2015 Detroit Lions season

NFL team season

2015 Detroit Lions season

Owner| Martha Firestone Ford
General manager| Martin Mayhew (fired Nov. 5)
Sheldon White (interim)
Head coach| Jim Caldwell
Home field| Ford Field
Results
Record| 7–9
Division place| 3rd NFC North
Playoff finish| Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers| Ezekiel Ansah, DE
Calvin Johnson, WR

* <- 2014
* Lions seasons
* 2016 ->

The 2015 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 86th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 82nd as the Detroit Lions and the second under Head Coach Jim Caldwell. By Week 7 of the season, the Lions had already lost six games, more than they did in the entire 2014 season. This led to the firing of Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and two other coaches. After falling to 1–7 the following week, the team fired President Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew.[1] On November 19, the Lions named Rod Wood as team President.[2] The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to St. Louis in week 14. The team had a 6–2 record in the second half of the season to finish at 7–9, good for third place in the NFC North. One highlight of the season was the Lions beating the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for the first time since 1991.

## Offseason

[edit]

### Re-signings

[edit]

Date  | Player  | Position  | Contract  | Source

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February 27  | Don Muhlbach | Long snapper | 1 year / $1.05 million  | [3]
March 2  | Dan Orlovsky | Quarterback | 1 year / $1.05 million  | [4]
Darryl Tapp | Defensive end | 1 year / $950,000  | [5]
March 6  | Matt Prater | Placekicker | 3 years / $9 million  | [6]
Kellen Moore | Quarterback | 2 years / $1.825 million  | [7]
March 10  | Josh Bynes | Linebacker | 2 years / $1.81 million  | [8]
March 11  | Isa Abdul-Quddus | Safety | 1 year / $1.5 million  | [9]
March 19  | Rashean Mathis | Cornerback | 2 years / $3.5 million  | [10]
April 20  | Jeremy Ross | Return specialist | 1 year / $585,000  | [11]
August 5  | DeAndre Levy | Linebacker | 4 years / $33.72 million  | [12]

### Arrivals

[edit]

Date  | Player  | Position  | Previous team  | Contract  | Source

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February 27  | Phillip Hunt | Defensive end | Indianapolis Colts | 1 year / $585,000  | [13]
March 12  | Tyrunn Walker | Defensive end | New Orleans Saints | 1 year / $1.75 million  | [14]
April 3  | Josh Wilson | Cornerback | Atlanta Falcons | 1 year / $950,000  | [15]
April 7  | Brandon Copeland | Linebacker | Tennessee Titans | 1 year / $460,000  | [16]
May 2  | Al Bond | Guard | Memphis |

Undrafted FA

| [17]
Anthony Boone | Quarterback | Duke
Kyle Brindza | Placekicker | Notre Dame
Isaiah Johnson | Safety | Georgia Tech
Vernon Johnson | Wide receiver | Texas A&M
Desmond Lawrence | Wide receiver | North Carolina A&T
Casey Pierce | Tight end | Kent State
Kevin Snyder | Linebacker | Rutgers
Brian Suite | Safety | Utah State
Rasheed Williams | Running back | Alfred State
Torrian Wilson | Offensive lineman | Central Florida
Zach Zenner | Running back | South Dakota State
May 8  | Alex Carter | Cornerback | Stanford | 4 years / $3.058 million  | [18]
Gabe Wright | Defensive tackle | Auburn | 4 years / $2.801 million
Michael Burton | Fullback | Rutgers | 4 years / $2.46 million
Quandre Diggs | Cornerback | Texas | 4 years / $2.395 million
Corey Robinson | Offensive tackle | South Carolina | 4 years / $2.338 million
May 11  | Jarred Haggins | Wide receiver | Florida State | 3 years / $1.575 million  | [19]
Nathan Lindsey | Safety | Fort Hays State | 1 year / –
Erik Lora | Wide receiver | Eastern Illinois | 1 year / –
May 12  | Desmond Martin | Running back | Wayne State | 3 years / $1.575 million  | [20]
Lance Moore | Wide receiver | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 year / $1.05 million  | [21]
May 13  | Greg Salas | Wide receiver | New York Jets | 1 year / $745,000  | [22]
Chris Owens | Cornerback | Kansas City Chiefs | 1 year / –
Ameer Abdullah | Running back | Nebraska | 4 years / $4.156 million  | [23]
June 10  | David Ausberry | Tight end | Oakland Raiders | 1 year / $660,000  | [24]
June 11  | Laken Tomlinson | Guard | Duke | 4 years / $8.55 million  | [25]
June 15  | Garrett Gilbert | Quarterback | New England Patriots | 1 year / –  | [26]
June 22  | Taylor Mays | Safety | Minnesota Vikings | 1 year / $745,000  | [27]
July 28  | R. J. Stanford | Cornerback | Miami Dolphins | 1 year / –  | [28]
August 4  | Ethan Davis | Cornerback | Troy | 1 year / –  | [29]

### Departures

[edit]

Date  | Player  | Position  | Note  | New Team  | Source

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February 25  | Reggie Bush | Running back | Released  | San Francisco 49ers | [30]
March 11  | Ndamukong Suh | Defensive tackle | UFA | Miami Dolphins | [31]
March 12  | Jed Collins | Fullback | UFA  | Dallas Cowboys | [32]
March 13  | Nick Fairley | Defensive tackle | UFA  | St. Louis Rams | [33]
April 21  | Rodney Austin | Guard | Released  |  | [34]
May 11  | Desmond Lawrence | Wide receiver | Released  |  | [35]
May 12  | Rasheed Williams | Running back | Released  |  | [36]
May 13  | Skye Dawson | Wide receiver | Released  | Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)  | [37]
June 3  | Erik Lora | Wide receiver | Released  |  | [38]
June 10  | Nathan Lindsey | Defensive back | Released  |  | [24]
June 12  | Anthony Boone | Quarterback | Released  | Montreal Alouettes (CFL)  | [39]
June 17  | Rasheed Williams  | Running back | Released  |  | [40]
August 4  | Jerrell Harris | Linebacker | Released  |  | [41]
August 8  | Ethan Davis | Cornerback | Waived  |  | [42]

### Trades

[edit]

* On March 10, the Lions traded their fourth and fifth-round picks to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and a seventh-round pick.[43]
* On April 15, the Lions traded defensive end George Johnson and a seventh-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round pick.[44]
* On August 3, the Lions traded Mohammed Seisay to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft.[45]

### Draft

[edit]

Main article: 2015 NFL draft

2015 Detroit Lions Draft  Round | Selection | Player | Position | College

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1 | 28  | Laken Tomlinson | G | Duke
2 | 54  | Ameer Abdullah | RB | Nebraska
3 | 80  | Alex Carter | CB | Stanford
4 | 113  | Gabe Wright | DT | Auburn
5 | 168  | Michael Burton | FB | Rutgers
6 | 200  | Quandre Diggs | CB | Texas
7 | 240  | Corey Robinson | OT | South Carolina

