Chambers on a 44-yard pass to score. At halftime the...
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first as QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
completed a 29-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....
. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead when 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...
got a 40-yard field goal. The Panthers responded when QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Jeff King
Jeff King (American football)
Jeffery "Jeff" W. King is an American football tight end in the National Football League with the Arizona Cardinals. He played college football and basketball for Virginia Tech.-Football:...
. Detroit answered when Hanson completed a 56-yard field goal, yet Carolina took the lead as RB DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
scored a long 56-yard TD run. Later, Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
scored on a 22-yard TD run. The Lions closed out the half as Hanson completed a 27-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Panthers increased their lead when kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
nailed a 29-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit tried to come back as Culpepper got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion due to a missed facemask call against Carolina), but Carolina pulled away as Williams scored on a 4-yard TD run.
Week 12: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In week 11, the Lions went home for a Week 12 duel with another NFC SouthNFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the 33rd season for the club in the National Football League. Though the team finished with a winning record , they failed to defend their 2007 NFC South championship and did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing the year on a four game losing streak...
. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first as QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
completed a 15-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....
. The Lions continued their early success as safety Daniel Bullocks
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....
returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown, 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...
got a 38-yard field goal.
Although the 17-0 early advantage was the largest lead the Lions would have all year, it didn't even last until halftime. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers' RB Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
got a 13-yard TD run, while 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....
completed a 36-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...
and a 24-yard TD pass to TE Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 28th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay added onto their lead as RB Clifton Smith
Clifton Smith (running back)
Clifton Smith, Jr. is an American football running back and return specialist for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, along with CB Ronde Barber
Ronde Barber
Jamael Orondé "Rondé" Barber is an American football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
returning an interception 65 yards for a touchdown. Detroit scored when Hanson got a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, only the Buccaneers scored when 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...
nailed a 48-yard field goal.
Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans (Thanksgiving ClassicThanksgiving ClassicThe National Football League's Thanksgiving Classic is a series of games played during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It has been a regular occurrence since the league's inception in 1920. Since 2006, three games are played every Thanksgiving...
)
Later that week, the Lions stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played their 69th Annual Thanksgiving Day game against the then 10-1 Tennessee Titans2008 Tennessee Titans season
The 2008 Tennessee Titans season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League, their twelfth in Tennessee, and their tenth as the Titans. Despite being expected by most sportswriters to finish third or even fourth in the AFC South, they compiled a 13–3 regular season record and...
. It was the only nationally televised game of the regular season and the only one of the final six home games that wasn't blacked out, although the Lions needed a 24-hour extension to sell out Ford Field. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Titans RB Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson (running back)
Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
got a 6-yard TD run. The Lions would respond 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 53-yard field goal. Tennessee would answer with Johnson getting a 58-yard TD run, along with DE Dave Ball returning an interception 15 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Detroit's misery continued as RB LenDale White
LenDale White
LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
got a 6-yard TD run and a 2-yard TD run. Detroit would end the half with QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Michael Gaines
Michael Gaines
Michael J. Gaines is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, the Titans continued to pull away as kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
got a 49-yard and a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee scored two more times when Bironas nailed a 45-yard and a 43-yard field goal.
Singer Jesse McCartney
Jesse McCartney
Jesse McCartney is an American singer-songwriter, actor and voice actor. McCartney achieved fame in the late 1990s on the daytime drama All My Children as JR Chandler. He later joined boy band Dream Street, and eventually branched out into a solo musical career...
performed during halftime.
The 47 points were most points that Detroit had ever given up on Thanksgiving Day as they fell to 0-12. It also became the 2nd straight NFL season to have a team start out 0-12 after the Dolphins in 2007.
Week 14: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Next, the Lions stayed at home for a Week 15 NFC North rematch with newly signed veteran quarterback Daunte CulpepperDaunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
's former team the Minnesota Vikings
2008 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2008 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 48th season in the NFL, and the 17th season in which they won their division. They won the NFC North with a 10–6 record, but had to play in the wild card round of the playoffs...
. In the first quarter, Detroit was on the board first 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...
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead as Hanson got a 23-yard field goal. The Vikings would close out the half as 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...
got a 35-yard field goal.
