2009 Detroit Lions season
Encyclopedia
The 2009
Detroit Lions
season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League
. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz
, and most of his new coaching staff. The Lions introduced new uniforms and logos this year.
announced head coach Rod Marinelli
had been fired. His record with the Lions was 10–38 in three seasons.
He also announced:
store. The Lion on the helmet now has a flowing mane and fangs, and the font of "Lions" is more modern and stylish.
The Lions' throwback uniforms that used were in 2008 became their official third uniform, however they were not used in 2009. The black jerseys used from 2005–2007 were officially discontinued on February 9, 2009, according to Lions team president Tom Lewand.
(who played for the Lions from 2006–2008) boarded a fishing boat off the Gulf Coast of Florida with former teammate Marquis Cooper
(most recently of the Oakland Raiders
) and former University of South Florida
players Nick Schuyler and William Blakely on February 28. Smith and Cooper played together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004
. They did not return as expected and the men and their boat were searched for by the U.S. Coast Guard for 3 days. The National Weather Service
said waves were about 2 to 4 feet Saturday morning and increased to 3 to 5 feet in the afternoon. Late Saturday night, a small craft advisory was issued, when winds were around 20 knots and waves were up to 7 feet or more. On March 2, at approximately 1:30 PM, Coast Guard Petty Official James Harless reported that Schuyler had been found alive "clinging to an overturned vessel". He was later diagnosed with hypothermia
and dehydration
.
On March 3, the Coast Guard called off the search.
Later that day, the Lions released this statement:
A private search led by the families of the still missing men began on March 4.
The Lions have also announced that Smith's jersey number, 93, will not be issued for the 2009 season.
The Lions also wore a 93 on the back of their helmets.
as part of the Roy Williams
trade in 2008. The trade also gave them additional picks in the 3rd and 6th rounds.
The Lions traded its 2009 fourth-round selection (101st overall) and its 2008 third-round selection (111th overall, which was traded to Cleveland) to Dallas for its 2008 third-round selection (92nd overall, used to select Cliff Avril
).
The Lions selected University of Georgia
quarterback
Matthew Stafford
for the #1 overall pick. The six-year contract reportedly contains $41.7 million in guaranteed money (the most guaranteed to any player in NFL history) and carries a total value of up to $78 million.
* from Dallas
** from New Orleans via New York Jets
*** from Washington via New York Jets
**** from New York Jets
***** from Atlanta via Denver
. The Saints struck first with just over 12 minutes left in the first quarter with a 9 yard TD catch by Marques Colston
from Drew Brees
. They made it 14–0 3 minutes later when Robert Meachem
caught a 29 yard TD pass by Brees. The Lions got on the board with just over 5 minutes left in the 1st quarter with a 47 yard Jason Hanson
field goal. They scored again just after the start of the second quarter when Kevin Smith
ran in a TD from 4 yards out. The Saints responded 10 minutes later with 2 back to back TD's by Jeremy Shockey
: from 1 yard and 15 yards respectively, putting the Saints up 28–10 at halftime. After the break, Lions QB Matt Stafford ran a TD in himself from 1 yard out. The Saints responded a few minutes later with a 39 yard field goal by John Carney. The Lions countered with a 24 yard Jason Hanson field goal 3 minutes later. Less than 20 seconds later, the Saints' Devery Henderson
caught a 58 TD yard pass. The Lions responded when Louis Delmas
picked up a Saints fumble and ran it back 65 yards for a TD. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13 yard TD catch by Heath Evans
of the Saints.
With the loss, the Lions began their season 0-1.
. The Lions struck first with a 30-yard Jason Hanson
field goal in the first quarter. They went ahead 10–0 in the second quarter when Calvin Johnson
caught a 8 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford
. The Vikings got on the board a few minutes later when Visanthe Shiancoe
caught a 1 yard TD pass from Brett Favre
.
The third quarter was all Minnesota: first a 26 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
, then a 27 yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. The Vikings added to their lead in the fourth quarter with another field goal, this one from 46 yards out; then a 3 yard TD catch by Percy Harvin
. The Lions got their only points of the second half with a 48-yard field goal.
With their 19th straight regular season loss, the Lions fell to 0-2. This also became the 2nd straight season where they have started a season at 0-2.
. The first half was all Detroit. After a goal line stand on a Redskins 4th and 1, the Lions drove 99 yards and scored with a Bryant Johnson 21 yard TD catch. Next in the second quarter were two field goals by Jason Hanson, from 39 yards and 26 yards out respectively, putting the Lions up 13–0 at halftime. The Redskins got on the board in the third quarter with a 57 yard TD catch by Santana Moss
. The Lions scored next with a 2 yard TD run by Maurice Morris
but failed on the 2 point conversion. The final score of the game was a 4 yard TD pass by Rock Cartwright
. The Lions defense prevented the Redskins' comeback, stopping a touchdown drive in the final seconds of the game. This win was the Lions' first regular-season victory since December 23, 2007, ending a franchise-record 19 consecutive losses, which was also the 2nd longest losing streak in NFL history, behind the 1976–77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
' streak of 26 straight losses as they improved to 1-2. Lions radio play-by-play man Dan Miller
said of the win and end to the streak, "Nightmare over."
Tom Cruise
and Katie Holmes
were in attendance as guests of Redskins owner Dan Snyder
.
. Detroit threw the opening punch in the first quarter with running back Kevin Smith's 1-yard touchdown run. The Bears would respond with quarterback Jay Cutler
's 5-yard touchdown run, yet Detroit answered with rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Heller. Chicago took the lead in the second quarter with Cutler's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Davis
and a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen
, but the Lions would tie the game prior to halftime with Smith's 3-yard touchdown run, capping off a 98 yard drive. However, in the third quarter, the Bears would set the tempo for the second half. It immediately began with wide receiver Johnny Knox
returning the half's opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 52-yard and a 22-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould
. Detroit tried to rally in the fourth quarter with kicker Jason Hanson's 35-yard field goal, but Chicago pulled away with running back Matt Forté
's 37-yard touchdown run and running back Garrett Wolfe
's 2-yard touchdown run. Stafford (24-of-36, 296 yards, TD, INT) left the game during the fourth quarter with a knee injury.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 1-3.
. The Lions scored first with a 46 yard Jason Hanson
field goal. The Steelers responded with a 7 yard TD run by Rashard Mendenhall
. The Lions replied with another 46 yard field goal. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh scored first with a 15 yard TD catch by Heath Miller
from Ben Roethlisberger
. The Lions retaliated with a 38 yard interception run for a touchdown by William James. Hines Ward
of the Steelers next got a touchdown of his own, a 17 yard catch, making the halftime score 21–13 Pittsburgh. After the break, Mike Wallace
of Pittsburgh caught a 47 yard TD pass. The final score of the game was a 25 yard catch by Detroit's Dennis Northcutt
. Lions backup QB Daunte Culpepper
was sacked 7 times in the loss, 3 of which were on consecutive downs.
to take on NFC North Division foes the Green Bay Packers
. They were shut out for the first time since 2001, and the first time by the Packers since 1946. The Packers scored 2 touchdowns in the first quarter: a 47 yard catch by James Jones
from Aaron Rodgers
, then a 1 yard catch by John Kuhn
. In the second quarter Mason Crosby
kicked 3 field goals from 46, 28 and 31 yards respectively. The only score of the second half was a 26 yard field goal. The loss made the losing streak in Wisconsin 19 games, dating back to 1991. On a positive note, the Lions defense recorded 5 sacks.
