2015 Detroit Lions season

2015 Detroit Lions season
Head coach Jim Caldwell
General manager Martin Mayhew (fired Nov. 5)
Sheldon White (interim)
Owner Martha Firestone Ford
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

The 2015 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 86th season in the National Football League, 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. Also this season involved the Lions first win in Green Bay since 1991.

Offseason

Re-signings

Date Player Position Contract Source
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

Date Player Position Previous team Contract Source
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

Date Player Position Note New Team Source
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

Draft

Main article: 2015 NFL draft
2015 Detroit Lions Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
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

Final roster

2015 Detroit Lions final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 13 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
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 FedEx Field 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

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
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 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

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

Week One: Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 14 0728
Chargers 3 7 101333

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

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

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

Week Two: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 10 0616
Vikings 7 10 6326

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

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

Week Three: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 14 01024
Lions 0 6 6012

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

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

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

Week Four: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 0710
Seahawks 0 10 3013

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

First quarter
  • No scoring
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

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 28 7742
Lions 7 0 01017

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

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

Week Six: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Bears 3 10 318034
Lions 7 14 310337

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

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 37–24.
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

Week Seven: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 12 10328
Lions 14 3 0219

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

Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 0 0710
Chiefs 7 17 71445

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

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 6918
Packers 3 0 01316

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 13013
Lions 6 3 0918

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

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

Thanksgiving Day game
Week Twelve: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 7 0714
Lions 7 17 14745

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 is good. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:27. Lions 7–0.
Second quarter
  • PHI - Brent Celek 2 yard pass from Mark Sanchez. Caleb Sturgis kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:50. Tied 7–7.
  • DET - Golden Tate 2 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:27. Lions 14–7.
  • DET - Matt Prater 48 yard field goal is good. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:21. Lions 17–7.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 25 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:56. Lions 24–7.
Third quarter
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 4 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:51. Lions 31–7.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 3 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:28. Lions 38–7.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 yard Run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:36. Lions 45–7.
  • PHI - Jordan Matthews 24 yard pass from Mark Sanchez. Caleb Sturgis kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:07. Lions 45–14.
Top passers
  • PHI – Mark Sanchez - 19/27, 199 yards, 2 TDs
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 27/38, 337 yards, 5 TDs
Top rushers
  • PHI – Kenjon Barner - 7 carries, 30 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 16 carries, 30 yards
Top receivers
  • PHI – Jordan Matthews - 3 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 8 receptions, 93 yards, 3 TDs
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

Week Thirteen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 0 0 141327
Lions 17 0 3323

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:04. Lions 3–0.
  • DET - Eric Ebron 3 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:53. Lions 10–0.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 17 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:06. Lions 17–0.
Second quarter

No scoring

Third quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 34 yard field goal is good. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:06. Lions 20–0.
  • GB - Randall Cobb fumble recovery in end zone. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:10. Lions 20–7.
  • GB - Davante Adams 8 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:31. Lions 20–14.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 42 yard field goal is good. Drive: 13 plays, 34 yards, 6:29. Lions 23–14.
  • GB - Aaron Rodgers 17 yd run. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:02. Lions 23–21.
  • GB - Richard Rodgers 61 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 0:23. Packers 27–23.
Top passers
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers - 24/36, 273 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 23/35, 220 yards, 2 TDs
Top rushers
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers - 4 carries, 27 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 13 carries, 67 yards
Top receivers
  • GB – Richard Rodgers - 8 receptions, 146 yards, 1 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

Week Fourteen: Detroit Lions at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 7714
Rams 0 7 7721

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

Second quarter
  • STL - Trumaine Johnson 58 yard interception return. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 4:55. Rams 7–0.
Third quarter
  • DET - Golden Tate 9 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:21. Tied 7–7.
  • STL - Todd Gurley 5 yard run. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:38. Rams 14–7.
Fourth quarter
  • STL - Todd Gurley 15 yard run. Greg Zuerlein kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:33. Rams 21–7.
  • DET - Golden Tate 2 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 14 plays, 86 yards, 4:13. Rams 21–14.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 30/46, 245 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • STL – Case Keenum - 14/22, 124 yards, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell - 7 carries, 50 yards
  • STL – Todd Gurley - 16 carries, 140 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Golden Tate - 9 receptions, 60 yards
  • 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 half 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

