2010 Detroit Lions season
Encyclopedia
The 2010
Detroit Lions
season was the franchise's 81st season in the NFL
. It was Jim Schwartz
's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings (whose overall record was the same), the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the season with a victory over Minnesota. They were eliminated from playoff contention after their Thanksgiving Day loss, extending their postseason drought to 11 seasons, tied with Buffalo for the longest active streak in the NFL. High points of the season included two division wins, the first being a 7–3 victory over the eventual Super Bowl XLV
champion Green Bay Packers
that snapped a 19-game losing streak against division opponents, and a four-game winning streak which included a victory in Tampa
that ended their record 26-game road losing streak. The Lions also sent two players to the 2011 Pro Bowl
: wide receiver Calvin Johnson
and rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
.
as special teams coordinator. He replaces Stan Kwan. Quarterbacks coach Jeff Horton
also left the team.
Denver traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection.
The Lions traded their original 7th round pick to Buffalo for S Ko Simpson
.
The Lions traded their 2010 6th round pick and a conditional 2011 7th round pick to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston
.
The Lions traded a 2010 5th round pick (the pick they acquired from Denver) to Cleveland for DT Corey Williams
and a 2010 7th round pick (214).
The Lions traded 7th round pick 220 to Philadelphia for their 2011 6th round selection.
The Lions traded LB Ernie Sims
to Philadelphia, the Broncos received a 5th round pick from Philadelphia, and the Lions received TE Tony Scheffler
and a 2010 7th round pick 220 from Denver in a three team trade.
* The Lions traded their 2nd round pick, their original 4th round pick and 7th round pick 214 to Minnesota for their 1st round pick and their 4th round pick.
** The Lions traded their 2010 5th round pick and DE Robert Henderson
to Seattle for OG Rob Sims
and their 2010 7th round pick.
*** Awarded to the Lions as a compensatory pick.
COLOR KEY AND NOTES:
against their NFC North foe the Chicago Bears
. The Bears took an early lead in the first quarter with a 20-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould
. The Lions answered with 2 consecutive touchdowns by rookie running back Jahvid Best. First a 7-yard run, and later in the second quarter with a 4-yard run. The Bears responded with a 89-yard catch and run touchdown by Matt Forté
and later with a 31-yard field goal from Gould just before halftime. The only score of the second half was a 28-yard touchdown catch by Forté (with a failed 2-point conversion), giving the Bears a late lead. Late in the game, quarterback Shaun Hill completed what would have been the game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. A touchdown was initially signaled, but the officials conferred and ruled that Johnson did not "complete the catch during the process of the catch." The play was reviewed and the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass stood.
With the loss, the Lions started their season 0-1.
. The Eagles scored first midway through the first quarter with a 45 yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 14 yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Later in the second quarter the Lions broke the tie with a 49 yard Jason Hanson field goal. They increased their lead with a 75 yard touchdown catch by Jahvid Best. The Eagles answered with 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a 14 yard run by LeSean McCoy
. Next a 9 yard run by Jeremy Maclin
just before halftime. Midway through the third, Philadelphia added to their lead with 2 touchdowns by LeSean McCoy. First a 4 yard run, then in the 4th quarter one for 46 yards. The Lions then attempted a come back with 2 consecutive touchdowns late in the game. First a 2 yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Then a 19 yard catch by Calvin Johnson with a 2 point conversion tacked on. The Lions completed an on side kick but turned the ball over on downs.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 0-2 for the 3rd straight season.
. The Lions took an early lead with a 5 yard touchdown catch by Tony Scheffler. The Vikings tied it up 24 yard catch by Percy Harvin
. They then took the lead in the second quarter with a 6 yard run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 33 yard field goal. Midway through the third quarter the Vikings added to their lead with a 31 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
. A few minutes later they sealed their win with a 80 yard run by Adrian Peterson.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 0-3.
to play division rivals the Green Bay Packers
. The Packers started the scoring in the first quarter with a 29 yard TD catch by Donald Driver
from Aaron Rodgers
. The Lions tied it up in the second quarter with a 23 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Packers took the lead with a 13 yard catch by Jermichael Finley
. They added to their lead 17 yard catch by Greg Jennings
. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 21 yard catch by Calvin Johnson. Just after the break, the Packers' Charles Woodson
returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions attempted a comeback with 4 consecutive field goals: from 39 yards and 52 yards in the 3rd quarter, and later from 49 yards and 24 yards in the 4th. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0-4, but it also marked their 20th consecutive loss in Wisconsin.
. The Lions started the scoring early with a 30 yard Jason Hanson field goal. The Rams tied it up at the end of the first quarter with a 28 yard field goal by Josh Brown. To start the second quarter, The Lions took the lead with a 105 yard kickoff return by Stefan Logan, the longest touchdown run in the NFL this season. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 1 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Rams kicked another 28 yard field goal a few minutes later. The Lions made it 24-6 just before halftime with a 3 yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions' defense shut out the Rams in the second half. The only score of the third quarter was a 26 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. In the fourth quarter the Lions kicked 2 field goals: from 48 then from 47. The Lions capped off their victory with a 42 yard interception return TD by Alphonso Smith. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 1-4, but it was the their largest margin of victory since 1995 and their first win since November 22, 2009.
to take on the New York Giants
. The Lions took an early lead midway through the first quarter with a 14 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. The Giants responded at the end of the 1st quarter with a 4 yard TD run by Brandon Jacobs
. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead with a 33 yard TD catch by Mario Manningham
. The Lions responded with a 50 yard field goal just before halftime. Shaun Hill was also injured before halftime and left the game with a broken left forearm. Drew Stanton took over the QB role for the remainder of the game. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1 yard TD catch by Travis Beckum
of the Giants. The Lions attempted a comeback when Calvin Johnson caught an 87 yard TD. The Giants responded with a 6 yard TD catch by Brandon Jacobs. The Lions ended the scoring with another 50 yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 1-5 into their bye week, but it increased their road losing streak to 24, tying the NFL record that the team set from 2001-2003.