. The Rams got on the board first in the 1st quarter with a 41 yard field goal by Josh Brown. In the second quarter, the Lions' Matt Stafford threw an interception into the end zone to James Butler but he was tackled for a Lions safety. Near halftime, the Rams performed a successful fake field goal when kicker Josh Brown passed it to Daniel Fells
and he ran it in 36 yards for a touchdown. Both teams went scoreless in the 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter, Lions' QB Matt Stafford ran it in himself from 4 yards out for a TD, and tied it up with a 2 point conversion catch by Maurice Morris. The Rams took the lead near the end though with a 25 yard run by Steven Jackson
.
This would be the Rams' only victory of the season, preventing them from duplicating the Lions dubious accomplishment of the previous season.
to take on the Seattle Seahawks
. The Lions took an early lead in the first quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points. First came 2 TD's: a Brandon Pettigrew 7 yard catch, then a Bryant Johnson 29 yard catch, and afterward was a 41 yard field goal. The Seahawks responded in the second quarter with a TD and 2 field goals. First the TD, a 3 yard run by Julius Jones
. The field goals by Olindo Mare
were both from 37 yards out. In the 3rd quarter came another Seattle field goal, from 24 yards out. Then a Seahawks TD to give them the lead, a 2 yard TD catch by T.J. Houshmandzadeh
. However the fake field goal for a 2 point conversion was no good. The Lions' only score of the second half was a 50 yard field goal. The Seahawks sealed their win with a 61 yard interception for a TD by Josh Wilson
.
for a rematch with NFC North foes the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings scored the only points of the first quarter with a 22 yard Ryan Longwell
field goal. They added to their lead in the second quarter with a 22 yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions' only score of the first half was a 38 yard Jason Hanson field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter the Vikings further added to their lead with a 1 yard run by Adrian Peterson, his 2nd TD of the game. The Lions responded with a 8 yard TD from Matt Stafford to Will Heller. The Vikings sealed their win with a TD and field goal in the 4th. First a 8 yard TD catch by Jeff Dugan
from Brett Favre
, and finally a 35 yard field goal.
in a non-conference shootout. The Browns built a big lead in the first quarter. They scored first with a 44 yard field goal by Phil Dawson
. The Lions tied it up with a 31 yard Jason Hanson field goal of their own. Cleveland then scored 3 consecutive touchdowns via passes from Brady Quinn
: a 59 yard catch from Mohamed Massaquoi
, a 40-yard snare by Chansi Stuckey
, and a 4-yard reception by Joshua Cribbs
. The Lions then responded with 3 consecutive TD passes of their own from Matthew Stafford: a 26-yard grab by Aaron Brown, a 25 yard catch by Kevin Smith, and a 75-yard catch and run TD for Calvin Johnson. The Browns responded with a 29 yard field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter Will Heller of the Lions caught a 1 yard TD pass. The Browns received a safety when Stafford was tackled in his own end zone and called for intentional grounding. The Browns took the lead back with a 2 yard TD catch by Michael Gaines
. The Lions then attempted to regained the lead with just under 2 minutes to go. After throwing an interception, they stopped the Browns on 4th and 5. Then they drove 88 yards. With 2 seconds left, Matt Stafford threw a pass into the end zone which was intercepted, but it was called back on a pass interference penalty, giving the Lions one more play with no time left on the clock. Although Stafford was brutally hit by two Browns defenders on the play, and suffered what turned out to be a major shoulder separation of his non-throwing arm, he told the coaches he wanted to return for the final play (pleading to coaches "If you need me to throw the ball, I can throw the ball") and was allowed to go back in. He then threw a touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson tacked on the extra point for the win. Matt Stafford became the youngest QB to throw 5 touchdown passes in a game since the AFL-NFL merger
in 1970. He also set a record for passing yards in a game by a rookie with 422. For his performance, Stafford won NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
The game was made into an NFL Film
, with Matt Stafford mic'ed up. It was shown on NFL Network
's NFL Replay
and Wired for Sound as well as Showtime's Inside the NFL
. The company's founder Steve Sabol said the Lions' game winning drive was the most dramatic film he has seen in over 30 years.
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving Classic
For their 70th annual Thanksgiving Classic
game, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Green Bay Packers
. Detroit got an early lead when Matt Stafford threw a 1 yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson, the only Lions score of the first half. The Packers responded with a TD of their own, a 7 yard toss to Donald Lee. The Packers then kicked 2 field goals: first a 20 yarder and just before halftime a 25 yarder. The Packers scored 2 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. First a 7 yard catch by Donald Driver
, then a 21 yard catch by James Jones
. The Lions picked up a safety when the Packers fumbled the ball in their own end zone in the fourth quarter. They then kicked a 22 yard field goal. The Packers sealed their win when Charles Woodson
intercepted a Matt Stafford pass and ran it back 38 yards for a touchdown. The Thanksgiving Day losing streak for the Lions is now six, the longest in franchise history. With the loss combined with the Eagles
win over the Redskins
, the Lions were officially eliminated from postseason contention. This would also become the Packers' 9th straight victory over the Lions, dating back to the second game between the teams in the 2005 season.
for a non-conference contest with the Cincinnati Bengals
. Detroit got an early lead in the first quarter with a 54 yard catch and run by Calvin Johnson. The Bengals tied it up in the second when Jonathan Fanene
caught a tipped Matt Stafford pass and ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown. Cincinnati then took the lead and didn't give it back when Chad Ochocinco caught a 36 yard TD. The Bengals closed out the first half with a 44 yard field goal by Shayne Graham
. In the second half the Bengals scored 2 more field goals, from 39 and 23 yards respectively. The Lions scored the game's final points late in the 4th quarter with a 2 yard run by Kevin Smith. The Lions went for a 2 point conversion but failed.
. Baltimore lead for almost the entire game. They scored first late in the first quarter with a 38 yard field goal by Billy Cundiff
. They added to their lead with a 62 yard catch and run TD by Derrick Mason
from Joe Flacco
. The Lions scored their only points of the game near the end of the second quarter with a 22 yard Jason Hanson field goal. A minute later the Ravens responded with a 59 yard rushing TD by Ray Rice
. Baltimore finished out the first half with a 25 yard field goal. In the second half the Ravens scored 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a Le'Ron McClain
3 yard run. Then 2 by Willis McGahee
: first a 8 yard run, then a 19 yard run. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens capped off their huge victory when Troy Smith
ran in a TD from 15 yards. Lions backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper completed less than half of his passes (16 for 34) and threw 2 interceptions.