Notes

* The Lions traded their fourth and fifth-round selections (Nos. 122 and 158 overall, respectively) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and the Ravens' seventh-round selection (No. 231 overall).[43]
* The Lions traded defensive end George Johnson and their seventh-round selection (No. 231 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round selection (No. 168 overall).[44]
* The Lions traded their first-round selection (No. 23 overall) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Denver's 2015 first and fifth-round selections (Nos. 28 and 143 overall, respectively), their fifth-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft, and guard Manny Ramirez.[46]
* The Lions traded their third and fifth-round selections (Nos. 88 and 143 overall, respectively) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a third-round selection (No. 80 overall).[47]
* The Lions traded their third-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round selection (No. 113 overall).[48]

## Final roster

[edit]

2015 Detroit Lions roster Quarterbacks (QB)

* 8 Dan Orlovsky

* 9 Matthew Stafford

Running backs (RB)

* 21 Ameer Abdullah

* 35 Joique Bell

* 46 Michael Burton FB

* 25 Theo Riddick

* 38 George Winn

Wide receivers (WR)

* 10 Corey Fuller

* 81 Calvin Johnson

* 13 T. J. Jones

* 16 Lance Moore

* 15 Golden Tate

Tight ends (TE)

* 85 Eric Ebron

* 80 Bear Pascoe

* 83 Tim Wright

|  | Offensive linemen (OL)

* 60 Braxston Cave C

* 65 Gabe Ikard C

* 77 Cornelius Lucas T

* 74 Michael Ola T

* 63 Manny Ramirez G/C

* 71 Riley Reiff T

* 70 Corey Robinson T

* 72 Laken Tomlinson G

* 75 Larry Warford G

Defensive linemen (DL)

* 94 Ezekiel Ansah DE

* 99 Jermelle Cudjo DT

* 61 Kerry Hyder DE

* 91 Jason Jones DE

* 92 Haloti Ngata DT

* 97 Caraun Reid DT

* 52 Darryl Tapp DE

* 98 Devin Taylor DE

* 67 Khyri Thornton DT

* 78 C. J. Wilson DE

* 90 Gabe Wright DT

|  | Linebackers (LB)

* 57 Josh Bynes OLB

* 95 Brandon Copeland OLB

* 50 Travis Lewis

* 53 Kyle Van Noy OLB

* 59 Tahir Whitehead OLB

* 55 Stephen Tulloch MLB

Defensive backs (DB)

* 42 Isa Abdul-Quddus SS

* 29 Crezdon Butler CB

* 26 Don Carey FS

* 28 Quandre Diggs CB

* 32 James Ihedigbo SS

* 43 Isaiah Johnson SS

* 24 Nevin Lawson CB

* 27 Glover Quin FS

* 23 Darius Slay CB

Special teams

* 6 Sam Martin P

* 48 Don Muhlbach LS

* 5 Matt Prater K

|  |  |  | Practice squad

* 49 Khaseem Greene OLB

* 36 Kendall James CB

* 86 Casey Pierce TE

* 18 Ryan Spadola WR

* 2 Ricky Stanzi QB

* 73 Tyrus Thompson T

* 19 Corey Washington WR

* 79 Larry Webster DE

Reserve

* 33 Alex Carter CB (IR)

* 68 Darren Keyton C (IR)

* 54 DeAndre Levy OLB (IR)

* 31 Rashean Mathis CB (IR)

* 87 Brandon Pettigrew TE (IR)

* 64 Travis Swanson C (IR)

* 82 Jordan Thompson TE (IR)

* 93 Tyrunn Walker DT (IR)

* 30 Josh Wilson CB (IR)

* 99 Corey Wootton DE (IR)

* 34 Zach Zenner RB (IR)

Rookies in italics
53 active, 11 reserve, 8 practice squad

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## Schedule

[edit]

### Preseason

[edit]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Result  | Record  | Venue  | Recap

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1  | August 13 | New York Jets | W 23–3  | 1–0  | Ford Field | Recap
2  | August 20 | at Washington Redskins | L 17–21  | 1–1  | FedExField | Recap
3  | August 28 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | W 22–17  | 2–1  | EverBank Field | Recap
4  | September 3 | Buffalo Bills | W 17–10  | 3–1  | Ford Field  | Recap

### Regular season

[edit]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Result  | Record  | Venue  | Recap

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1  | September 13  | at San Diego Chargers | L 28–33  | 0–1  | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap
2  | September 20  | at Minnesota Vikings | L 16–26  | 0–2  | TCF Bank Stadium | Recap
3  | September 27  | Denver Broncos | L 12–24  | 0–3  | Ford Field | Recap
4  | October 5 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 10–13  | 0–4  | CenturyLink Field | Recap
5  | October 11  | Arizona Cardinals | L 17–42  | 0–5  | Ford Field  | Recap
6  | October 18  | Chicago Bears | W 37–34 (OT) | 1–5  | Ford Field  | Recap
7  | October 25  | Minnesota Vikings | L 19–28  | 1–6  | Ford Field  | Recap
8  | November 1 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 10–45  | 1–7  |  Wembley Stadium (London) | Recap
9  | Bye
10  | November 15  | at Green Bay Packers | W 18–16  | 2–7  | Lambeau Field | Recap
11  | November 22  | Oakland Raiders | W 18–13  | 3–7  | Ford Field  | Recap
12  | November 26 | Philadelphia Eagles | W 45–14  | 4–7  | Ford Field  | Recap
13  | December 3 | Green Bay Packers | L 23–27 | 4–8  | Ford Field  | Recap
14  | December 13  | at St. Louis Rams | L 14–21  | 4–9  | Edward Jones Dome | Recap
15  | December 21 | at New Orleans Saints | W 35–27  | 5–9  | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | Recap
16  | December 27  | San Francisco 49ers | W 32–17  | 6–9  | Ford Field  | Recap
17  | January 3  | at Chicago Bears | W 24–20  | 7–9  | Soldier Field | Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries

[edit]

#### Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

[edit]

Week One: Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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Lions | 7 | 14 | 0| 7| 28
Chargers | 3 | 7 | 10| 13| 33

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

* Date: September 13
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 66,093
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Ameer Abdullah 24 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:14. Lions 7–0.
* SD - Josh Lambo 32 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 7:02. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

* DET - Glover Quin 31 yard interception return. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:32. Lions 14–3.
* DET - Eric Ebron pass from Matthew Stafford for 18 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:06. Lions 21–3.
* SD - Danny Woodhead 9 yard rush. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:47. Lions 21–10.

Third quarter

* SD - Josh Lambo 25 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:39. Lions 21–13.
* SD - Stevie Johnson pass from Philip Rivers for 12 yards. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 1:12. Lions 21–20.