afternoon contest against the Washington Redskins
. Neither team scored in the 1st quarter. The Lions took an early lead in the second quarter with a 13 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Redskins tied it up with a 6 yard TD catch by Ryan Torain
. Washington's Graham Gano
kicked 2 field goals just before halftime, from 38 and 46 yards out. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 2 yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew of the Lions. The Redskins took the lead in the 4th quarter with a 5 yard TD run by Keiland Williams
; they went for a 2 point conversion and failed, however. The Lions took the lead back with a 7 yard catch by Calvin Johnson; they also failed to complete a 2 point conversion. The Redskins responded with a 96 yard kickoff return for a TD by Brandon Banks
; they again failed to complete a 2 point conversion. The Lions retook the lead with a 10 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson, and completed a 2 point conversion. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 32 yard field goal by Jason Hanson. The Lions sealed their win with a fumble recovery by Ndamukong Suh
which he ran back 17 yards for a touchdown, but the 2 point conversion failed. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 2-5, but it was the first time since 2007 that the team has won back-to-back home games.
Curiously, this was the Lions' second consecutive blacked-out home game against the Redskins. The Lions had won the previous season's meeting as well.
. The only score of the first quarter was a 10 yard TD catch by the Lions' Brandon Pettigrew. The Jets responded in the second quarter with a 31 yard field goal by Nick Folk
and later a 74 TD catch by Braylon Edwards
just before halftime. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1 yard TD quarterback sneak by Matt Stafford of the Lions; however the extra point attempt by defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh (an emergency fill-in for injured kicker Jason Hanson who got ran into on the previous field goal attempt which gave them a fresh set of downs) was no good. Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions added to their lead with a Nate Burleson 2 yard TD catch. The Jets responded late in the quarter with a 1 yard TD quarterback sneak by Mark Sanchez
. The Jets kicked a field goal to tie in up just before time expired, forcing overtime. The Jets won the toss and kicked a 30 yard field goal for the win as the Lions fell to 2-6.
. Neither team scored in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board first with a 1 yard run by Fred Jackson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 25 yard field goal by newly signed kicker Dave Rayner
. The only score of the third quarter was a 16 yard TD catch by Fred Jackson of the Bills. The Lions kicked a 45 yard field goal midway through the fourth. Late in the game, the Lions attempted a comeback with a 20 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. They went for a 2 point conversion for the tie but failed. With the loss not only did the Lions fall to 2-7, but it was their 25th consecutive road loss, setting a new league record.
to play the Dallas Cowboys
. The only score of the first quarter was a 1 yard TD catch by Dez Bryant
of the Cowboys. In the second quarter the Lions got on the board with a 47 yard field goal, and took the lead with a 9 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. After halftime, Leonard Davis
of the Cowboys committed an offensive holding penalty in his own end zone, giving the Lions a safety. The Cowboys took the lead though with a 97 yard punt return by Bryan McCann
, and added to it with a 3 yard catch by Miles Austin
. The Lions responded with a 14 yard catch by Calvin Johnson. In the 4th quarter, Miles Austin caught another TD, this time from 4 yards out. Later, Jon Kitna
sealed the Cowboys win with a 29 yard TD run. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 2-8, but they added to their already record setting 26 game road losing streak.
Week 12: vs. New England Patriots (Thanksgiving Classic
For their 71st annual Thanksgiving Classic
game, the Lions hosted the New England Patriots
. In a rare occurrence, both teams wore the home versions of their throwback uniform
s. The Patriots got on the board first with a 19 yard field goal by Shayne Graham
. The Lions took the lead late in the first quarter with a 19 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions added to their lead in the 2nd quarter with a 1 yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots responded later in the quarter with a 15 yard run Benjarvus Green-Ellis
. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 44 yard field goal.
Detroit area native Kid Rock
performed for the halftime show.
The Patriots tied the game early in the 3rd quarter with a 5 yard catch by Wes Welker
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 1 yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots then scored 4 unanswered touchdowns: a 79 yard catch by Deion Branch
, then in the 4th quarter a 22 yard catch by the same, then a 16 yard catch by Wes Welker, and finally a 1 yard run by Benjarvus Green-Ellis.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-9 and were eliminated from playoff contention.
. The Lions took an early lead when Drew Stanton ran in a 3 yard touchdown. The Bears tied it up near the end of the 1st quarter with a 1 yard run by Chester Taylor
. The Lions broke the tie with a 50 yard field goal. The Bears responded with a 14 yard TD run by Matt Forté
. The Lions took the lead just before halftime with a 46 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions only points of the 2nd half was a 25 yard field goal by Dave Rayner early in the 3rd quarter. The Bears responded with a 54 yard field goal by Robbie Gould
. The Bears took the lead midway through the 4th quarter with a 7 yard TD catch by Brandon Manumaleuna
and held off the Lions offense for the remainder of the game for the win.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-10.
. Neither team scored in the first half. The only points of the 3rd quarter was a 42 yard field goal by Mason Crosby
of the Packers. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13 yard touchdown catch by Will Heller of the Lions to give them the win. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 3-10, but it was the first time the team beat the Packers since 2005 snapping a 10-game losing streak. It was also their first division win since 2007, snapping a 19-game losing streak against division rivals.
to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. The Lions took an early lead in the 1st quarter with a 10 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. Tampa Bay tied it up in the second quarter with a 24 yard TD catch by Mike Williams, and later took the lead with a 39 yard TD run by Legarrette Blount
. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 41 yard field goal. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 10 yard TD run by Maurice Morris of the Lions. Tampa Bay had 2 field goals in the fourth quarter, from 30 then 26 yards out. The Lions tied the game just before the end of regulation with a 28 yard field goal, taking it to overtime. In overtime the Lions got the ball first and kicked a 34 yard field goal for the win. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 4-10, but it broke their record 26 game road losing streak. It was also their first back to back wins since 2007.