During the first half, Moran Norris
Moran Norris
Torrance Moran Norris ; born June 16, 1978) is an American football fullback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
was ejected by referee Jerome Boger
Jerome Boger
Jerome Boger is an American football official in the National Football League since the 2004 NFL season. He wears uniform number 23 since 2006; before that, he wore uniform number 109. He started in the league as a line judge and was promoted to referee in 2006 after two seasons...
for throwing a punch at Minnesota's Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Harris
Napoleon Bill Harris is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Northwestern and was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 NFL Draft....
.
In the third quarter, Minnesota took the lead as 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...
got a 17-yard TD run. Detroit would reply with former Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
completing a 70-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, Minnesota got the lead again as 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 an 11-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to rally as Hanson made a 39-yard field goal. However, the Vikings pulled away as Longwell nailed a 50-yard field goal.
Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts
In the last interconference duel of the season, the Lions traveled to Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
to take on the Indianapolis Colts
2008 Indianapolis Colts season
The 2008 Indianapolis Colts season was the 56th season for the team in the National Football League and the 25th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not win the AFC South title. However, after a 3–4 start on the season Peyton Manning led the Colts to a nine-game...
. The Colts struck first when Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Rhodes
Dominic Dondrell Rhodes is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
ran in a TD from 1 yard out midway through the first quarter. The Lions would respond a few minutes later with a 51 yard field goal by Jason Hanson. With just under 6 minutes left in the half, Chad Simpson
Chad Simpson
Chad Simpson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
of the Colts ran in a TD from 2 yards out. Calvin Johnson of the Lions responded a few minutes later by catching a 33 yard TD pass. The Colts struck back with just under a minute in the half, when Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark
Dallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
caught a 3 yard TD pass.
The only points for either team in the 3rd quarter was a Jason Hanson 30 yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Kevin Smith ran in a TD from 1 yard out. The Lions decided to go for the 2 point conversion to tie it up and were successful when Casey Fitzsimmons caught a pass and ran it in. The Colts responded with another Dominic Rhodes 1 yard TD run. They put it away with a 31 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal.
With the loss to the Colts, the Lions became the third team (after the 1976 Buccaneers
1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their debut season in 1976, making league history as the first team to play an entire 14-game season without winning or tying a single game. They did not score until their third game and did not score a touchdown until their fourth. They lost by a touchdown or...
and the 1980 Saints
1980 New Orleans Saints season
The 1980 New Orleans Saints season was the team's 14th as a member of the National Football League. They were unable to improve on their previous season's output of 8-8, winning only one game. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourteenth consecutive season and had the dubious...
) to lose the first 14 games of the regular season.
With their 11th straight road loss, the Lions fell to 0-14 and 0-4 against AFC Opponents.
Week 16: vs New Orleans Saints
For their last home game of the season, the Lions took on the New Orleans Saints2008 New Orleans Saints season
The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:...
. Detroit trailed early in the first quarter as Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
got a 20-yard touchdown run, along with running back Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. The Lions would respond in the second quarter with rookie running back Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run. However, New Orleans answered with running back Mike Bell getting a 1-yard touchdown run, along with running back Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. The Saints would then close out the game's scoring in the third quarter quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 6-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
.
With the loss, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to have a record of 0-15. They also became the first team to lose 15 straight in a single season since the 2001 Carolina Panthers
2001 Carolina Panthers season
-Regular season:-References:...
, who won their first game, then lost the remaining 15 to go 1-15.
Week 17: at Green Bay Packers
For their last chance to avoid becoming the first 0-16 team in NFL history, the Lions traveled to Green Bay, WisconsinGreen 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,...
to take on division rivals the Green Bay Packers
2008 Green Bay Packers season
The 2008 Green Bay Packers season was the 88th season in the National Football League for the Packers and their 90th overall. They looked to continue success after posting a 13-3 record in 2007, but finished the season with a losing 6-10 record and missed the playoffs.- 2008 NFL Draft :The Packers...
(who Detroit had not beaten on the road since 1991
1991 Detroit Lions season
The 1991 season for the Detroit Lions saw the team finish 12-4, win the NFC Central Division, and appear in the playoffs for the first time since 1983. It stands as the team's best season since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970...