Fourth quarter

* SD - Ladarius Green pass from Philip Rivers for 13 yards. Josh Lambo kick is no good. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:52. Chargers 26–21.
* SD - Danny Woodhead 1 yard rush. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:18. Chargers 33–21.
* DET - Theo Riddick 21 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 1:29. Chargers 33–28.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 19/30, 246 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
* SD – Philip Rivers - 35/42, 404 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 7 rushes, 50 yds, 1 TD
* SD – Melvin Gordon - 14 rushes, 51 yds

Top receivers

* DET – Eric Ebron - 4 catches, 53 yds, 1 TD
* SD – Keenan Allen - 15 catches, 166 yds

Top tacklers

* DET – Rashean Mathis - 8 tackles
* SD – Eric Weddle - 7 tackles

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The visiting Lions opened the 2015 season at San Diego. Detroit held a 21–3 lead midway through the second quarter, only to see the Chargers reel off 30 unanswered points on their way to a 33–28 victory.

#### Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

Week Two: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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Lions | 0 | 10 | 0| 6| 16
Vikings | 7 | 10 | 6| 3| 26

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

* Date: September 20
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 52,319
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Kirk Morrison and Peter Schrager
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* MIN - Kyle Rudolph 5 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh kick is good. 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:35. Vikings 7–0.

Second quarter

* MIN - Teddy Bridgewater 1 yard run. Blair Walsh kick is good. 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:58. Vikings 14–0.
* DET - Matt Prater 26 yard field goal. 14 plays, 72 yards, 7:14. Vikings 14–3.
* MIN - Blair Walsh 28 yard field goal. 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:40. Vikings 17–3.
* DET - Calvin Johnson 11 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:58. Vikings 17–10.

Third quarter

* MIN - Zach Line 1 yard run. Blair Walsh kick is no good. 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:31. Vikings 23–10.

Fourth quarter

* MIN - Blair Walsh 23 yard field goal. 10 plays, 34 yards, 5:46. Vikings 26–10.
* DET - Eric Ebron 12 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Two-point conversion attempt failed. 18 plays, 82 yards, 4:32. Vikings 26–16.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 32/53, 286 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
* MIN – Teddy Bridgewater - 14/18, 153 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 4 carries, 20 yards
* MIN – Adrian Peterson - 29 carries, 134 yards

Top receivers

* DET – Calvin Johnson - 10 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
* MIN – Adrian Peterson - 2 receptions, 58 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – James Ihedigbo - 7 tackles, 2 assists
* MIN – Captain Munnerlyn - 7 tackles

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The Vikings took an early 14–0 lead on the visiting Lions and never looked back, as Detroit struggled to find any offensive consistency, especially in the running game. (Quarterback Matthew Stafford was the leading rusher with only 20 yards.)

#### Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]

Week Three: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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Broncos | 0 | 14 | 0| 10| 24
Lions | 0 | 6 | 6| 0| 12

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: September 27
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 62,920
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* No scoring plays

Second quarter

* DEN - Ronnie Hillman 1 yard rush. Brandon McManus kick is good. 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:25. Broncos 7–0
* DET - Joique Bell 1 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is blocked. 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51. Broncos 7–6.
* DEN - Demaryius Thomas pass from Peyton Manning for 45 yards. Brandon McManus kick is good. 7 plays, 80 yards, 0:58. Broncos 14–6.

Third quarter

* DET -Ameer Abdullah 16 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Two-point conversion is no good. 4 plays, 29 yards, 2:09. Broncos 14–12.

Fourth quarter

* DEN - Brandon McManus 48 yard field goal is good. 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:22. Broncos 17–12.
* DEN - Owen Daniels 11 yard pass from Peyton Manning. Brandon McManus kick is good. 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:09. Broncos 24–12.

Top passers

* DEN – Peyton Manning - 31/42, 324 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
* DET – Matthew Stafford - 31/45, 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's

Top rushers

* DEN – C.J. Anderson - 8 carries, 18 yards
* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 23 yards

Top receivers

* DEN – Demaryius Thomas - 9 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Calvin Johnson - 8 receptions, 77 yards

Top tacklers

* DEN – Brandon Marshall - 10 tackles, 2 assists
* DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 4 assists

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Playing in their home debut, the 0–2 Lions closed the game to 14–12 in the third quarter, but a two-point conversion to tie the score failed. Denver then scored the final 10 points for a 24–12 victory.

#### Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

Week Four: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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Lions | 0 | 3 | 0| 7| 10
Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 3| 0| 13

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

* Date: October 5
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT/5:30 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 74 °F (23 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,005
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

*     * No scoring plays

Second quarter

* SEA - Doug Baldwin 24 yard pass from Russell Wilson. Steven Hauschka kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:59. Seahawks 7–0.
* DET - Matt Prater 41 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:40. Seahawks 7–3.
* SEA - Steven Hauschka 51 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:16. Seahawks 10–3.

Third quarter

* SEA - Steven Hauschka 52 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 3:49. Seahawks 13–3.

Fourth quarter

* DET - Caraun Reid 27 yard fumble return. Matt Prater kick is good. Seahawks 13–10.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 24/35, 203 yards
* SEA – Russell Wilson - 20/26, 287 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 13 carries, 33 yards
* SEA – Thomas Rawls - 17 carries, 48 yards

Top receivers

* DET – Calvin Johnson - 7 receptions, 56 yards
* SEA – Jermaine Kearse - 2 receptions, 84 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – James Ihedigbo - 7 tackles, 1 assist
* SEA – Bobby Wagner - 4 tackles, 4 assists

|

Playing on Monday Night, the Lions had a chance to upset last year's NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Late in the fourth quarter, Calvin Johnson caught a pass from Matthew Stafford and was headed for a go-ahead touchdown until Kam Chancellor punched the ball from his hands at Seattle's 1-yard line. As the ball bounded into the end zone, K. J. Wright batted the ball across the end line. By NFL rules, the intentional guiding of the ball across the end line should have resulted in a penalty, giving the ball back to the Lions at the spot of the fumble. But the back judge ruled that Wright's act was not blatant, and Seattle was given the ball at their own 20-yard line, after which they proceeded to run out the clock.

Dean Blandino, NFL VP of Officiating, stated after the game that the on-field officials made a mistake, and Detroit should have regained possession at the 1-yard line.[49]

With the loss, the Lions are 0–4, their worst start since 2010. With the Saints' win over the Cowboys on Sunday Night, the Lions are the league's only winless team.

#### Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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Cardinals | 0 | 28 | 7| 7| 42
Lions | 7 | 0 | 0| 10| 17

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: October 11
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,816
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (Fox): Justin Kutcher, Daryl Johnston and Holly Sonders
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Theo Riddick pass from Matthew Stafford for 6 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:48. Lions 7–0.

Second quarter

* ARI - Darren Fells pass from Carson Palmer for 14 yards Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:26. Tied 7–7.
* ARI - David Johnson 4 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:05. Cardinals 14–7.
* ARI - David Johnson 2 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 99 yards, 2:25. Cardinals 21–7.
* ARI - John Brown 18 yard pass from Carson Palmer. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 0:47. Cardinals 28–7.