. The Lions took an early lead with a 39 yard field goal by Dave Rayner. The Dolphins tied it up with a 40 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
. In the second quarter, the Lions took the lead when Brandon Pettigrew caught a 20 yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins tied it up with a 4 yard rush by Lousaka Polite
. Miami took the lead with a 13 yard TD catch by Davone Bess
. After halftime, the Lions tied it back up with a 5 yard TD rush by Maurice Morris. The Dolphins responded with a 1 yard TD run by Ronnie Brown
. Miami added to their lead with a 28 yard field goal. The Lions then scored 17 unanswered points. First Jahvid Best caught a 53 yard TD pass. Then Dave Rayner kicked a 47 yard field goal. They sealed their win when DeAndre Levy intercepted a Chad Henne pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 5-10, but it was the their first back-to-back road victories since 2004, and first three game winning streak since 2007.
. Neither team scored in the first quarter; the Vikings were shut out in the first half. The Lions got on the board midway through the second quarter with a 55 yard field goal by Dave Rayner. They added to their lead with a 7 yard touchdown catch by Nate Burleson just before halftime. After the break, Detroit kicked another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. The Vikings finally got on the board midway through the third quarter when Jared Allen
intercepted a Shaun Hill pass and ran it back 36 yards for a touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Minnesota added more points with a 27 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 5 yard TD run by Maurice Morris. The Vikings kicked a 48 yard field goal late in the game, and attempted an onside kick to try to tie it but failed, giving Detroit the win. With the win not only did the Lions finish their season 6-10, but it became their first four game winning streak since 1999 as they snapped the Vikings' 6-game winning streak against them and also became the first time the team has won back-to-back division rival games since 2007.
2010 NFL season
The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,...
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 franchise's 81st season in the NFL
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...
. It was Jim Schwartz
Jim Schwartz
Jim Schwartz is an American football head coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-Early life:Born just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Schwartz attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, an all male Catholic school, where he played football.Schwartz was a four-year letterman at...
's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings (whose overall record was the same), the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the season with a victory over Minnesota. They were eliminated from playoff contention after their Thanksgiving Day loss, extending their postseason drought to 11 seasons, tied with Buffalo for the longest active streak in the NFL. High points of the season included two division wins, the first being a 7–3 victory over the eventual Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
champion Green Bay Packers
2010 Green Bay Packers season
The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed...
that snapped a 19-game losing streak against division opponents, and a four-game winning streak which included a victory in Tampa
2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games...
that ended their record 26-game road losing streak. The Lions also sent two players to the 2011 Pro Bowl
2011 Pro Bowl
The 2011 AFC–NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2010 season. It took place at 7:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii...
: wide receiver 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 rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions 2nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
.
Personnel changes
On January 22, the Lions hired Danny CrossmanDanny Crossman
Danny Crossman is an American football coach who is currently the special teams coordinator for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Previously, he served in the same capacity for the Carolina Panthers .-Playing career:Crossman was a second-team all-America and all-Big East...
as special teams coordinator. He replaces Stan Kwan. Quarterbacks coach Jeff Horton
Jeff Horton
-External links:*...
also left the team.
| Detroit Lions 2010 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Free agents
| Player | 2010 Team | Signed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILB | Cody Spencer Cody Spencer Thomas Cody Spencer is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
RFA | ||
| G/T | Damion Cook 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,... |
UFA | Omaha Nighthawks Omaha Nighthawks The Omaha Nighthawks are a professional American football team based in Omaha, Nebraska, which plays in the United Football League, joining the league as an expansion team in 2010. For their first season, the Nighthawks played their home games at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium before moving to TD... (UFL) |
|
| 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... |
UFA | Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL) | June 7 |
| ILB | Larry Foote Larry Foote Lawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.... |
UFA | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
March 15 |
| CB | Anthony Henry | UFA | ||
| CB | William James | UFA | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
May 5 |
| QB | Patrick Ramsey Patrick Ramsey Patrick Allen Ramsey is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins 32nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Omaha Nighthawks Omaha Nighthawks The Omaha Nighthawks are a professional American football team based in Omaha, Nebraska, which plays in the United Football League, joining the league as an expansion team in 2010. For their first season, the Nighthawks played their home games at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium before moving to TD... (UFL) |
June 1 |
| RB | Cedric Peerman Cedric Peerman Cedric Edwin Peerman is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
April 27 |
| WR | Michael Ray Garvin Michael Ray Garvin Michael Ray Garvin is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2009... |
UFA | Las Vegas Locomotives Las Vegas Locomotives The Las Vegas Locomotives are a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada who play in the United Football League. The team plays its home games in Sam Boyd Stadium, home field for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jim Fassel is the franchise's head coach, president, and... (UFL) |
June 2 |
| DT | Terrance Taylor Terrance Taylor (American football) Terrance Terlie Taylor is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan... |
UFA | ||
| S | DeAngelo Smith DeAngelo Smith DeAngelo Lamar Smith is an American football safety for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The 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... |
April 28 |
| WR | Kole Heckendorf Kole Heckendorf Kole Joseph Heckendorf is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009... |
UFA | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
May 12 |
Releases
| Player | Released | 2010 Team | Signed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Phillip Buchanon Phillip Buchanon Phillip Darren Buchanon is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders 17th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... |
March 4 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
March 29 |
| DT | Grady Jackson Grady Jackson Grady O'Neal Jackson is an American football defensive tackle who most recently played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft... |
March 5 | ||
| DE | Dewayne White DeWayne White DeWayne White is an American defensive end for the Omaha Nighthawks who is currently a free agent. He entered the league as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft. White tied a team record by recording at least half-a-sack in six consecutive games in 2004. He has... |
March 8 | Omaha Nighthawks Omaha Nighthawks The Omaha Nighthawks are a professional American football team based in Omaha, Nebraska, which plays in the United Football League, joining the league as an expansion team in 2010. For their first season, the Nighthawks played their home games at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium before moving to TD... (UFL) |