. The first half was all Arizona. First was a Larry Fitzgerald
1 yard catch from Kurt Warner
. Next in the second quarter a 48 yard field goal by Mike Nugent
. Then near halftime a 1 yard rush by Tim Hightower
. After his unproductive first half (6 for 12 and only 64 yards passing and an interception) Lions backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper was replaced by third stringer Drew Stanton who breathed some life into the offense. First though came an interception and 100 yard Lions TD run by Louis Delmas, a tie for the third longest interception TD in team history. A few minutes later Detroit's Maurice Morris ran in a career high 64 yard TD. In the 4th quarter, the Cardinals responded with a 18 yard Chris Wells TD run. The Lions tied it back up when Stanton ran in his first career rushing TD from 1 yard out. The Cardinals sealed their victory though with just under 2 minutes left when Anquan Boldin
caught a 5 yard TD pass. The Lions attempted to tie it back up soon after but were stopped on 4th and 1.
to play the San Francisco 49ers
. The Lions took an early lead midway through the 1st quarter with a 27 yard Jason Hanson field goal. The 49ers tied it up at the end of the 1st quarter with a 33 yard field goal by Ricky Schmitt
. The only score of the 2nd quarter was a 39 yard 49ers field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter came 2 San Francisco TD's. First a 2 yard catch by Vernon Davis
, then a 1 yard run by Frank Gore
. The Lions kicked another field goal late in the 4th quarter from 38 yards out. The Lions road losing streak now stands at 20.
. The Bears started the scoring in the first quarter with a 44 yard field goal by Robbie Gould
. The Lions responded with a 42 yard field goal of their own. Then in the second quarter the Bears kicked another field goal, from 28 yards out. The Lions then took the lead with a 12 yard Bryant Johnson TD catch. The Bears took it back just before halftime with a 7 yard Greg Olsen
TD catch. In the third quarter the Bears added to their lead with a Devin Aromashodu
9 yard TD catch. The Lions responded with a 48 yard field goal. Later, in the fourth quarter, the Lions tied it up with a 5 yard Calvin Johnson TD catch. The Bears took the lead back though with a Desmond Clark
1 yard TD catch. The Lions then scored their final points of the season, a 32 yard field goal. The Bears responded with another Devin Aromashodu TD catch, this one from 12 yards. The Bears closed out the scoring with a 34 yard field goal.
The loss allowed the Lions to clinch the second overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft
behind the St. Louis Rams
, who finished 1–15. Coincidentally, the Rams' lone victory came at Detroit's expense in week 8.
2009 NFL season
The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at...
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz
Jim Schwartz
Jim Schwartz is an American football head coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-Early life:Born just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Schwartz attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, an all male Catholic school, where he played football.Schwartz was a four-year letterman at...
, and most of his new coaching staff. The Lions introduced new uniforms and logos this year.
Repercussions of 2008 season
On December 29, 2008, the day after the last game of the 0–16 2008 season, Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford, Sr.William Clay Ford, Sr.
William Clay Ford, Sr. is the youngest of the four children of Edsel Ford and the youngest grandchild of Henry Ford.-Biography:...
announced head coach Rod Marinelli
Rod Marinelli
Rodney Marinelli is the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Chicago Bears. He is the former head coach of the Detroit Lions...
had been fired. His record with the Lions was 10–38 in three seasons.
He also announced:
- The promotion of Tom LewandTom LewandTom Lewand was named president of the Detroit Lions on December 29, 2008, after the team finished the first 0-16 season in NFL history.He previously served as the Lions Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He succeeded Matt Millen as the president...
to Team President. - The promotion of Martin MayhewMartin MayhewMartin R. Mayhew is a former American football player and current General Manager of the Detroit Lions who was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the tenth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. A 5'8", 172 cornerback from Florida State University, Mayhew played in eight NFL seasons from 1989-1996...
to General Manager. - The following assistant coaches were not retained: Joe BarryJoe BarryJoe Barry is the linebackers coach for the University of Southern California, former linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the former defensive coordinator for the National Football League Detroit Lions. He is the son of former Detroit Lions assistant offensive line coach Mike Barry...
(Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). - The contract of Joe CullenJoe CullenJoe Cullen is currently the defensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cullen was a four-year starting nose guard at the University of Massachusetts, where he started 45 straight games. He was a three-time All-Yankee Conference selection and was the Minutemen’s team MVP in 1989.He...
(Defensive Line) will not be renewed. - The team also announced that Jim CollettoJim Colletto-External links:* *...
has been re-assigned to offensive line coach. He ultimately left the team and would be replaced by George YarnoGeorge YarnoGeorge Anthony Yarno is a former professional football player, a guard with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Oilers. He also played two seasons with the Denver Gold of the USFL...
as offensive line coach. - Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) was not retained.
New coaching staff
- On January 15, 2009, the Lions hired Jim SchwartzJim SchwartzJim Schwartz is an American football head coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-Early life:Born just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Schwartz attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, an all male Catholic school, where he played football.Schwartz was a four-year letterman at...
as head coach. He spent 10 seasons with the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
, 8 of them as defensive coordinator, helping them compile a 13–3 record and 1st place in the AFC SouthAFC SouthThe AFC South is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created before the 2002 season when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams...
in 20082008 Tennessee Titans seasonThe 2008 Tennessee Titans season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League, their twelfth in Tennessee, and their tenth as the Titans. Despite being expected by most sportswriters to finish third or even fourth in the AFC South, they compiled a 13–3 regular season record and...
, before being eliminated in the AFC Divisional playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens2008 Baltimore Ravens seasonThe 2008 Baltimore Ravens season was the 13th season for the team in the NFL. Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, the Ravens completed a major turnaround from the 2007 season, finishing the season with an 11–5 record and a playoff berth...
.
- On January 21, 2009, the Lions hired veteran coach and defensive coordinator Gunther CunninghamGunther CunninghamGunther Cunningham is an American football defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Cunningham has presided over some of the most successful defenses in NFL history , typically ranking at the top of the league in many statistical categories.Cunningham was born in 1946 in war-torn Munich,...
as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Cunningham worked with Schwartz on the Titans from 2001–2003, and has several years of coaching and defensive coordinating experience with the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
and Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- On January 23, 2009, the Lions hired Scott LinehanScott LinehanScott Thomas Linehan is an American football coach, currently the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions of the NFL. He was previously the head coach of the St...
as the offensive coordinator. Linehan held the head coaching position of the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
from 2006–2008 but was fired after losing the first 4 games of the 2008 season2008 St. Louis Rams seasonThe 2008 St. Louis Rams season was the 71st season for the team in the National Football League and their 14th in St. Louis, Missouri. They hoped to improve upon their 3-13 record from last season but the season was a complete disaster, and their worst season ever. Not only did they fail to...
. This is the second time in three years the Lions have turned to a former Rams coach. He also served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in 2005 and the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
for three seasons (2002–2004).
| Detroit Lions 2009 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
New uniform and logo designs
The Lions officially unveiled somewhat new logos design and uniforms on April 20, 2009 at a public press conference at a local Dunham's SportsDunham's Sports
Dunham's Sports is a regional sporting goods superstore chain owned by Dunham's Athleisure Corporation, with stores located in the Midwestern United States. The chain specializes in athletic equipment, clothing, and other sports-related items...
store. The Lion on the helmet now has a flowing mane and fangs, and the font of "Lions" is more modern and stylish.