Third quarter

* ARI - Larry Fitzgerald pass from Carson Palmer for 2 yards. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 3:47. Cardinals 35–7.

Fourth quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 40 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 2:13. Cardinals 35–10.
* ARI - Andre Ellington 63 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:31. Cardinals 42–10.
* DET - Lance Moore pass from Dan Orlovsky for 13 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 3:50. Cardinals 42–17.

Top passers

* ARI – Carson Palmer - 11/14, 161 yards, 3 TDs
* DET – Dan Orlovsky - 21/38, 1 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

* ARI – Chris Johnson - 11 carries, 103 yards
* DET – Zach Zenner - 10 carries, 30 yards

Top receivers

* ARI – John Brown - 4 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Golden Tate - 8 receptions, 74 yards

Top tacklers

* ARI – Jerraud Powers - 10 tackles, 2 assists
* DET – James Ihedigbo - 5 tackles, 1 assist

|

The highlight of the game was when Calvin Johnson caught his 671st pass with the Lions, breaking Herman Moore's franchise record. Inconsistent play by Matthew Stafford, including throwing 3 interceptions, forced him to the sidelines for the game's remainder. With the blowout loss, the Lions remained winless at 0–5.

This marks the first time the Lions have started a season 0–5 since 2008 (when they went 0-16).

#### Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears

[edit]

Week Six: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| OT| Total

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Bears | 3 | 10 | 3| 18| 0| 34
Lions | 7 | 14 | 3| 10| 3| 37

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: October 18
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 57,648
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Lance Moore pass from Matthew Stafford for 20 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:31. Lions 7–0.
* CHI - Robbie Gould 27 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:41. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

* CHI - Jeremy Langford 1 yard rush. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:51. Bears 10–7.
* DET - Timothy Wright pass from Matthew Stafford for 8 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:31. Lions 14–10.
* CHI - Robbie Gould 23 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:27. Lions 14–13.
* DET - Golden Tate pass from Matthew Stafford for 2 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 3:57. Lions 21–13.

Third quarter

* CHI - Robbie Gould 38 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:30. Lions 21–16.
* DET - Matt Prater 39 yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 4:07. Lions 24–16.

Fourth quarter

* CHI - Alshon Jeffery pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:31. Lions 24–23.
* CHI - Matt Forte 2 yard rush. Matt Forte pass from Jay Cutler two-point conversion is good. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:09: Bears 31–24.
* DET - Matt Prater 32 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:04. Bears 31–27.
* DET - Calvin Johnson pass from Matthew Stafford for 6 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:02. Lions 34–31.
* CHI - Robbie Gould 29 yard field goal. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:21. Tied 34–34.

Overtime

* DET - Matt Prater 27 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:54. Lions 37–34.

Top passers

* CHI – Jay Cutler - 26/41, 353 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Matthew Stafford - 27/42, 405 yards, 4 TDs

Top rushers

* CHI – Matt Forte - 24 carries, 69 yards
* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 14 carries, 48 yards

Top receivers

* CHI – Alshon Jeffery - 8 receptions, 147 yards
* DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 166 yards

Top tacklers

* CHI – Kyle Fuller - 7 tackles, 1 assist
* DET – Stephen Tulloch - 9 tackles, 4 assists

|

With an overtime victory over the visiting Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions are no longer winless, improving to 1–5. A 57-yard bomb from Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson with under three minutes to play in overtime set up Matt Prater for the game-winning 27-yard field goal.

#### Week 7: vs. Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

Week Seven: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Vikings | 3 | 12 | 10| 3| 28
Lions | 14 | 3 | 0| 2| 19

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: October 25
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,231
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Calvin Johnson 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:50. Lions 7–0.
* MIN - Blair Walsh 37 yard field goal is good. Drive: 15 plays, 63 yards, 7:23. Lions 7–3.
* DET - Eric Ebron 7 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:23. Lions 14–3.

Second quarter

* MIN - Blair Walsh 53 yard field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:13. Lions 14–6.
* DET - Matt Prater 52 yard field goal is good. Drive: 6 plays, 8 yards, 2:53. Lions 17–6.
* MIN - Kyle Rudolph 1 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh kick is no good. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:14. Lions 17–12.
* MIN - Blair Walsh 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 1:13. Lions 17–15.

Third quarter

* MIN - Stefon Diggs 36 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh Kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:41. Vikings 22–17.
* MIN - Blair Walsh 35 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:07. Vikings 25–17.

Fourth quarter

* MIN - Blair Walsh 22 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:57. Vikings 28–17.
* DET - Vikings punter Jeff Locke steps out of bounds in end zone for a Lions safety. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 0:57. Vikings 28–19.

Top passers

* MIN – Teddy Bridgewater - 25/35, 316 yards, 2 TDs
* DET – Matthew Stafford - 18/26, 256 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

* MIN – Adrian Peterson - 19 carries, 98 yards
* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 43 yards

Top receivers

* MIN – Stefon Diggs - 6 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Eric Ebron - 5 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

* MIN – Harrison Smith - 5 tackles, 4 assists
* DET – Josh Bynes - 5 tackles, 2 assists

|

Despite leading 17–15 at halftime, the Lions only managed to score 2 more points the rest of the game on an intentional safety taken by the Vikings in the closing seconds, losing 28–19 and dropping to 1–6. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was hit 13 times and sacked 7 times. The next day, the Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn and assistant offensive line coach Terry Heffernan. Quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter will take over as offensive coordinator, tight ends coach Ron Prince takes over for Washburn, and special teams assistant Devin Fitzsimmons takes over as the new tight ends coach.[50]

#### Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

See also: NFL International Series

Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lions | 3 | 0 | 0| 7| 10
Chiefs | 7 | 17 | 7| 14| 45

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

* Date: November 1
* Game time: 2:30 p.m. GMT/9:30 a.m. EST
* Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 83,624
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 35 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:51. Lions 3–0.
* KC - De'Anthony Thomas 10 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:02. Chiefs 7–3.

Second quarter

* KC - Alex Smith 12 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:47. Chiefs 14–3.
* KC - Cairo Santos 33 yard field goal is good. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:42. Chiefs 17–3.
* KC - Charcandrick West 8 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:53. Chiefs 24–3.

Third quarter

* KC - Travis Kelce 2 yard pass from Alex Smith. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 6:07. Chiefs 31–3.

Fourth quarter

* KC - Jeremy Maclin 17 yard pass from Alex Smith. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:46. Chiefs 38–3.
* DET - Lance Moore 21 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:50. Chiefs 38–10.
* KC - Spencer Ware 4 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:41. Chiefs 45–10.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/36, 217 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
* KC – Alex Smith - 18/26, 145 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

* DET – Joique Bell - 7 carries, 56 yards
* KC – Charcandrick West - 20 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD

Top receivers

* DET – Calvin Johnson - 5 receptions, 85 yards
* KC – Travis Kelce - 6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

* DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles
* KC – Derrick Johnson - 5 tackles, 1 sack

|

After the blowout overseas loss, the Lions entered their bye week at 1–7, the NFL's worst record so far this season. Despite the changeover in offensive coaches, Matthew Stafford was sacked six more times. On November 5, the Lions fired President Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew. Former vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White will serve as the team's interim general manager.[1]

#### Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

[edit]

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lions | 0 | 3 | 6| 9| 18
Packers | 3 | 0 | 0| 13| 16

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

* Date: November 15
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
* Game attendance: 78,526
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* GB - Mason Crosby 44 yard field goal is good. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 4:54. Packers 3–0.