). The Packers struck first midway through the first quarter when Deshawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn is an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League. Wynnn played college football for the University of Florida. He was drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and has also played for the New...
ran in a career long 73 yard TD. They made it 14-0 when Jermichael Finley
Jermichael Finley
-Green Bay Packers:Finley was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He battled Tory Humphrey in training camp to be the Packers' No. 2 tight end...
caught a 3 yard TD pass near the end of the first quarter. The Lions got on the board in the second quarter when Calvin Johnson caught a 9 yard TD pass. At the end of the half, Will Blackmon called a fair catch as time expired, allowing Mason Crosby to attempt a rare 69 yard field goal. Crosby kicked it accurately but it fell just a yard short with the wind blowing against him. Before the game, Crosby also attempted a 64 yard field goal. Calvin Johnson scored another TD to tie it up in the 3rd quarter when he caught a 14 yard pass. The Packers responded just after the start of the 4th quarter with a 36 yard 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...
field goal, and later with a John Kuhn
John Kuhn
John Allen Kuhn is an American football fullback, currently playing for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. John attended Dover Area High School in Dover, Pennsylvania...
5 yard TD catch. The Lions responded less than a minute later with a Kevin Smith 9 yard TD run. The Packers sealed the Lions' fate though with a 71 yard TD pass caught by Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
.
With the loss, the Lions became only the second NFL team of the post-merger era to go winless without a tie in the regular season, and the first to go 0-16. (The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their debut season in 1976, making league history as the first team to play an entire 14-game season without winning or tying a single game. They did not score until their third game and did not score a touchdown until their fourth. They lost by a touchdown or...
also went winless, but that was when the regular season only had 14 games.) The Lions ended 2008 having lost 23 of their last 24 regular-season games, going back to the previous season
2007 Detroit Lions season
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 also finished 2008 with 17 consecutive regular season losses (the NFL record is 26 by the Buccaneers, who lost the next twelve games after their winless season).
After allowing 31 points to the Packers, it brought their season total points allowed to 517. This is the second highest point total allowed in a single season in NFL history, trailing only the 533 allowed by the 1981
1981 NFL season
The 1981 NFL season was the 62nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.-Major rule changes:...
Baltimore Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
.
Notable reactions
After the final game of the season, Lions' radio play-by-play announcer Dan MillerDan Miller (sportscaster)
Dan Miller is an American sportscaster based in Detroit, Michigan. He currently works as the sports director and anchor on WJBK and as a radio play-by-play announcer on the Detroit Lions Radio Network.-Childhood:...
summed up the whole year in a few sentences:
On the NFL Network
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
's "Top 10 Worst Teams of All Time", the 2008 Lions were recently placed at #1, with the 0-14 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their debut season in 1976, making league history as the first team to play an entire 14-game season without winning or tying a single game. They did not score until their third game and did not score a touchdown until their fourth. They lost by a touchdown or...
falling to #2.
Coaching staff
| Detroit Lions 2008 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Roster
| Detroit Lions 2008 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 Gosder Cherilus Gosder Cherilus is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 17th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boston College.- Family :... T Damion Cook Damion Lamar Cook is an American football guard for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.Cook has also been a member of the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins,... G/T Junius Coston Junius Coston is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina A&T.... G 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 Andy McCollum Andrew Jon McCollum is an American football center who is currently a Free Agent. He was signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs as a street free agent in 1994. He played college football at Toledo.... C 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 Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Darnell Bing Darnell Bing is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the 2006 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 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 Ryan Nece Ryan Clint Nece is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2002... 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
Gerald Alexander Gerald Alexander is an American football safety who plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was selected from Boise State in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft as the 61st overall selection.-Early years:... FS (IR)  Reggie Ball Reginald Lewis Ball is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Bricktown Brawlers of the Indoor Football League He was originally signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2007... WR (IR) Jon Bradley Jon Bradley is an American football defensive tackle for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He spent his first years in the league as a defensive tackle before switching to fullback in 2007 Lions mini-camp.... FB (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) Jared DeVries Jared Jay DeVries [] is an American football defensive end who played for the Detroit Lions in NFL. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa... DE (IR) Jordon Dizon Jordon Dizon is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. Dizon played college football for the University of Colorado. He was voted runner-up for the 2007 Butkus Award, given each year to college football's best linebacker... ILB (IR) 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... WR (IR) 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... QB (IR) Shemiah LeGrande Shemiah LeGrande is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions in 2008... DT (IR) 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 (IR) 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... WR (IR) 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 (IR) Cory Redding Cory Bartholomew Redding is an American football defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft... DT (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
Unsigned Draft Picks
Rookies in italics |
|||||
See also
- Imperfect seasonImperfect seasonAn imperfect season is defined as a team losing all of their games. It is the antithesis of a perfect season, and is often referred to as such in a tongue-in-cheek manner...