June 2 |
| OG | Daniel Loper Daniel Loper Daniel Robert Loper is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
April 15 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
May 16 |
| S | Kalvin Pearson Kalvin Pearson Kalvin Pearson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2002... |
April 16 | ||
| CB | Kevin Hobbs Kevin Hobbs Kevin Hobbs is an American football cornerback who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
April 16 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
August 12 |
| CB | Brian Witherspoon Brian Witherspoon Brian Witherspoon is an American football cornerback and return specialist for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
April 16 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
April 16 |
| SS | 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.... |
July 8 | Omaha Nighthawks Omaha Nighthawks The Omaha Nighthawks are a professional American football team based in Omaha, Nebraska, which plays in the United Football League, joining the league as an expansion team in 2010. For their first season, the Nighthawks played their home games at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium before moving to TD... (UFL) |
Signings
| Player | 2009 Team | Signed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Hefney Jonathan Jerrod Hefney is a Canadian Football Defensive Back who is currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
UFA | Winnipeg Blue Bombers Winnipeg Blue Bombers The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a Canadian football team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are currently members of the East Division of the Canadian Football League . They play their home games at Canad Inns Stadium, and plan to move to a new stadium for the 2012 season.The Blue Bombers were founded... (CFL Canadian Football League The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football.... ) |
January 4 |
| LB | Ashlee Palmer Ashlee Palmer Ashlee Palmer is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Mississippi.... |
UFA | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
February 18 |
| WR | Nate Burleson Nate Burleson Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL... |
UFA | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
March 5 |
| DT | Corey Williams Corey Williams (American football) Corey Williams is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft... |
RFA | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The 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... |
March 5 |
| DE | Kyle Vanden Bosch Kyle Vanden Bosch -Arizona Cardinals:Kyle was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. In his injury-abbreviated rookie season he finished with 12 tackles , one quarterback sack, one hurry, one pass defensed and one... |
UFA | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
March 5 |
| CB | Jonathan Wade Jonathan Wade -St. Louis Rams:Jonathon Wade was the 84th pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Wade signed a three-year deal worth $1.635 million that included a signing bonus of $516,375 Over the course of his rookie season at cornerback, Wade played 16 games and made one start as a... |
UFA | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
March 8 |
| CB | Chris Houston Chris Houston (American football) Chris Houston is an American Football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
RFA | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
March 8 |
| QB | Shaun Hill Shaun Hill Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002... |
RFA | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
March 14 |
| LB | Landon Johnson Landon Johnson Landon Tremone Johnson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
March 19 |
| OG | Rob Sims Rob Sims Robert Sims is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
RFA | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
April 5 |
| TE | Tony Scheffler Tony Scheffler -Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,... |
RFA | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
April 19 |
| G | Trevor Canfield Trevor Canfield Trevor Canfield is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
RFA | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
April 19 |
| DB | C.C. Brown | UFA | New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
May 10 |
| LB | Isaiah Ekejiuba Isaiah Ekejiuba Isaiah Afamefuna Ekejiuba [Eck-ah-ju-buh] is a Nigerian-American linebacker of American football for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
UFA | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
July 23 |
| DE | Lawrence Jackson Lawrence Jackson -Seattle Seahawks:Jackson was selected with the 28th pick in the 2008 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was the fourth defensive end taken in the first round .... |
RFA | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
August 18 |
| CB | T. J. Rushing T. J. Rushing Terrall Brent "T. J." Rushing is a free agent American football cornerback and return specialist who last played for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Indianapolis 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 .... |
August 18 |
| S | John Wendling John Wendling John Wendling is an American football safety for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wyoming.... |
UFA | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
August 27 |
| TE | Spencer Havner Spencer Havner Spencer Rhett Havner [HAY-vner] is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
UFA | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
September 5 |
| WR | Stefan Logan Stefan Logan Stefan Logan is a wide receiver, running back and return specialist for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007... |
UFA | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
September 5 |
| TE | J.J. Finley | UFA | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
September 8 |
Trades
- On September 4, the Lions traded Dan GronkowskiDan GronkowskiDan Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
to Denver for Alphonso SmithAlphonso SmithAlphonso Smith, Jr. is a professional football cornerback for the Detroit Lions. Smith played college football at Wake Forest...
.
2010 Draft class
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Ndamukong Suh Ndamukong Suh Ndamukong Suh is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions 2nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... |
DT | Nebraska Nebraska Cornhuskers football The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A... |
| 1 | 30* | Jahvid Best Jahvid Best Jahvid Andre Best is a running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was selected by the Lions with the 30th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In college, he played for the California Golden Bears, setting several records, including most all-purpose yards in a single season and... |
RB | California California Golden Bears football The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to... |
| 3 | 66 | Amari Spievey Amari Spievey Amari Spievey is an American football safety for the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Iowa. He was considered one of the top cornerback prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft... |
CB | Iowa Iowa Hawkeyes football The Iowa Hawkeyes football team is the interscholastic football team at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Big Ten Conference since 1900, and are currently a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
| 4 | 128* | Jason Fox Jason Fox Jason Fox is an American football offensive left tackle from the University of Miami football team selected by the Detroit Lions as the 30th pick in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
OT | Miami (FL) Miami Hurricanes football The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships... |
| 7 | 213** | Willie Young | DE | North Carolina State |
| 7 | 255 Mr. Irrelevant "Mr. Irrelevant" is the title bestowed each year upon the last pick of the annual National Football League draft.- Irrelevant Week :The name arose in 1976, when former Southern California and NFL receiver Paul Salata founded "Irrelevant Week" in Newport Beach, California. He announced the final... *** |
Tim Toone Tim Toone Timothy Lee "Tim" Toone is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the final pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, earning the title of Mr. Irrelevant... |
WR | Weber State |
Denver traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection.