Second quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 49 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:33. Tied 3–3.

Third quarter

* DET - Brandon Pettigrew pass from Matthew Stafford for 2 yards. Matt Prater kick is no good. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 1:27. Lions 9–3.

Fourth quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:39. Lions 12–3.
* GB - Richard Rodgers pass from Aaron Rodgers for 4 yards. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 4:05. Lions 12–10.
* DET - Lance Moore pass from Matthew Stafford for 4 yards. Matt Prater kick is no good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:58. Lions 18–10.
* GB - Justin Perillo pass from Aaron Rodgers for 11 yards. Two point conversion attempt is no good. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:25. Lions 18–16.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 24/38, 242 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
* GB – Aaron Rodgers - 35/61, 333 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

* DET – Joique Bell - 14 carries, 17 yards
* GB – James Starks - 15 carries, 42 yards

Top receivers

* DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 81 yards
* GB – Davante Adams - 10 receptions, 79 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – Isa Abdul-Quddus - 8 tackles
* GB – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - 9 tackles, 2 assists

|

The 1–7 Lions withstood a late rally to earn an upset win over the 6–2 Packers. This was the first Lions win over Green Bay in Wisconsin since 1991.[51] Ameer Abdullah set up the Lions first touchdown when he returned a kickoff 104 yards, and was stopped at the one-yard line. This tied the record set by Percy Harvin in 2011 for the longest non-scoring play in NFL history.[52]

#### Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders

[edit]

Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Raiders | 0 | 0 | 13| 0| 13
Lions | 6 | 3 | 0| 9| 18

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: November 22
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,202
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 29 yard field goal is good. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:06. Lions 3–0.
* DET - Matt Prater 41 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:30. Lions 6–0.

Second quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 2:38. Lions 9–0.

Third quarter

* OAK - Latavius Murray 1 yard rush. Sabastian Janikowski kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:36. Lions 9–7.
* OAK - Sebastian Janikowski 48 yard field goal is good. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:55. Raiders 10–9.
* OAK - Sebastian Janikowski 56 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:06. Raiders 13–9.

Fourth quarter

* DET - Matthew Stafford 5 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:11. Lions 16–13.
* DET - Donald Penn of Raiders tackled in end zone for safety. 2 plays, -8 yards, 0:30. Lions 18–13.

Top passers

* OAK – Derek Carr - 13/25, 169 yards
* DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/35, 282 yards

Top rushers

* OAK – Latavius Murray - 13 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 12 carries, 44 yards

Top receivers

* OAK – Seth Roberts - 2 receptions, 54 yards
* DET – Calvin Johnson - 5 receptions 88 yards

Top tacklers

* OAK – Khalil Mack - 8 tackles
* DET – Quandre Diggs - 5 tackles, 1 assist

|

The 18–13 win over the visiting Raiders gave the Lions their first back–to–back victories of the season. The Lions became the first team in NFL history to score exactly 18 points in consecutive games.[53]

#### Week 12: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

Thanksgiving Day game

Week Twelve: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Eagles | 0 | 7 | 0| 7| 14
Lions | 7 | 17 | 14| 7| 45

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: November 26
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,445
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET – Theo Riddick 8-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 2:14. Lions 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:27.

Second quarter

* PHI – Brent Celek 2-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Caleb Sturgis kick), 14:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:50.
* DET – Golden Tate 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:58. Lions 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:27.
* DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 5:04. Lions 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:21.
* DET – Calvin Johnson 25-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:17. Lions 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:56.

Third quarter

* DET – Calvin Johnson 4-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:13. Lions 31–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:51.
* DET – Calvin Johnson 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 5:10. Lions 38–7. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:28.

Fourth quarter

* DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 10:45. Lions 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:36.
* PHI – Jordan Matthews 24-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:02. Lions 45–14. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:07.

Top passers

* PHI – Mark Sanchez – 19/27, 199 yards, 2 TD
* DET – Matthew Stafford – 27/38, 337 yards, 5 TD

Top rushers

* PHI – Kenjon Barner – 7 rushes, 30 yards
* DET – Ameer Abdullah – 16 rushes, 63 yards

Top receivers

* PHI – Jordan Matthews – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD
* DET – Calvin Johnson – 8 receptions, 93 yards, 3 TD

Top tacklers

* PHI – Walter Thurmond III \- 6 tackles, 3 assists
* DET – Tahir Whitehead \- 4 tackles, 2 assists

|

Celebrating their 76th Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions routed the Eagles for their third consecutive win. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes, three of them to Calvin Johnson. Having lost at Ford Field for the first time, the Eagles dropped to 6–1 when playing on Thanksgiving.

#### Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers

[edit]

Week Thirteen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Packers | 0 | 0 | 14| 13| 27
Lions | 17 | 0 | 3| 3| 23

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: December 3
* Game time: 8:25 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 63,207
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS/NFLN): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET – Matt Prater 51-yard field goal, 8:53. Lions 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:04.
* DET – Eric Ebron 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:53. Lions 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:53.
* DET – Calvin Johnson 17-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:08. Lions 17–0. Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:06.

Second quarter

* No scoring plays.

Third quarter

* DET – Matt Prater 34-yard field goal, 8:58. Lions 20-0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:06.
* GB – Randall Cobb fumble recovery in DET end zone (Mason Crosby kick), 5:53. Lions 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:10.
* GB – Davante Adams 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:12. Lions 20–14. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:31.

Fourth quarter

* DET – Matt Prater 42-yard field goal, 7:11. Lions 23-14. Drive: 13 plays, 34 yards, 6:29.
* GB – Aaron Rodgers 17-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 3:12. Lions 23–21. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:02.
* GB – Richard Rodgers II 61-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (rush failed), 0:00. Packers 27–23. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 0:23.

Top passers

* GB – Aaron Rodgers – 24/36, 273 yards, 2 TD, INT
* DET – Matthew Stafford – 23/35, 220 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

* GB – Aaron Rodgers – 4 rushes, 27 yards, TD
* DET – Ameer Abdullah – 13 rushes, 67 yards

Top receivers

* GB – Richard Rodgers II – 8 receptions, 146 yards, TD
* DET – Golden Tate – 8 receptions, 63 yards

Top tacklers

* GB – Jake Ryan \- 6 tackles, 4 assists
* DET – Isa Abdul-Quddus \- 9 tackles, 2 assists

|

Despite the Lions leading the entire game, the Packers won the game after the official clock expired when a controversial facemask penalty against Devin Taylor gave them one extra untimed play. On that play, Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers for the winning touchdown. The play was later dubbed the "Miracle in Motown".