The Lions' throwback uniforms that used were in 2008 became their official third uniform, however they were not used in 2009. The black jerseys used from 2005–2007 were officially discontinued on February 9, 2009, according to Lions team president Tom Lewand.
Key roster losses and trades
- On February 28, 2009, the Lions traded quarterback Jon KitnaJon KitnaJon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
, who sat out most of the 2008 season with a back injury, to the Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
for cornerback Anthony Henry.
- On March 14, 2009, the Lions traded defensive tackle Cory ReddingCory ReddingCory Bartholomew Redding is an American football defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
and a fifth round draft pick to the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
for linebacker Julian PetersonJulian PetersonJulian Thomas Peterson is a free agent linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State...
.
Key free agent signings
- On May 7, 2009 the Lions signed Detroit native and former Michigan WolverineMichigan Wolverines footballThe Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
linebacker Larry FooteLarry FooteLawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
. He played on the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008.
Corey Smith disappearance
On March 1, 2009 it was reported that free agent defensive end Corey SmithCorey Smith
Corey Dominique Smith was an American football defensive end. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
(who played for the Lions from 2006–2008) boarded a fishing boat off the Gulf Coast of Florida with former teammate Marquis Cooper
Marquis Cooper
Marquis Victor Cooper was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
(most recently of the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
) and former University of South Florida
South Florida Bulls football
The South Florida Bulls are a Division I FBS college football program that plays its home games in Tampa, Florida. The team began playing in 1997, holding its first team meeting under a shade tree as the school had no proper football facilities on campus...
players Nick Schuyler and William Blakely on February 28. Smith and Cooper played together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004
2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on their 7-9 record in 2003. Brian Griese set a number of franchise records for passing. Michael Clayton set a rookie record for receiving.-Offseason:...
. They did not return as expected and the men and their boat were searched for by the U.S. Coast Guard for 3 days. The National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
said waves were about 2 to 4 feet Saturday morning and increased to 3 to 5 feet in the afternoon. Late Saturday night, a small craft advisory was issued, when winds were around 20 knots and waves were up to 7 feet or more. On March 2, at approximately 1:30 PM, Coast Guard Petty Official James Harless reported that Schuyler had been found alive "clinging to an overturned vessel". He was later diagnosed with hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as . Body temperature is usually maintained near a constant level of through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation...
and dehydration
Dehydration
In physiology and medicine, dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of body fluid. It is literally the removal of water from an object; however, in physiological terms, it entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism...
.
On March 3, the Coast Guard called off the search.
Later that day, the Lions released this statement:
A private search led by the families of the still missing men began on March 4.
The Lions have also announced that Smith's jersey number, 93, will not be issued for the 2009 season.
The Lions also wore a 93 on the back of their helmets.
2009 NFL Draft
With their league worst record in 2008, the Lions secured the #1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Detroit also had the #20 overall pick in the first round, which they received from the Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
as part of the Roy Williams
Roy Williams (wide receiver)
Roy Eugene Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
trade in 2008. The trade also gave them additional picks in the 3rd and 6th rounds.
The Lions traded its 2009 fourth-round selection (101st overall) and its 2008 third-round selection (111th overall, which was traded to Cleveland) to Dallas for its 2008 third-round selection (92nd overall, used to select Cliff Avril
Cliff Avril
Clifford Samuel Avril is a defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:...
).
The Lions selected University of Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia....
for the #1 overall pick. The six-year contract reportedly contains $41.7 million in guaranteed money (the most guaranteed to any player in NFL history) and carries a total value of up to $78 million.
| Draft order | Player | Position | Height | Weight | College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | |||||
| 1 | 1 | Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia.... |
QB Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
6 in 2 in (1.88 m) | 223 lb (101.2 kg) | Georgia University of Georgia The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States... |
| 1 | 20 * | Brandon Pettigrew Brandon Pettigrew Brandon Pettigrew is an American football tight end for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted by the Lions with the 20th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.-High school:Brandon Pettigrew played high school football at Robert E... |
TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
6 in 5 in (1.96 m) | 263 lb (119.3 kg) | Oklahoma State |
| 2 | 33 | Louis Delmas Louis Delmas Louis Delmas is an American Football safety that plays for the Detroit Lions.-Early life and high school career:Delmas played high school football at North Miami Beach High School in North Miami Beach, Florida.... |
S | 5 in 11 in (1.8 m) | 202 lb (91.6 kg) | Western Michigan Western Michigan University Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045.... |
| 3 | 76** | DeAndre Levy DeAndre Levy DeAndre Levy is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.... |
OLB | 6 in 2 in (1.88 m) | 236 lb (107 kg) | Wisconsin |
| 3 | 82* | Derrick Williams | WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
5 in 11 in (1.8 m) | 197 lb (89.4 kg) | Penn State Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service... |
| 4 | 115*** | Sammie Lee Hill Sammie Lee Hill Sammie Lee Hill is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
DT | 6 in 4 in (1.93 m) | 329 lb (149.2 kg) | Stillman Stillman College -Marching Band:The school's marching band is named the Blue Pride Marching Band.In February 2010, Stillman College dedicated the brand new facility, the Thomas Lyle Band Center, named in honor of former band director Thomas Lyle, in conjunction with the Wynn Fine Arts Center.Organizations include:... |
| 6 | 192* | Aaron Brown Aaron Brown (running back) Aaron Brown is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played at the collegiate level for Texas Christian University .-College career:Once at TCU, Brown made an immediate impact... |
RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
6 in 1 in (1.85 m) | 196 lb (88.9 kg) | Texas Christian Texas Christian University Texas Christian University is a private, coeducational university located in Fort Worth, Texas, United States and founded in 1873. TCU is affiliated with, but not governed by, the Disciples of Christ... |
| 7 | 228 **** | Lydon Murtha Lydon Murtha Lydon J. Murtha is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
OT | 6 in 7 in (2.01 m) | 315 lb (142.9 kg) | Nebraska |
| 7 | 235 ***** | Zack Follett Zack Follett Zachary "Zack" Follett is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at California.-College career:... |
OLB | 6 in 1 in (1.85 m) | 238 lb (108 kg) | California University of California The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University... |
| 7 | 255 | Dan Gronkowski Dan Gronkowski Dan Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
TE Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
6 in 6 in (1.98 m) | 255 lb (115.7 kg) | Maryland University of Maryland When the term "University of Maryland" is used without any qualification, it generally refers to the University of Maryland, College Park.University of Maryland may refer to the following:... |
Final roster
| Detroit Lions 2009 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Jeff Backus Jeff Backus is an American football offensive tackle with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Backus played football for the University of Michigan. He was drafted with the 18th pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions... T Gosder Cherilus Gosder Cherilus is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 17th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boston College.- Family :... T Dylan Gandy Dylan Colter Gandy is an American football center for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech.Gandy earned a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI... C Dan Gerberry Dan Gerberry is an American football center for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Lions as a undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Ball State.-Detroit Lions:... C Corey Hilliard Corey Hilliard is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma State.Hilliard has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts... T Jon Jansen Jonathan Ward Jansen is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft... T Daniel Loper Daniel Robert Loper is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... G Dominic Raiola Dominic Raiola is an American football center with the Detroit Lions; his younger brother, Donovan Raiola, plays center for the Washington Redskins.-High school career:... C Roy Schuening Roy Schuening is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State.