The Lions traded their original 7th round pick to Buffalo for S Ko Simpson
Ko Simpson
Yukota "Ko" Simpson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
.
The Lions traded their 2010 6th round pick and a conditional 2011 7th round pick to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston
Chris Houston (American football)
Chris Houston is an American Football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
.
The Lions traded a 2010 5th round pick (the pick they acquired from Denver) to Cleveland for DT Corey Williams
Corey Williams (American football)
Corey Williams is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft...
and a 2010 7th round pick (214).
The Lions traded 7th round pick 220 to Philadelphia for their 2011 6th round selection.
The Lions traded LB Ernie Sims
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...
to Philadelphia, the Broncos received a 5th round pick from Philadelphia, and the Lions received TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
and a 2010 7th round pick 220 from Denver in a three team trade.
Robert Henderson (American football)
Robert Henderson is a Canadian football defensive end for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
to Seattle for OG Rob Sims
Rob Sims
Robert Sims is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
and their 2010 7th round pick.
Undrafted free agents
| Position | Player | College |
|---|---|---|
| WR | Michael Moore | Georgia Georgia Bulldogs football The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54... |
| DT | Robert Callaway | Saginaw Valley State Saginaw Valley State University Saginaw Valley State University, commonly known as SVSU, is a state university in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in the middle of Michigan's lower peninsula in the Saginaw Valley region. The university is located in Kochville Township, Saginaw County... |
| TE | Richard Dickson Richard Dickson Richard Phillip Dickson is an American football player who played for the Louisiana State Tigers during 2005-2009. He is the most productive tight end in school history with 90 receptions for 952 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2010, he was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free... |
Louisiana State |
| CB | Aaron Berry Aaron Berry Aaron Douglas Berry Jr is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Pittsbugh.-External links:**... |
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... |
| S | Randy Phillips Randy Phillips (American football) Randy Phillips is an American football safety who is currently a Free Agent of the National Football League. He was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Miami . Phillips was released on August 17, 2011.-External links:**... |
Miami (FL) Miami Hurricanes football The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships... |
| DE | Korey Bosworth | UCLA UCLA Bruins Football The UCLA Bruins football program represents the University of California, Los Angeles in college football as members of the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Bruins have enjoyed several periods of success in their history, having been ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll... |
Final roster
Preseason
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 14 | 7:30 p.m. 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 Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the team's 78th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League and the eleventh season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fourth under head coach Mike Tomlin... |
L 23–7 | 0–1 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Detroit Lions Television 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 21 | 9:00 p.m. EDT | at Denver Broncos 2010 Denver Broncos season The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High... |
W 25–20 | 1–1 | Invesco Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
Detroit Lions Television Network | Recap |
| 3 | August 28 | 5:00 p.m. EDT | Cleveland Browns 2010 Cleveland Browns season The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching... |
W 35–27 | 2–1 | Ford Field | Detroit Lions Television Network / 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... |
Recap |
| 4 | September 2 | 6:30 p.m. EDT | Buffalo Bills 2010 Buffalo Bills season The 2010 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. It was Buffalo's first season with Buddy Nix in the role of general manager and head coach Chan Gailey.... |
W 28–23 | 3–1 | Ford Field | Detroit Lions Television Network | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 12 | 1:00 p.m. 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 Chicago Bears 2010 Chicago Bears season The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League. Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on... |
L 19–14 | 0–1 | 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 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 19 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , who looked to improve on their 11–5 record from 2009. They finished with a 10–6 record, but lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card playoffs. For head coach Andy Reid, this was his 12th... |
L 35–32 | 0–2 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | at Minnesota Vikings 2010 Minnesota Vikings season The 2010 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League, and the fifth under head coach Brad Childress until November 22, when he was fired and Leslie Frazier was named interim head coach... |
L 24–10 | 0–3 | 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 |
| 4 | October 3 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | at Green Bay Packers 2010 Green Bay Packers season The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed... |
L 28–26 | 0–4 | 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 |
| 5 | October 10 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | St. Louis Rams 2010 St. Louis Rams season -Schedule:-Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals:The St. Louis Rams began their season at home for an NFC West match against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams trailed in the 2nd quarter with Cardinals kicker Jay Feely nailing a 22-yard field goal, which was replied when Rams kicker Josh Brown made a 46-yard... |
W 44–6 | 1–4 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | at New York Giants 2010 New York Giants season The 2010 New York Giants season was the 86th season for the team in the National Football League and the team's inaugural season in New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants improved on their 8–8 2009 record by finishing 10–6 and second place in the NFC East... |
L 28–20 | 1–5 | New Meadowlands Stadium New Meadowlands Stadium MetLife Stadium is a stadium in the New York City Metropolitan Area, part of the MetLife Sports Complex, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets of the National Football League and is adjacent to the site of the former Giants Stadium, which was home... |
Fox | Recap |
| 7 | 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... |
|||||||
| 8 | October 31 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | Washington Redskins 2010 Washington Redskins season The 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations... |
W 37–25 | 2–5 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | 1:00 p.m. EST | New York Jets 2010 New York Jets season The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game... |
L 23–20 OT | 2–6 | 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 |
| 10 | November 14 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Buffalo Bills 2010 Buffalo Bills season The 2010 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. It was Buffalo's first season with Buddy Nix in the role of general manager and head coach Chan Gailey.... |
L 14–12 | 2–7 | 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... |
Fox | Recap |
| 11 | November 21 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Dallas Cowboys 2010 Dallas Cowboys season The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season is the 51st season for the team in the National Football League, and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium... |
L 35–19 | 2–8 | Cowboys Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 12 | November 25 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 p.m. EST | New England Patriots 2010 New England Patriots season The 2010 New England Patriots season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League and 51st season overall. The Patriots improved on their 10–6 record from 2009 by finishing with a league-best 14–2 record and clinching the top seed in the AFC, before losing to the New York Jets... |
L 45–24 | 2–9 | Ford Field | CBS | Recap |
| 13 | December 5 | 1:00 p.m. EST | Chicago Bears 2010 Chicago Bears season The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League. Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on... |
L 24–20 | 2–10 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
| 14 | December 12 | 1:00 p.m. EST | Green Bay Packers 2010 Green Bay Packers season The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed... |
W 7–3 | 3–10 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
| 15 | December 19 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games... |
W 23–20 OT | 4–10 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
Fox | Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Miami Dolphins 2010 Miami Dolphins season The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third place finish in the AFC East 7–9-Staff Changes:... |
W 34–27 | 5–10 | Sun Life Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | 1:00 p.m. EST | Minnesota Vikings 2010 Minnesota Vikings season The 2010 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League, and the fifth under head coach Brad Childress until November 22, when he was fired and Leslie Frazier was named interim head coach... |
W 20–13 | 6–10 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap |
COLOR KEY AND NOTES:
- Division games are listed in Bold.
- Indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.
- Indicates that throwback uniformThrowback uniformThrowback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
s were worn. - Indicates that the game was nationally televised.
Week 1: at Chicago Bears
The Lions opened the season at Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
against their NFC North foe the Chicago Bears
2010 Chicago Bears season
The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League. Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on...
. The Bears took an early lead in the first quarter with a 20-yard field goal by 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...
. The Lions answered with 2 consecutive touchdowns by rookie running back Jahvid Best. First a 7-yard run, and later in the second quarter with a 4-yard run. The Bears responded with a 89-yard catch and run touchdown by 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 later with a 31-yard field goal from Gould just before halftime. The only score of the second half was a 28-yard touchdown catch by Forté (with a failed 2-point conversion), giving the Bears a late lead. Late in the game, quarterback Shaun Hill completed what would have been the game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. A touchdown was initially signaled, but the officials conferred and ruled that Johnson did not "complete the catch during the process of the catch." The play was reviewed and the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass stood.
With the loss, the Lions started their season 0-1.
Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
For their home opener, the Lions hosted the Philadelphia Eagles2010 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , who looked to improve on their 11–5 record from 2009. They finished with a 10–6 record, but lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card playoffs. For head coach Andy Reid, this was his 12th...
. The Eagles scored first midway through the first quarter with a 45 yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 14 yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Later in the second quarter the Lions broke the tie with a 49 yard Jason Hanson field goal. They increased their lead with a 75 yard touchdown catch by Jahvid Best. The Eagles answered with 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a 14 yard run by LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy
-Philadelphia Eagles:McCoy was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team on June 29, 2009....
. Next a 9 yard run by Jeremy Maclin
Jeremy Maclin
-2009 NFL Draft:Maclin was considered a top National Football League prospect following his second season, and roommate Sean Weatherspoon hoped to convince Maclin to return for his junior year instead of leaving Missouri for the 2009 NFL Draft. Weatherspoon’s efforts were unsuccessful, and on...
just before halftime. Midway through the third, Philadelphia added to their lead with 2 touchdowns by LeSean McCoy. First a 4 yard run, then in the 4th quarter one for 46 yards. The Lions then attempted a come back with 2 consecutive touchdowns late in the game. First a 2 yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Then a 19 yard catch by Calvin Johnson with a 2 point conversion tacked on. The Lions completed an on side kick but turned the ball over on downs.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 0-2 for the 3rd straight season.
Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings
In week 3, the Lions traveled to Minneapolis to take on division rivals the Minnesota Vikings2010 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2010 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League, and the fifth under head coach Brad Childress until November 22, when he was fired and Leslie Frazier was named interim head coach...
. The Lions took an early lead with a 5 yard touchdown catch by Tony Scheffler. The Vikings tied it up 24 yard catch by Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin
William Percival "Percy" Harvin, III is an American football wide receiver, return specialist, and running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League...
. They then took the lead in the second quarter with a 6 yard run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 33 yard field goal. Midway through the third quarter the Vikings added to their lead with a 31 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
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...
. A few minutes later they sealed their win with a 80 yard run by Adrian Peterson.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 0-3.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
In week 4, the Lions traveled across Lake Michigan 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 play division rivals the Green Bay Packers
2010 Green Bay Packers season
The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed...
. The Packers started the scoring in the first quarter with a 29 yard TD catch 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...
from 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...
. The Lions tied it up in the second quarter with a 23 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Packers took the lead with a 13 yard catch by Jermichael Finley
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...
. They added to their lead 17 yard catch by Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 21 yard catch by Calvin Johnson. Just after the break, the Packers' 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...
returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions attempted a comeback with 4 consecutive field goals: from 39 yards and 52 yards in the 3rd quarter, and later from 49 yards and 24 yards in the 4th. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0-4, but it also marked their 20th consecutive loss in Wisconsin.
Week 5: vs. St. Louis Rams
In week 5 the Lions hosted the St. Louis Rams2010 St. Louis Rams season
-Schedule:-Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals:The St. Louis Rams began their season at home for an NFC West match against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams trailed in the 2nd quarter with Cardinals kicker Jay Feely nailing a 22-yard field goal, which was replied when Rams kicker Josh Brown made a 46-yard...
. The Lions started the scoring early with a 30 yard Jason Hanson field goal. The Rams tied it up at the end of the first quarter with a 28 yard field goal by Josh Brown. To start the second quarter, The Lions took the lead with a 105 yard kickoff return by Stefan Logan, the longest touchdown run in the NFL this season. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 1 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Rams kicked another 28 yard field goal a few minutes later. The Lions made it 24-6 just before halftime with a 3 yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions' defense shut out the Rams in the second half. The only score of the third quarter was a 26 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. In the fourth quarter the Lions kicked 2 field goals: from 48 then from 47. The Lions capped off their victory with a 42 yard interception return TD by Alphonso Smith. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 1-4, but it was the their largest margin of victory since 1995 and their first win since November 22, 2009.