#### Week 14: at St. Louis Rams

[edit]

Week Fourteen: Detroit Lions at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lions | 0 | 0 | 7| 7| 14
Rams | 0 | 7 | 7| 7| 21

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

* Date: December 13
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 51,202
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* No scoring plays.

Second quarter

* STL – Trumaine Johnson 58-yard interception return (Greg Zuerlein kick), 5:07. Rams 7–0.

Third quarter

* DET – Golden Tate 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:21.
* STL – Todd Gurley 5-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:02. Rams 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:38.

Fourth quarter

* STL – Todd Gurley 15-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:25. Rams 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:33.
* DET – Golden Tate 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 2:07. Rams 21–14. Drive: 14 plays, 86 yards, 4:13.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford – 30/46, 245 yards, 2 TD, INT
* STL – Case Keenum – 14/22, 124 yards, INT

Top rushers

* DET – Joique Bell – 7 rushes, 50 yards
* STL – Todd Gurley – 16 rushes, 140 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

* DET – Golden Tate – 9 receptions, 60 yards, 2 TD
* STL – Kenny Britt – 2 receptions, 35 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – Josh Bynes \- 7 tackles, 1 assist
* STL – Mark Barron \- 8 tackles, 3 assists

|

After a scoreless first quarter against the Rams in St. Louis, the Lions' attempt at a comeback in the second half fell short. The ninth loss guaranteed a losing season, the team's third in the last four years, and officially eliminated the Lions from playoff contention.

#### Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Week Fifteen: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lions | 7 | 14 | 7| 7| 35
Saints | 3 | 0 | 7| 17| 27

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

* Date: December 21
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 73,017
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Golden Tate 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:34. Lions 7–0.
* NO - Kai Forbath 45 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:45. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

* DET - Michael Burton 4 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:54. Lions 14–3.
* DET - Golden Tate 5 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:38. Lions 21–3.

Third quarter

* DET - Ameer Abdullah 15 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:10. Lions 28–3.
* NO - Brandin Cooks 27 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:28. Lions 28–10.

Fourth quarter

* NO - Kai Forbath 22 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:19. Lions 28–13.
* NO - Marques Colston 11 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:41. Lions 28–20.
* DET - Joique Bell 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:42. Lions 35–20.
* NO - Benjamin Watson 1 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 3:29. Lions 35–27.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/25, 254 yards, 3 TDs
* NO – Drew Brees - 34/52, 341 yards, 3 TDs

Top rushers

* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 9 carries, 77 yards
* NO – Tim Hightower - 13 carries, 54 yards

Top receivers

* DET – Eric Ebron - 4 receptions, 79 yards
* NO – Brandin Cooks - 10 receptions, 124 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 2 assists
* NO – Kenny Vaccaro - 7 tackles

|

The Lions defeated the Saints 35–27, as Matthew Stafford posted a single-game career high in passer rating (148.6), and broke Jon Kitna's single-game franchise record with an 88.0 completion percentage (22-for-25).[54] It was the team's first road win over the Saints since 2005.

#### Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

49ers | 7 | 10 | 0| 0| 17
Lions | 3 | 17 | 3| 9| 32

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

* Date: December 27
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 61,313
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* SF - Vance McDonald 1 yard pass from Blaine Gabbert. Phil Dawson kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:36. 49ers 7–0.
* DET - Matt Prater 36 yard field goal is good. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:05. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

* DET - TJ Jones 29 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:39. Lions 10–7.
* SF - Torrey Smith 16 yard pass from Blaine Gabbert. Phil Dawson kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 2:49. 49ers 14–10.
* DET - Joique Bell 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03. Lions 17–14.
* SF - Phil Dawson 40 yd field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 2:06. Tied 17–17.
* DET - Matt Prater 38 yard field goal is good. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 0:35. Lions 20–17.

Third quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 37 yard field goal is good. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:35. Lions 23–17.

Fourth quarter

* DET - Calvin Johnson 1 yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:27. Lions 29–17.
* DET - Matt Prater 34 yard field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 24 yards, 3:43. Lions 32–17.

Top passers

* SF – Blaine Gabbert - 22/33, 225 yards, 2 TDs
* DET – Matthew Stafford - 29/37, 301 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

* SF – DuJuan Harris - 11 carries, 73 yards
* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 39 yards

Top receivers

* SF – Vance McDonald - 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD
* DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

* SF – NaVorro Bowman - 8 tackles, 2 assists, .5 sack
* DET – Darius Slay - 6 tackles

|

After multiple lead changes and a close halftime score, the Lions pulled away and won their last home game of the season, keeping the 49ers scoreless for the entire second half. Theo Riddick caught 7 passes for 63 yards, giving him 668 receiving yards on the season, a Lions franchise record for a running back.[55]

#### Week 17: at Chicago Bears

[edit]

Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Lions | 7 | 3 | 7| 7| 24
Bears | 0 | 0 | 10| 10| 20

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

* Date: January 3, 2016
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: 31 °F (−1 °C), cloudy
* Game attendance: 61,177
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Molly McGrath
* Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

* DET - Timothy Wright 9 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:46. Lions 7–0.

Second quarter

* DET - Matt Prater 59 yard field goal. Drive: 3 plays, -2 yards, 0:11. Lions 10–0.

Third quarter

* CHI - Robbie Gould 49 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:57. Lions 10–3.
* CHI - Joshua Bellamy 34 yard pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 1:22. Tied 10–10.
* DET - Calvin Johnson 36 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:21. Lions 17–10.

Fourth quarter

* CHI - Matt Forte 23 yard pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:47. Tied 17–17.
* DET - Eric Ebron 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:34. Lions 24–17.
* CHI - Robbie Gould 34 yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:07. Lions 24–20.

Top passers

* DET – Matthew Stafford - 28/39, 298 yards, 3 TDs
* CHI – Jay Cutler - 17/23, 245 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs

Top rushers

* DET – Ameer Abdullah - 10 carries, 44 yards
* CHI – Matt Forte - 17 carries, 76 yards

Top receivers

* DET – Calvin Johnson - 10 receptions, 137 yards
* CHI – Marc Mariani - 6 receptions, 80 yards

Top tacklers

* DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 1 assist
* CHI – John Timu - 8 tackles

|

The Lions completed a season sweep of their division rival Chicago Bears with a 24–20 win. The loss sunk the Bears to last place in the NFC North, with the Lions finishing third. Matthew Stafford completed 28 of 39 passes, giving him a season completion percentage of 67.2, the best for a quarterback in franchise history. Theo Riddick caught 4 passes for 29 yards, giving him season totals of 80 receptions and 697 yards, both franchise records for a running back. The Lions finished the season with three players catching 80 passes or more – Golden Tate (90), Calvin Johnson (88) and Riddick (80) – a first for any Lions team. Matt Prater kicked a 59-yard field goal in the game, the longest in Lions franchise history and the longest ever kicked at Soldier Field.[56]