-Early years:... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Vinny Ciurciu Vincenzo Ciurciu is an American football linebacker that is currently a National Football League free agent. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2003... OLB Jordon Dizon Jordon Dizon is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. Dizon played college football for the University of Colorado. He was voted runner-up for the 2007 Butkus Award, given each year to college football's best linebacker... ILB Zack Follett Zachary "Zack" Follett is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at California.-College career:... OLB Larry Foote Lawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.... ILB DeAndre Levy DeAndre Levy is an American football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.... ILB Julian Peterson Julian Thomas Peterson is a free agent linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State... OLB Ernie Sims -Detroit Lions:Sims was selected as ninth overall in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Sims was targeted by Lions general manager Matt Millen to bolster the Lions' defense at weakside linebacker. On July 30, 2006, he signed a 5-year, $15.735 million contract with $12.1... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Copeland Bryan Copeland Bryan is an American football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Arizona. From 2007 to 2009, he played for the Buffalo Bills... DE (IR) Daniel Bullocks Daniel Bullocks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.... SS (IR) Damion Cook Damion Lamar Cook is an American football guard for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.Cook has also been a member of the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins,... G/T (IR) Jared DeVries Jared Jay DeVries [] is an American football defensive end who played for the Detroit Lions in NFL. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa... DE (IR) Casey FitzSimmons Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:... TE (IR) Marquand Manuel Marquand Alexander Manuel is a former American college and professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League for eight seasons during the 2000s... SS (IR) Stephen Peterman Stephen Frederick Peterman is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.... G (IR) Brandon Pettigrew Brandon Pettigrew is an American football tight end for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted by the Lions with the 20th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.-High school:Brandon Pettigrew played high school football at Robert E... TE (IR) Ko Simpson Yukota "Ko" Simpson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... FS (IR) Kevin Smith (running back) Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School... RB (IR) Cody Spencer Thomas Cody Spencer is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... ILB (IR) Matthew Stafford John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia.... QB (IR) Jack Williams (American football) Jack Williams is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kent State.... CB (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics 53 Active, 14 Inactive, 9 PS |
|||||
Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | Saturday, Aug. 15 | 4pm EDT | Atlanta Falcons 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15... |
W 27–26 | 1–0 | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Detroit Lions Television Network Detroit Lions Television Network The Detroit Lions Television Network is a network of six television stations in Michigan that broadcast the NFL's Detroit Lions preseason games as well as its weekly regular season pregame show The Ford Lions Report. As of 2011, WXYZ-TV in Detroit is the flagship station... / NFL Network NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
Recap |
| 2 | Saturday, Aug. 22 | 7:30pm EDT | at Cleveland Browns 2009 Cleveland Browns season The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 63rd season as a professional sports franchise and its 59th season as a member of the National Football League . The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12... |
L 27–10 | 1–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
Detroit Lions Television Network | Recap |
| 3 | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 1pm EDT | Indianapolis Colts 2009 Indianapolis Colts season The 2009 Indianapolis Colts season was the 57th season for the team in the National Football League and the 26th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not have Tony Dungy on their coaching staff, due to his retirement from coaching... |
W 18–17 | 2–1 | Ford Field | Detroit Lions Television Network / NFL Network | Recap |
| 4 | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 6:30pm EDT | at Buffalo Bills 2009 Buffalo Bills season The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL... |
W 17–6 | 3–1 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Detroit Lions Television Network | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||||
| 1 | September 13 | 1pm EDT | at New Orleans Saints 2009 New Orleans Saints season The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the... |
L 45–27 | 0–1 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 2 | September 20 | 1pm EDT | Minnesota Vikings 2009 Minnesota Vikings season The 2009 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 49th season in the NFL. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008; it was the first time that they had retained a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978... |
L 27–13 | 0–2 | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 3 | September 27 | 1pm EDT | Washington Redskins 2009 Washington Redskins season The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:... |
W 19–14 | 1–2 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap | |
| 4 | October 4 | 1pm EDT | at Chicago Bears 2009 Chicago Bears season The 2009 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team... |
L 48–24 | 1–3 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 5 | October 11 | 1pm EDT | Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl... |
L 28–20 | 1–4 | Ford Field | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap | |
| 6 | October 18 | 1pm EDT | at Green Bay Packers 2009 Green Bay Packers season The 2009 Green Bay Packers season was the 89th season in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the 91st season for the team overall... |
L 26–0 | 1–5 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 7 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
||||||||
| 8 | November 1 | 1pm EST Eastern Standard Time Eastern Standard Time may refer to:*North American Eastern Time Zone, UTC-5*Australian Eastern Standard Time, UTC+10*An album by Hip Hop group Kooley High... |
St. Louis Rams 2009 St. Louis Rams season The 2009 St. Louis Rams season is the 72nd season for the St. Louis Rams, and the 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season... |
L 17–10 | 1–6 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap | |
| 9 | November 8 | 4:05pm EST | at Seattle Seahawks 2009 Seattle Seahawks season The 2009 Seattle Seahawks season was the 34th season for the team in the National Football League. The Seahawks improved in Jim Mora's first season as their head coach, after a disappointing 4–12 record and a 3rd place finish in what was Mike Holmgren's final season coaching the team... |
L 32–20 | 1–7 | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 10 | November 15 | 1pm EST | at Minnesota Vikings | L 27–10 | 1–8 | Mall of America Field Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 11 | November 22 | 1pm EST | Cleveland Browns 2009 Cleveland Browns season The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 63rd season as a professional sports franchise and its 59th season as a member of the National Football League . The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12... |
W 38–37 | 2–8 | Ford Field | CBS | Recap | |
| 12 | November 26 Thanksgiving Classic The National Football League's Thanksgiving Classic is a series of games played during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It has been a regular occurrence since the league's inception in 1920. Since 2006, three games are played every Thanksgiving... |
12:30pm EST | Green Bay Packers | L 34–12 | 2–9 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap | |
| 13 | December 6 | 1pm EST | at Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and their 42nd overall. They finished the season at 10–6–0, and sweeping the entire AFC North division, they improved on their 2008 record of 4–11–1, winning the AFC North Division and making the... |
L 23–13 | 2–10 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 14 | December 13 | 1pm EST | at Baltimore Ravens 2009 Baltimore Ravens season The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super... |
L 48–3 | 2–11 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 15 | December 20 | 1pm EST | Arizona Cardinals 2009 Arizona Cardinals season The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season is the 90th season for the team in the National Football League and the 22nd season in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10–6 record, an improvement from their 9–7 previous season record and the first time the team has won ten games since 1976 The... |
L 31–24 | 2–12 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap | |
| 16 | December 27 | 4:05pm EST | at San Francisco 49ers 2009 San Francisco 49ers season The 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator... |
L 20–6 | 2–13 | Candlestick Park | Fox | Recap | |
| 17 | January 3, 2010 | 1pm EST | Chicago Bears | L 37–23 | 2–14 | Ford Field | Fox | Recap | |
| NOTE: Division games are in bold text. | |||||||||
Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
The Lions began their season down south, taking on the New Orleans Saints2009 New Orleans Saints season
The 2009 New Orleans Saints season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the...