Week 6: at New York Giants
In week 6, the Lions traveled east to East Rutherford, New JerseyEast Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,913. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
to take on the New York Giants
2010 New York Giants season
The 2010 New York Giants season was the 86th season for the team in the National Football League and the team's inaugural season in New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants improved on their 8–8 2009 record by finishing 10–6 and second place in the NFC East...
. The Lions took an early lead midway through the first quarter with a 14 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. The Giants responded at the end of the 1st quarter with a 4 yard TD run by Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead with a 33 yard TD catch by Mario Manningham
Mario Manningham
Mario Cashmere Manningham is an American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. The Lions responded with a 50 yard field goal just before halftime. Shaun Hill was also injured before halftime and left the game with a broken left forearm. Drew Stanton took over the QB role for the remainder of the game. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1 yard TD catch by Travis Beckum
Travis Beckum
Travis Beckum is an American football tight end for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.-Early years:Travis Beckum played football for Oak Creek High School. He...
of the Giants. The Lions attempted a comeback when Calvin Johnson caught an 87 yard TD. The Giants responded with a 6 yard TD catch by Brandon Jacobs. The Lions ended the scoring with another 50 yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 1-5 into their bye week, but it increased their road losing streak to 24, tying the NFL record that the team set from 2001-2003.
Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins
In week 8, the Lions hosted a HalloweenHalloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
afternoon contest against the Washington Redskins
2010 Washington Redskins season
The 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations...
. Neither team scored in the 1st quarter. The Lions took an early lead in the second quarter with a 13 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Redskins tied it up with a 6 yard TD catch by Ryan Torain
Ryan Torain
Ryan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:...
. Washington's Graham Gano
Graham Gano
Graham Gano is an American football placekicker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Florida State...
kicked 2 field goals just before halftime, from 38 and 46 yards out. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 2 yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew of the Lions. The Redskins took the lead in the 4th quarter with a 5 yard TD run by Keiland Williams
Keiland Williams
Keiland Terrell Williams is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
; they went for a 2 point conversion and failed, however. The Lions took the lead back with a 7 yard catch by Calvin Johnson; they also failed to complete a 2 point conversion. The Redskins responded with a 96 yard kickoff return for a TD by Brandon Banks
Brandon Banks
Brandon Banks is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Kansas State....
; they again failed to complete a 2 point conversion. The Lions retook the lead with a 10 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson, and completed a 2 point conversion. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 32 yard field goal by Jason Hanson. The Lions sealed their win with a fumble recovery by Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions 2nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
which he ran back 17 yards for a touchdown, but the 2 point conversion failed. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 2-5, but it was the first time since 2007 that the team has won back-to-back home games.
Curiously, this was the Lions' second consecutive blacked-out home game against the Redskins. The Lions had won the previous season's meeting as well.
Week 9: vs. New York Jets
In week 9, the Lions hosted an interconference duel against the New York Jets2010 New York Jets season
The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game...
. The only score of the first quarter was a 10 yard TD catch by the Lions' Brandon Pettigrew. The Jets responded in the second quarter with a 31 yard field goal by Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
and later a 74 TD catch by Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
just before halftime. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1 yard TD quarterback sneak by Matt Stafford of the Lions; however the extra point attempt by defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh (an emergency fill-in for injured kicker Jason Hanson who got ran into on the previous field goal attempt which gave them a fresh set of downs) was no good. Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions added to their lead with a Nate Burleson 2 yard TD catch. The Jets responded late in the quarter with a 1 yard TD quarterback sneak by Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
. The Jets kicked a field goal to tie in up just before time expired, forcing overtime. The Jets won the toss and kicked a 30 yard field goal for the win as the Lions fell to 2-6.
Week 10: at Buffalo Bills
In week 10, the Lions traveled east to rainy Orchard Park, New York to take on the Buffalo Bills2010 Buffalo Bills season
The 2010 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. It was Buffalo's first season with Buddy Nix in the role of general manager and head coach Chan Gailey....
. Neither team scored in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board first with a 1 yard run by Fred Jackson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 25 yard field goal by newly signed kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The only score of the third quarter was a 16 yard TD catch by Fred Jackson of the Bills. The Lions kicked a 45 yard field goal midway through the fourth. Late in the game, the Lions attempted a comeback with a 20 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. They went for a 2 point conversion for the tie but failed. With the loss not only did the Lions fall to 2-7, but it was their 25th consecutive road loss, setting a new league record.
Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
In week 11, the Lions traveled to Arlington, TexasArlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
to play the Dallas Cowboys
2010 Dallas Cowboys season
The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season is the 51st season for the team in the National Football League, and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium...
. The only score of the first quarter was a 1 yard TD catch by Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant
- 2010 - Rookie Season :Bryant was signed by the Cowboys to a contract very similar to that of Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin on July 22, 2010. On July 23, 2010, it was announced that Bryant will wear number 88, the same as Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, and Cowboys legend Drew Pearson...
of the Cowboys. In the second quarter the Lions got on the board with a 47 yard field goal, and took the lead with a 9 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. After halftime, Leonard Davis
Leonard Davis
Leonard Barnett Davis is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Davis has also played for the Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:Davis is the...
of the Cowboys committed an offensive holding penalty in his own end zone, giving the Lions a safety. The Cowboys took the lead though with a 97 yard punt return by Bryan McCann
Bryan McCann
Bryan McCann is an American football cornerback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
, and added to it with a 3 yard catch by Miles Austin
Miles Austin
Miles Jonathon Austin III is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. The Lions responded with a 14 yard catch by Calvin Johnson. In the 4th quarter, Miles Austin caught another TD, this time from 4 yards out. Later, Jon Kitna
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...
sealed the Cowboys win with a 29 yard TD run. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 2-8, but they added to their already record setting 26 game road losing streak.
Week 12: vs. New England Patriots (Thanksgiving 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...