## Standings

[edit]

### Division

[edit]

NFC North

* view
* talk
* edit

| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK
(3) Minnesota Vikings | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 5–1  | 8–4  | 365  | 302  | W3
(5) Green Bay Packers | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 3–3  | 7–5  | 368  | 323  | L2
Detroit Lions | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 6–6  | 358  | 400  | W3
Chicago Bears | 6  | 10  | 0  | .375  | 1–5  | 3–9  | 335  | 397  | L1

### Conference

[edit]

NFC

* v
* t
* e

#  | Team  | Division  | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK
Division Leaders
1  | Carolina Panthers | South  | 15  | 1  | 0  | .938  | 5–1  | 11–1  | .441  | .438  | W1
2  | Arizona Cardinals | West  | 13  | 3  | 0  | .813  | 4–2  | 10–2  | .477  | .457  | L1
3  | Minnesota Vikings | North  | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 5–1  | 8–4  | .504  | .449  | W3
4  | Washington Redskins | East  | 9  | 7  | 0  | .563  | 4–2  | 8–4  | .465  | .403  | W4
Wild Cards
5[a] | Green Bay Packers | North  | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 3–3  | 7–5  | .531  | .450  | L2
6[a] | Seattle Seahawks | West  | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 3–3  | 7–5  | .520  | .431  | W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7  | Atlanta Falcons | South  | 8  | 8  | 0  | .500  | 1–5  | 5–7  | .480  | .453  | L1
8[b] | St. Louis Rams | West  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 4–2  | 6–6  | .527  | .482  | L1
9[b] | Detroit Lions | North  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 6–6  | .535  | .429  | W3
10[b] | Philadelphia Eagles | East  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 4–8  | .508  | .473  | W1
11[b] | New Orleans Saints | South  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 5–7  | .504  | .402  | W2
12[c] | New York Giants | East  | 6  | 10  | 0  | .375  | 2–4  | 4–8  | .500  | .396  | L3
13[c] | Chicago Bears | North  | 6  | 10  | 0  | .375  | 1–5  | 3–9  | .547  | .469  | L1
14[c] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South  | 6  | 10  | 0  | .375  | 3–3  | 5–7  | .484  | .406  | L4
15  | San Francisco 49ers | West  | 5  | 11  | 0  | .313  | 1–5  | 4–8  | .539  | .463  | W1
16  | Dallas Cowboys | East  | 4  | 12  | 0  | .250  | 3–3  | 3–9  | .531  | .438  | L4
Tiebreakers[d]

1. ^ a b Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
2. ^ a b c d St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
3. ^ a b c The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
4. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

## Staff

[edit]

2015 Detroit Lions staff |

Front office

* Owner/chairman – Martha Firestone Ford
* Vice chairman – William Clay Ford, Jr.
* President – Rod Wood
* COO - Allison Maki
* General manager – Sheldon White (interim)
* Senior personnel executive – Brian Xanders
* Senior personnel executive – Scott McEwen
* Senior vice president of football operations – Cedric Saunders
* Director of college scouting – Lance Newmark
* Assistant director of pro personnel – Rob Lohman

Head coaches

* Head coach – Jim Caldwell
* Assistant head coach/tight ends/ interim offensive line – Ron Prince

Offensive coaches

* Offensive coordinator – Joe Lombardi (fired Oct 26, 2015)
* Quarterbacks/interim offensive coordinator – Jim Bob Cooter
* Running backs – Curtis Modkins
* Wide receivers – Robert Prince
* Interim tight ends – Devin Fitzsimmons
* Offensive line – Jeremiah Washburn (fired Oct 26, 2015)
* Assistant offensive line – Ryan Silverfield
* Offensive assistant/research & analysis – Evan Rothstein

|  |  | Defensive coaches

* Defensive coordinator – Teryl Austin
* Defensive line – Kris Kocurek
* Assistant defensive line – Jim Washburn
* Linebackers – Bill Sheridan
* Safeties – Alan Williams
* Cornerbacks – Tony Oden
* Senior coaching assistant – Gunther Cunningham
* Defensive quality control – Matt Raich

Special teams coaches

* Special teams coordinator – Joe Marciano

Strength and conditioning

* coordinator of physical development – Jason Arapoff
* Assistant strength and conditioning – Ted Rath