. The Saints struck first with just over 12 minutes left in the first quarter with a 9 yard TD catch by Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
from Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
. They made it 14–0 3 minutes later when Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
caught a 29 yard TD pass by Brees. The Lions got on the board with just over 5 minutes left in the 1st quarter with a 47 yard Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
field goal. They scored again just after the start of the second quarter when Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
ran in a TD from 4 yards out. The Saints responded 10 minutes later with 2 back to back TD's by Jeremy Shockey
Jeremy Shockey
Jeremy Charles Shockey is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants 14th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
: from 1 yard and 15 yards respectively, putting the Saints up 28–10 at halftime. After the break, Lions QB Matt Stafford ran a TD in himself from 1 yard out. The Saints responded a few minutes later with a 39 yard field goal by John Carney. The Lions countered with a 24 yard Jason Hanson field goal 3 minutes later. Less than 20 seconds later, the Saints' Devery Henderson
Devery Henderson
-New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November...
caught a 58 TD yard pass. The Lions responded when Louis Delmas
Louis Delmas
Louis Delmas is an American Football safety that plays for the Detroit Lions.-Early life and high school career:Delmas played high school football at North Miami Beach High School in North Miami Beach, Florida....
picked up a Saints fumble and ran it back 65 yards for a TD. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13 yard TD catch by Heath Evans
Heath Evans
Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
of the Saints.
With the loss, the Lions began their season 0-1.
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
For their home opener, the Lions hosted division rivals the Minnesota Vikings2009 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2009 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 49th season in the NFL. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008; it was the first time that they had retained a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978...
. The Lions struck first with a 30-yard Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
field goal in the first quarter. They went ahead 10–0 in the second quarter when Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
caught a 8 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia....
. The Vikings got on the board a few minutes later when Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
caught a 1 yard TD pass from Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
.
The third quarter was all Minnesota: first a 26 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
, then a 27 yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. The Vikings added to their lead in the fourth quarter with another field goal, this one from 46 yards out; then a 3 yard TD catch by Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin
William Percival "Percy" Harvin, III is an American football wide receiver, return specialist, and running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League...
. The Lions got their only points of the second half with a 48-yard field goal.
With their 19th straight regular season loss, the Lions fell to 0-2. This also became the 2nd straight season where they have started a season at 0-2.
Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins
In week 3, the Lions hosted the Washington Redskins2009 Washington Redskins season
The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:...
. The first half was all Detroit. After a goal line stand on a Redskins 4th and 1, the Lions drove 99 yards and scored with a Bryant Johnson 21 yard TD catch. Next in the second quarter were two field goals by Jason Hanson, from 39 yards and 26 yards out respectively, putting the Lions up 13–0 at halftime. The Redskins got on the board in the third quarter with a 57 yard TD catch by Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
. The Lions scored next with a 2 yard TD run by Maurice Morris
Maurice Morris
Maurice Autora Morris is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.-Early life:Morris attended Chester High School in Chester, South...
but failed on the 2 point conversion. The final score of the game was a 4 yard TD pass by Rock Cartwright
Rock Cartwright
Roderick Rashaun Cartwright is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Lions defense prevented the Redskins' comeback, stopping a touchdown drive in the final seconds of the game. This win was the Lions' first regular-season victory since December 23, 2007, ending a franchise-record 19 consecutive losses, which was also the 2nd longest losing streak in NFL history, behind the 1976–77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
' streak of 26 straight losses as they improved to 1-2. Lions radio play-by-play man Dan Miller
Dan Miller (sportscaster)
Dan Miller is an American sportscaster based in Detroit, Michigan. He currently works as the sports director and anchor on WJBK and as a radio play-by-play announcer on the Detroit Lions Radio Network.-Childhood:...
said of the win and end to the streak, "Nightmare over."
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
Thomas Cruise Mapother IV , better known as Tom Cruise, is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and he has won three Golden Globe Awards....
and Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes
Katherine Noelle "Katie" Holmes is an American actress who first achieved fame for her role as Joey Potter on The WB television teen drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003. Her movie roles have included the blockbuster Batman Begins along with art house films such as The Ice Storm and thrillers...
were in attendance as guests of Redskins owner Dan Snyder
Daniel Snyder
Daniel M. Snyder is the current owner of the Washington Redskins American football team, owner of the Dick Clark Productions television production company, and primary investor in Red Zebra Broadcasting, which is home to the Redskins Radio Network. Snyder has a net worth of $1.05 billion...
.
Week 4: at Chicago Bears
In week 4, the Lions flew to The Windy City for a NFC North duel with the Chicago Bears2009 Chicago Bears season
The 2009 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team...
. Detroit threw the opening punch in the first quarter with running back Kevin Smith's 1-yard touchdown run. The Bears would respond with quarterback Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
's 5-yard touchdown run, yet Detroit answered with rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Heller. Chicago took the lead in the second quarter with Cutler's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Davis
Kellen Davis
Kellen Davis is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State...
and a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, but the Lions would tie the game prior to halftime with Smith's 3-yard touchdown run, capping off a 98 yard drive. However, in the third quarter, the Bears would set the tempo for the second half. It immediately began with wide receiver Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He was selected by the Bears as the 140th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, through a they acquired in the Kyle Orton-Jay Cutler trade....
returning the half's opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 52-yard and a 22-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
. Detroit tried to rally in the fourth quarter with kicker Jason Hanson's 35-yard field goal, but Chicago pulled away with running back Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
's 37-yard touchdown run and running back Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Northern Illinois. He is currently a free agent.-Personal life:...
's 2-yard touchdown run. Stafford (24-of-36, 296 yards, TD, INT) left the game during the fourth quarter with a knee injury.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 1-3.
Week 5: vs Pittsburgh Steelers
In week 5, the Lions hosted the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl...
. The Lions scored first with a 46 yard Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
field goal. The Steelers responded with a 7 yard TD run by Rashard Mendenhall
Rashard Mendenhall
Rashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Lions replied with another 46 yard field goal. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh scored first with a 15 yard TD catch by Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
from Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Lions retaliated with a 38 yard interception run for a touchdown by William James. Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
of the Steelers next got a touchdown of his own, a 17 yard catch, making the halftime score 21–13 Pittsburgh. After the break, Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace (American football)
-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
of Pittsburgh caught a 47 yard TD pass. The final score of the game was a 25 yard catch by Detroit's Dennis Northcutt
Dennis Northcutt
Dennis LaMont Northcutt is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who last played for the Detroit Lions...
. Lions backup QB Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
was sacked 7 times in the loss, 3 of which were on consecutive downs.
Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
In week 6, the Lions traveled to Green Bay, WisconsinGreen Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
to take on NFC North Division foes the Green Bay Packers
2009 Green Bay Packers season
The 2009 Green Bay Packers season was the 89th season in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the 91st season for the team overall...