)
For their 71st annual Thanksgiving ClassicThanksgiving 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...
game, the Lions hosted the New England Patriots
2010 New England Patriots season
The 2010 New England Patriots season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League and 51st season overall. The Patriots improved on their 10–6 record from 2009 by finishing with a league-best 14–2 record and clinching the top seed in the AFC, before losing to the New York Jets...
. In a rare occurrence, both teams wore the home versions of their throwback uniform
Throwback uniform
Throwback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
s. The Patriots got on the board first with a 19 yard field goal by Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
. The Lions took the lead late in the first quarter with a 19 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions added to their lead in the 2nd quarter with a 1 yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots responded later in the quarter with a 15 yard run Benjarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008. After playing college football his freshman and sophomore seasons at Indiana University, Green-Ellis...
. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 44 yard field goal.
Detroit area native Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
performed for the halftime show.
The Patriots tied the game early in the 3rd quarter with a 5 yard catch by Wes Welker
Wes Welker
-San Diego Chargers :Welker, who was not drafted during the 2004 NFL Draft, signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers. Welker made the Chargers out of training camp, but was released after the first game of the season.-2004 season:...
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 1 yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots then scored 4 unanswered touchdowns: a 79 yard catch by Deion Branch
Deion Branch
Anthony Deion Branch, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville.He has also played for the Seattle Seahawks...
, then in the 4th quarter a 22 yard catch by the same, then a 16 yard catch by Wes Welker, and finally a 1 yard run by Benjarvus Green-Ellis.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-9 and were eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears
In week 13, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Chicago Bears2010 Chicago Bears season
The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League. Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on...
. The Lions took an early lead when Drew Stanton ran in a 3 yard touchdown. The Bears tied it up near the end of the 1st quarter with a 1 yard run by Chester Taylor
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...
. The Lions broke the tie with a 50 yard field goal. The Bears responded with a 14 yard TD run by 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...
. The Lions took the lead just before halftime with a 46 yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions only points of the 2nd half was a 25 yard field goal by Dave Rayner early in the 3rd quarter. The Bears responded with a 54 yard field goal by Robbie Gould
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...
. The Bears took the lead midway through the 4th quarter with a 7 yard TD catch by Brandon Manumaleuna
Brandon Manumaleuna
-St. Louis Rams:Manumaleuna was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed with the team on June 21, 2001. He agreed to a three-year $1.15 million contract including a $255,000 signing bonus. In 2001, Manumaleuna only had one reception on the season...
and held off the Lions offense for the remainder of the game for the win.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-10.
Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers
In week 14, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Green Bay Packers2010 Green Bay Packers season
The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed...
. Neither team scored in the first half. The only points of the 3rd quarter was a 42 yard field goal by 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...
of the Packers. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13 yard touchdown catch by Will Heller of the Lions to give them the win. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 3-10, but it was the first time the team beat the Packers since 2005 snapping a 10-game losing streak. It was also their first division win since 2007, snapping a 19-game losing streak against division rivals.
Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In week 15, the Lions traveled south to Tampa, FloridaTampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games...
. The Lions took an early lead in the 1st quarter with a 10 yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. Tampa Bay tied it up in the second quarter with a 24 yard TD catch by Mike Williams, and later took the lead with a 39 yard TD run by Legarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 41 yard field goal. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 10 yard TD run by Maurice Morris of the Lions. Tampa Bay had 2 field goals in the fourth quarter, from 30 then 26 yards out. The Lions tied the game just before the end of regulation with a 28 yard field goal, taking it to overtime. In overtime the Lions got the ball first and kicked a 34 yard field goal for the win. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 4-10, but it broke their record 26 game road losing streak. It was also their first back to back wins since 2007.
Week 16: at Miami Dolphins
In week 16, the Lions flew back to Florida, this time to play the Miami Dolphins2010 Miami Dolphins season
The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third place finish in the AFC East 7–9-Staff Changes:...
. The Lions took an early lead with a 39 yard field goal by Dave Rayner. The Dolphins tied it up with a 40 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
. In the second quarter, the Lions took the lead when Brandon Pettigrew caught a 20 yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins tied it up with a 4 yard rush by Lousaka Polite
Lousaka Polite
Lousaka Romon Polite is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Pittsburgh.Polite has also played for the Chicago Bears...
. Miami took the lead with a 13 yard TD catch by Davone Bess
Davone Bess
Davone Atrayo Bess is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
. After halftime, the Lions tied it back up with a 5 yard TD rush by Maurice Morris. The Dolphins responded with a 1 yard TD run by Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
. Miami added to their lead with a 28 yard field goal. The Lions then scored 17 unanswered points. First Jahvid Best caught a 53 yard TD pass. Then Dave Rayner kicked a 47 yard field goal. They sealed their win when DeAndre Levy intercepted a Chad Henne pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 5-10, but it was the their first back-to-back road victories since 2004, and first three game winning streak since 2007.
Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings
To finish the season, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Minnesota Vikings2010 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2010 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League, and the fifth under head coach Brad Childress until November 22, when he was fired and Leslie Frazier was named interim head coach...
. Neither team scored in the first quarter; the Vikings were shut out in the first half. The Lions got on the board midway through the second quarter with a 55 yard field goal by Dave Rayner. They added to their lead with a 7 yard touchdown catch by Nate Burleson just before halftime. After the break, Detroit kicked another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. The Vikings finally got on the board midway through the third quarter when Jared Allen
Jared Allen
-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
intercepted a Shaun Hill pass and ran it back 36 yards for a touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Minnesota added more points with a 27 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
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...
. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 5 yard TD run by Maurice Morris. The Vikings kicked a 48 yard field goal late in the game, and attempted an onside kick to try to tie it but failed, giving Detroit the win. With the win not only did the Lions finish their season 6-10, but it became their first four game winning streak since 1999 as they snapped the Vikings' 6-game winning streak against them and also became the first time the team has won back-to-back division rival games since 2007.