|
|
|
|

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Twentyman, Tim (November 5, 2015). "Lions announce organizational changes". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on August 18, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
2. ^ "Martha Firestone Ford names Rod Wood team president". Detroit Lions. November 19, 2015. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
3. ^ Twentyman, Tim (February 27, 2015). "Lions sign Don Muhlbach to one-year deal". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
4. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign quarterback Dan Orlovsky". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
5. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign defensive end Darryl Tapp". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
6. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign kicker Matt Prater to three-year deal". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
7. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign QB Kellen Moore to two-year deal". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
8. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 10, 2015). "Lions re-sign linebacker Josh Bynes". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
9. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 11, 2015). "Lions re-sign safety Isa-Abdul Quddus". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
10. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 18, 2015). "Lions re-sign cornerback Rashean Mathis". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
11. ^ Wilkening, Mike (April 20, 2015). "Lions WR Jeremy Ross, six other ERFAs re-sign on Monday". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
12. ^ Sessler, Marc (August 5, 2015). "Lions, DeAndre Levy agree to 4-year $33.7M extension". NFL.com. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
13. ^ Twentyman, Tim (February 27, 2015). "Lions sign pass rusher Phillip Hunt". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on February 27, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
14. ^ Twentyman, Tim (March 12, 2015). "Lions sign defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
15. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 3, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback Josh Wilson". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on April 8, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
16. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 7, 2015). "Lions sign linebacker Brandon Copeland". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
17. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 7, 2015). "Lions sign 12 undrafted free agents". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
18. ^ Twentyman, Tim; O'Hara, Mike (May 7, 2015). "Five draft picks sign rookie contracts". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
19. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 11, 2015). "Lions sign three tryout players". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 13, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
20. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign tryout RB Desmond Martin". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
21. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign veteran WR Lance Moore". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
22. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign two veteran players". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
23. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign second-round pick Ameer Abdullah". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
24. ^ a b Yuille, Sean (June 10, 2015). "Lions sign David Ausberry, release Nathan Lindsey". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
25. ^ Twentyman, Tim (June 11, 2015). "Laken Tomlinson signs rookie deal". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on June 13, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
26. ^ Meinke, Kyle (June 12, 2015). "Detroit Lions claim QB Garrett Gilbert from Patriots, release Anthony Boone". MLive.com. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
27. ^ Twentyman, Tim (June 22, 2015). "Lions sign Taylor Mays". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
28. ^ Twentyman, Tim (July 28, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback R.J. Stanford". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on July 30, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
29. ^ Twentyman, Tim (August 4, 2015). "Lions sign Ethan Davis". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
30. ^ Twentyman, Tim (February 25, 2015). "Lions release Reggie Bush". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
31. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 11, 2015). "Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins strike mega deal". National Football League. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
32. ^ O'Hara, Mike (March 12, 2015). "FB Jed Collins signs with Cowboys". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
33. ^ Wesseling, Chris (March 13, 2015). "Nick Fairley leaves Detroit Lions for St. Louis Rams". National Football League. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
34. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 21, 2015). "Lions release guard Rodney Austin following arrest". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on April 25, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
35. ^ Yuille, Sean (May 11, 2015). "Lions release WR Desmond Lawrence". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
36. ^ Yuille, Sean (May 12, 2015). "Lions release another undrafted free agent". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
37. ^ Rogers, Justin (May 13, 2015). "Detroit Lions free up a roster spot, release WR Skye Dawson". MLive.com. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
38. ^ Yuille, Sean (June 3, 2015). "Lions release WR Erik Lora". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
39. ^ Yuille, Sean (June 12, 2015). "Lions swap out quarterbacks". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
40. ^ Yuille, Sean (June 17, 2015). "Lions release RB Rasheed Williams (again)". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
41. ^ Yuille, Sean (August 4, 2015). "Lions claim Jerel Worthy off waivers, release Jerrell Harris". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
42. ^ Meinke, Kyle (August 8, 2015). "Detroit Lions have open roster spot after waiving Ethan Davis". MLive.com. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
43. ^ a b Wesseling, Chris (March 10, 2015). "Lions acquire Haloti Ngata in trade with Ravens". National Football League. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
44. ^ a b Patra, Kevin (April 15, 2015). "Lions trade George Johnson to Buccaneers". National Football League. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
45. ^ Twentyman, Tim (August 2, 2015). "Lions trade Mohammed Seisay to Seattle". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
46. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 30, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade back, draft guard Laken Tomlinson". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 2, 2015. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
47. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 1, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft cornerback Alex Carter". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 4, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
48. ^ Twentyman, Tim (May 2, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft defensive tackle Gabe Wright". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
49. ^ Booth, Tim (October 6, 2015). "Chancellor's big play allows Seattle to beat Detroit 13-10". Retrieved October 21, 2015.
50. ^ Twentyman, Tim (October 26, 2015). "Lions reorganize offensive staff". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on October 28, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
51. ^ Hanzus, Dan (November 15, 2015). "Lions stun Packers, break long losing skid in Green Bay". NFL.com. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
52. ^ Rothstein, Michael (November 15, 2015). "Ameer Abdullah ties NFL record with 104-yard kickoff return vs. Packers". ESPN. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
53. ^ "Stafford's go-ahead TD run helps Lions beat Raiders". ESPN. November 22, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
54. ^ Wesseling, Chris (December 23, 2015). "Streaking Matthew Stafford leads Lions past Saints". NFL.com. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
55. ^ "Theo Riddick sets Lions franchise record for receiving yards by a RB". FoxSports.com. December 27, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
56. ^ "Stafford, Johnson lead Lions over Bears 24-20". CBSsports.com. January 3, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Detroit Lions

* Founded in 1928
* Formerly the Portsmouth Spartans (1928–1933)
* Based in Detroit, Michigan
* Headquartered in Allen Park, Michigan

Franchise|

* Ownership:
* William Clay
* Martha Firestone Ford
* Sheila Ford Hamp
* Franchise overview
* Team history
* in Portsmouth, Ohio

Records|

* All-time roster (A–Las, Lat–Z)
* Coaches
* Draft history
* First-round draft picks
* Picks from 1936 to 1969
* Picks from 1970 to present
* Lists of players
* NFL All-Decade Team selections
* Pride of the Lions
* Pro Bowlers
* Pro Football Hall of Famers
* Retired numbers
* 7
* 20
* 20
* 20
* 22
* 37
* 56
* 85
* Seasons
* Starting quarterbacks

Stadiums|

* Universal Stadium
* University of Detroit Stadium
* Tiger Stadium
* Pontiac Silverdome
* Ford Field

Culture|

* NFL on Thanksgiving Day
* Paper Lion (film)
* "What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye song)
* Home Improvement
* Beverly Hills Cop
* Axel Foley
* Cheerleaders

Lore|

* 1932 NFL Playoff Game
* Curse of Bobby Layne
* 0–16
* Miracle in Motown

Rivalries|

* Chicago Bears
* Green Bay Packers
* Minnesota Vikings

Division championships (9)|

* 1935
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1957
* 1983
* 1991
* 1993
* 2023

League championships (4)|

* 1935
* 1952
* 1953
* 1957

Media|

* Broadcasters
* Radio: Radio network
* Dan Miller
* Lomas Brown
* WXYT-FM
* TV: Television network
* WJBK
* Bally Sports Detroit

Current league affiliations|

* League: National Football League (1930–present)
* Conference: National Football Conference (1970–present)
* Division: North Division (2002–present)

* v
* t
* e

Detroit Lions seasons

Formerly the Portsmouth Spartans (1930–1933)

* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* 1934
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939
* 1940
* 1941
* 1942
* 1943
* 1944
* 1945
* 1946
* 1947
* 1948
* 1949
* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
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* 1995
* 1996
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* 2000
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* 2010
* 2011
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* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

Bold indicates NFL Championship (1920–69) or Super Bowl (1966–present) victory
Italics indicates NFL Championship (1920–69) or Super Bowl (1966–present) appearance

* v
* t
* e

2015 NFL season

| AFC| East | North| South| West| East| North| South| West | NFC

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Buffalo | Baltimore| Houston| Denver| Dallas| Chicago| Atlanta| Arizona
Miami | Cincinnati| Indianapolis| Kansas City| NY Giants| Detroit| Carolina| St. Louis
New England | Cleveland| Jacksonville| Oakland| Philadelphia| Green Bay| New Orleans| San Francisco
NY Jets | Pittsburgh| Tennessee| San Diego| Washington| Minnesota| Tampa Bay| Seattle

* 2015 NFL Draft
* NFL playoffs
* NFL Honors
* Pro Bowl
* Super Bowl 50

*[FB]: Fullback
*[C]: Center
*[T]: Ties
*[G/C]: Offensive guard / center
*[G]: Offensive guard
*[DE]: Defensive end
*[DT]: Defensive tackle
*[OLB]: Outside linebacker
*[MLB]: Middle linebacker
*[SS]: Strong safety
*[CB]: Cornerback
*[FS]: Free safety
*[P]: Punter
*[LS]: Long snapper
*[K]: Kicker
*[TE]: Tight end
*[WR]: Wide receiver
*[QB]: Quarterback
*[RB]: Running back
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses
*[PCT]: Winning percentage
*[DIV]: Win–Loss record within their division
*[CONF]: Win–Loss record within their conference
*[PF]: Points For (Total points scored)
*[PA]: Points Against (Total points allowed)
*[STK]: Current Winning or Losing Streak
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[SOS]: Strength of Schedule
*[SOV]: Strength of Victory