. They were shut out for the first time since 2001, and the first time by the Packers since 1946. The Packers scored 2 touchdowns in the first quarter: a 47 yard catch by James Jones
James Jones (wide receiver)
James Deandre Jones is an American football wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
from Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
, then a 1 yard catch by John Kuhn
John Kuhn
John Allen Kuhn is an American football fullback, currently playing for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. John attended Dover Area High School in Dover, Pennsylvania...
. In the second quarter Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
kicked 3 field goals from 46, 28 and 31 yards respectively. The only score of the second half was a 26 yard field goal. The loss made the losing streak in Wisconsin 19 games, dating back to 1991. On a positive note, the Lions defense recorded 5 sacks.
Week 8: vs St. Louis Rams
In week 8, the Lions hosted the St. Louis Rams2009 St. Louis Rams season
The 2009 St. Louis Rams season is the 72nd season for the St. Louis Rams, and the 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season...
. The Rams got on the board first in the 1st quarter with a 41 yard field goal by Josh Brown. In the second quarter, the Lions' Matt Stafford threw an interception into the end zone to James Butler but he was tackled for a Lions safety. Near halftime, the Rams performed a successful fake field goal when kicker Josh Brown passed it to Daniel Fells
Daniel Fells
Daniel Fells is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at UC Davis.Fells has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St...
and he ran it in 36 yards for a touchdown. Both teams went scoreless in the 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter, Lions' QB Matt Stafford ran it in himself from 4 yards out for a TD, and tied it up with a 2 point conversion catch by Maurice Morris. The Rams took the lead near the end though with a 25 yard run by Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
.
This would be the Rams' only victory of the season, preventing them from duplicating the Lions dubious accomplishment of the previous season.
Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks
In week 9, the Lions traveled to Seattle, WashingtonSeattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
to take on the Seattle Seahawks
2009 Seattle Seahawks season
The 2009 Seattle Seahawks season was the 34th season for the team in the National Football League. The Seahawks improved in Jim Mora's first season as their head coach, after a disappointing 4–12 record and a 3rd place finish in what was Mike Holmgren's final season coaching the team...
. The Lions took an early lead in the first quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points. First came 2 TD's: a Brandon Pettigrew 7 yard catch, then a Bryant Johnson 29 yard catch, and afterward was a 41 yard field goal. The Seahawks responded in the second quarter with a TD and 2 field goals. First the TD, a 3 yard run by Julius Jones
Julius Jones
Julius Andre Maurice Jones is an American football running back who played college football at the University of Notre Dame and is currently a member of the Free Agent Class of the National Football League. Before signing with the Saints on October 12, 2010, Julius had stints with the Dallas...
. The field goals by Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
were both from 37 yards out. In the 3rd quarter came another Seattle field goal, from 24 yards out. Then a Seahawks TD to give them the lead, a 2 yard TD catch by T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. However the fake field goal for a 2 point conversion was no good. The Lions' only score of the second half was a 50 yard field goal. The Seahawks sealed their win with a 61 yard interception for a TD by Josh Wilson
Josh Wilson (American football)
Joshua Wilson is a professional American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
.
Week 10: at Minnesota Vikings
In week 10, the Lions traveled to Minneapolis, MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
for a rematch with NFC North foes the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings scored the only points of the first quarter with a 22 yard Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
field goal. They added to their lead in the second quarter with a 22 yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions' only score of the first half was a 38 yard Jason Hanson field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter the Vikings further added to their lead with a 1 yard run by Adrian Peterson, his 2nd TD of the game. The Lions responded with a 8 yard TD from Matt Stafford to Will Heller. The Vikings sealed their win with a TD and field goal in the 4th. First a 8 yard TD catch by Jeff Dugan
Jeff Dugan
Jeffery Stephen Dugan is a National Football League tight end/fullback who is currently a free agent....
from Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
, and finally a 35 yard field goal.
Week 11: vs. Cleveland Browns
In week 11, the Lions hosted the Cleveland Browns2009 Cleveland Browns season
The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 63rd season as a professional sports franchise and its 59th season as a member of the National Football League . The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12...
in a non-conference shootout. The Browns built a big lead in the first quarter. They scored first with a 44 yard field goal by Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
. The Lions tied it up with a 31 yard Jason Hanson field goal of their own. Cleveland then scored 3 consecutive touchdowns via passes from Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
: a 59 yard catch from Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Jah Massaquoi is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He is currently the second string receiver in Head Coach Pat Shurmur's new offense.-High school:...
, a 40-yard snare by Chansi Stuckey
Chansi Stuckey
Chansi V. Stuckey is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, and a 4-yard reception by Joshua Cribbs
Joshua Cribbs
Joshua "Josh" Cribbs is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He played collegiately for Kent State University. He holds the NFL record with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns...
. The Lions then responded with 3 consecutive TD passes of their own from Matthew Stafford: a 26-yard grab by Aaron Brown, a 25 yard catch by Kevin Smith, and a 75-yard catch and run TD for Calvin Johnson. The Browns responded with a 29 yard field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter Will Heller of the Lions caught a 1 yard TD pass. The Browns received a safety when Stafford was tackled in his own end zone and called for intentional grounding. The Browns took the lead back with a 2 yard TD catch by Michael Gaines
Michael Gaines
Michael J. Gaines is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Lions then attempted to regained the lead with just under 2 minutes to go. After throwing an interception, they stopped the Browns on 4th and 5. Then they drove 88 yards. With 2 seconds left, Matt Stafford threw a pass into the end zone which was intercepted, but it was called back on a pass interference penalty, giving the Lions one more play with no time left on the clock. Although Stafford was brutally hit by two Browns defenders on the play, and suffered what turned out to be a major shoulder separation of his non-throwing arm, he told the coaches he wanted to return for the final play (pleading to coaches "If you need me to throw the ball, I can throw the ball") and was allowed to go back in. He then threw a touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson tacked on the extra point for the win. Matt Stafford became the youngest QB to throw 5 touchdown passes in a game since the AFL-NFL merger
AFL-NFL Merger
The AFL–NFL merger of 1970 was the merger of the two major professional American football leagues in the United States at the time: the National Football League and the American Football League...
in 1970. He also set a record for passing yards in a game by a rookie with 422. For his performance, Stafford won NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
The game was made into an NFL Film
NFL Films
NFL Films is a Mount Laurel, New Jersey-based company devoted to producing commercials, television programs, feature films, and documentaries on the National Football League, as well as other unrelated major events and awards shows...
, with Matt Stafford mic'ed up. It was shown on NFL Network
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
's NFL Replay
NFL Replay
NFL Replay is a program that airs on the official television channel of the National Football League, NFL Network.This is not to be confused with NFL Films Game of the Week, which aired on NFL Network each Friday night in 2006...
and Wired for Sound as well as Showtime's Inside the NFL
Inside the NFL
Inside the NFL is a weekly cable television sports show that focuses on the National Football League. It originally aired on HBO from 1977 through 2008...
. The company's founder Steve Sabol said the Lions' game winning drive was the most dramatic film he has seen in over 30 years.