Week Fifteen: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 14 7735
Saints 3 0 71727

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

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 10 0017
Lions 3 17 3932

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

Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 3 7724
Bears 0 0 101020

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

Division

NFC North
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

# 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[lower-alpha 1] Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .531 .450 L2
6[lower-alpha 1] Seattle Seahawks West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .520 .431 W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7 Atlanta Falcons South 8 8 0 .500 1–5 5–7 .480 .453 L1
8[lower-alpha 2] St. Louis Rams West 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .527 .482 L1
9[lower-alpha 2] Detroit Lions North 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .535 .429 W3
10[lower-alpha 2] Philadelphia Eagles East 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 .508 .473 W1
11[lower-alpha 2] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 .504 .402 W2
12[lower-alpha 3] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .500 .396 L3
13[lower-alpha 3] Chicago Bears North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 3–9 .547 .469 L1
14[lower-alpha 3] 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[lower-alpha 4]
  1. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 4 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. 1 2 3 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.

Coaching staff

2015 Detroit Lions staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks – Jim Bob Cooter
  • Running Backs – Curtis Modkins
  • Wide Receivers – Robert Prince
  • Tight Ends – Devin Fitzsimmons
  • Assistant Offensive Line – Ryan Silverfield
  • Offensive Assistant/Research & Analysis – Evan Rothstein
 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Coordinator of Physical Development – Jason Arapoff
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Ted Rath

References

  1. 1 2 Twentyman, Tim (November 5, 2015). "Lions announce organizational changes". Detroit Lions. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Martha Firestone Ford names Rod Wood team president". Detroit Lions. November 19, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  3. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 27, 2015). "Lions sign Don Muhlbach to one-year deal". Detroit Lions. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  4. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign quarterback Dan Orlovsky". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  5. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign defensive end Darryl Tapp". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  6. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign kicker Matt Prater to three-year deal". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  7. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign QB Kellen Moore to two-year deal". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  8. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 10, 2015). "Lions re-sign linebacker Josh Bynes". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  9. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 11, 2015). "Lions re-sign safety Isa-Abdul Quddus". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  10. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 18, 2015). "Lions re-sign cornerback Rashean Mathis". Detroit Lions. 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. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  14. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 12, 2015). "Lions sign defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker". Detroit Lions. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  15. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 3, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback Josh Wilson". Detroit Lions. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  16. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 7, 2015). "Lions sign linebacker Brandon Copeland". Detroit Lions. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  17. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 7, 2015). "Lions sign 12 undrafted free agents". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  18. ↑ Twentyman, Tim; O'Hara, Mike (May 7, 2015). "Five draft picks sign rookie contracts". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  19. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 11, 2015). "Lions sign three tryout players". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
  20. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign tryout RB Desmond Martin". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  21. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign veteran WR Lance Moore". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  22. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign two veteran players". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  23. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign second-round pick Ameer Abdullah". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  24. 1 2 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. 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. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  28. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (July 28, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback R.J. Stanford". Detroit Lions. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  29. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (August 4, 2015). "Lions sign Ethan Davis". Detroit Lions. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  30. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 25, 2015). "Lions release Reggie Bush". Detroit Lions. 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. 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. 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. 1 2 Wesseling, Chris (March 10, 2015). "Lions acquire Haloti Ngata in trade with Ravens". National Football League. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  44. 1 2 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. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  46. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 30, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade back, draft guard Laken Tomlinson". Detroit Lions. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  47. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 1, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft cornerback Alex Carter". Detroit Lions. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  48. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 2, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft defensive tackle Gabe Wright". Detroit Lions. 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. 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". EPSN. 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

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/22/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.