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving ClassicThanksgiving ClassicThe National Football League's Thanksgiving Classic is a series of games played during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It has been a regular occurrence since the league's inception in 1920. Since 2006, three games are played every Thanksgiving...
)
For their 70th annual Thanksgiving ClassicThanksgiving Classic
The National Football League's Thanksgiving Classic is a series of games played during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It has been a regular occurrence since the league's inception in 1920. Since 2006, three games are played every Thanksgiving...
game, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Green Bay Packers
2009 Green Bay Packers season
The 2009 Green Bay Packers season was the 89th season in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the 91st season for the team overall...
. Detroit got an early lead when Matt Stafford threw a 1 yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson, the only Lions score of the first half. The Packers responded with a TD of their own, a 7 yard toss to Donald Lee. The Packers then kicked 2 field goals: first a 20 yarder and just before halftime a 25 yarder. The Packers scored 2 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. First a 7 yard catch by Donald Driver
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
, then a 21 yard catch by James Jones
James Jones (wide receiver)
James Deandre Jones is an American football wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. The Lions picked up a safety when the Packers fumbled the ball in their own end zone in the fourth quarter. They then kicked a 22 yard field goal. The Packers sealed their win when Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Charles C. Woodson is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Michigan for the Michigan Wolverines. In 1997, Woodson led the Wolverines to a national championship...
intercepted a Matt Stafford pass and ran it back 38 yards for a touchdown. The Thanksgiving Day losing streak for the Lions is now six, the longest in franchise history. With the loss combined with the Eagles
2009 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. After advancing to their fifth NFC Championship game in eight years, the Eagles improved upon their 9–6–1 record and second-place finish in the NFC East in their 2008 campaign...
win over the Redskins
2009 Washington Redskins season
The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:...
, the Lions were officially eliminated from postseason contention. This would also become the Packers' 9th straight victory over the Lions, dating back to the second game between the teams in the 2005 season.
Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals
In week 13, the Lions traveled to Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
for a non-conference contest with the Cincinnati Bengals
2009 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and their 42nd overall. They finished the season at 10–6–0, and sweeping the entire AFC North division, they improved on their 2008 record of 4–11–1, winning the AFC North Division and making the...
. Detroit got an early lead in the first quarter with a 54 yard catch and run by Calvin Johnson. The Bengals tied it up in the second when Jonathan Fanene
Jonathan Fanene
Jonathan Fanene is an American football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
caught a tipped Matt Stafford pass and ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown. Cincinnati then took the lead and didn't give it back when Chad Ochocinco caught a 36 yard TD. The Bengals closed out the first half with a 44 yard field goal by Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
. In the second half the Bengals scored 2 more field goals, from 39 and 23 yards respectively. The Lions scored the game's final points late in the 4th quarter with a 2 yard run by Kevin Smith. The Lions went for a 2 point conversion but failed.
Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens
In week 14, the Lions traveled to rainy Baltimore, Maryland for a non-conference duel with the Baltimore Ravens2009 Baltimore Ravens season
The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super...
. Baltimore lead for almost the entire game. They scored first late in the first quarter with a 38 yard field goal by Billy Cundiff
Billy Cundiff
William A. "Billy" Cundiff is an American football placekicker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
. They added to their lead with a 62 yard catch and run TD by Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
from Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
. The Lions scored their only points of the game near the end of the second quarter with a 22 yard Jason Hanson field goal. A minute later the Ravens responded with a 59 yard rushing TD by Ray Rice
Ray Rice
Raymell Maurice Rice is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers. He is currently ranked as the Baltimore Ravens third all-time rusher in...
. Baltimore finished out the first half with a 25 yard field goal. In the second half the Ravens scored 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
3 yard run. Then 2 by Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
: first a 8 yard run, then a 19 yard run. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens capped off their huge victory when Troy Smith
Troy Smith
Troy James Smith is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He...
ran in a TD from 15 yards. Lions backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper completed less than half of his passes (16 for 34) and threw 2 interceptions.
Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals
In week 15, the Lions hosted the defending the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals2009 Arizona Cardinals season
The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season is the 90th season for the team in the National Football League and the 22nd season in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10–6 record, an improvement from their 9–7 previous season record and the first time the team has won ten games since 1976 The...
. The first half was all Arizona. First was a Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
1 yard catch from Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
. Next in the second quarter a 48 yard field goal by Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Then near halftime a 1 yard rush by Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
. After his unproductive first half (6 for 12 and only 64 yards passing and an interception) Lions backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper was replaced by third stringer Drew Stanton who breathed some life into the offense. First though came an interception and 100 yard Lions TD run by Louis Delmas, a tie for the third longest interception TD in team history. A few minutes later Detroit's Maurice Morris ran in a career high 64 yard TD. In the 4th quarter, the Cardinals responded with a 18 yard Chris Wells TD run. The Lions tied it back up when Stanton ran in his first career rushing TD from 1 yard out. The Cardinals sealed their victory though with just under 2 minutes left when Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
caught a 5 yard TD pass. The Lions attempted to tie it back up soon after but were stopped on 4th and 1.
Week 16: at San Francisco 49ers
For their last road game of the season, in week 16 the Lions traveled west to San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
to play the San Francisco 49ers
2009 San Francisco 49ers season
The 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator...
. The Lions took an early lead midway through the 1st quarter with a 27 yard Jason Hanson field goal. The 49ers tied it up at the end of the 1st quarter with a 33 yard field goal by Ricky Schmitt
Ricky Schmitt
Ricky William Schmitt is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
. The only score of the 2nd quarter was a 39 yard 49ers field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter came 2 San Francisco TD's. First a 2 yard catch by Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
, then a 1 yard run by Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
. The Lions kicked another field goal late in the 4th quarter from 38 yards out. The Lions road losing streak now stands at 20.
Week 17: vs Chicago Bears
For their season finale, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Chicago Bears2009 Chicago Bears season
The 2009 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League. The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team...
. The Bears started the scoring in the first quarter with a 44 yard field goal by Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
. The Lions responded with a 42 yard field goal of their own. Then in the second quarter the Bears kicked another field goal, from 28 yards out. The Lions then took the lead with a 12 yard Bryant Johnson TD catch. The Bears took it back just before halftime with a 7 yard Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
TD catch. In the third quarter the Bears added to their lead with a Devin Aromashodu
Devin Aromashodu
Gbolahan Devin Aromashodu is an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn...
9 yard TD catch. The Lions responded with a 48 yard field goal. Later, in the fourth quarter, the Lions tied it up with a 5 yard Calvin Johnson TD catch. The Bears took the lead back though with a Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
1 yard TD catch. The Lions then scored their final points of the season, a 32 yard field goal. The Bears responded with another Devin Aromashodu TD catch, this one from 12 yards. The Bears closed out the scoring with a 34 yard field goal.
The loss allowed the Lions to clinch the second overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft
2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
behind the St. Louis Rams
2009 St. Louis Rams season
The 2009 St. Louis Rams season is the 72nd season for the St. Louis Rams, and the 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season...
, who finished 1–15. Coincidentally, the Rams' lone victory came at Detroit's expense in week 8.