2014 Detroit Lions season

2014 Detroit Lions season
Head coach Jim Caldwell
General manager Martin Mayhew
Owner Martha Firestone Ford
Home field Ford Field
Results
Record 11–5
Division place 2nd NFC North
Playoff finish Lost NFC Wild Card Game (Cowboys) 20–24
Pro Bowlers Calvin Johnson, WR
Glover Quin, FS
Matthew Stafford, QB
Ndamukong Suh, DT
Golden Tate, WR

The 2014 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 85th season in the National Football League, their 81st as the Detroit Lions and the first under a new coaching staff led by head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions suffered the loss of long-time owner William Clay Ford, Sr., who died on March 9 at the age of 88, and wore patches with his initials on their jerseys in his honor.[1][2] After the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Washington Redskins in Week 16, the Lions clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2011. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Game 24–20, ending their season. It was their eighth straight playoff loss, tying the Kansas City Chiefs for the longest postseason losing streak in NFL history.

Offseason

Coaching staff

Re-signings

Date Player Position Contract Source
March 12 Kevin Ogletree Wide receiver 1 year / $795,000 [9]
Joique Bell Running back 3 years / $9.3 million [10]
March 14 Brandon Pettigrew Tight end 4 years / $16 million [11]
March 21 Andre Fluellen Defensive tackle 1 year / $730,000 [12]
April 14 Rashean Mathis Cornerback 1 year / $565,000 [13]

Additions

Date Player Position Previous team Contract Source
March 3 Corvey Irvin Defensive tackle Dallas Cowboys 1 year / $730,000 [14]
March 12 Golden Tate Wide receiver Seattle Seahawks 5 years / $31 million [15]
March 13 Darryl Tapp Defensive end Washington Redskins 1 year / $920,000 [16]
Vaughn Martin Defensive tackle Miami Dolphins 1 year / $795,000
March 19 Jed Collins Fullback New Orleans Saints 1 year / $710,000 [17]
March 25 James Ihedigbo Safety Baltimore Ravens 2 years / $3.15 million [18]
April 2 Dan Orlovsky Quarterback Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 year / $920,000 [19]
April 3 J. B. Shugarts Offensive tackle New York Jets 1 year / $420,000 [20]
April 7 Cassius Vaughn Cornerback Indianapolis Colts 1 year / $730,000 [21]
April 11 Kourtnei Brown Defensive end Buffalo Bills 1 year / $420,000 [22]
April 21 Aaron Hester Cornerback Denver Broncos 1 year / $420,000 [23]
Nate Ness Cornerback Carolina Panthers 1 year / $570,000
April 22 George Johnson Defensive end Minnesota Vikings 1 year / $730,000 [24]
April 25 Sherman Carter Center San Francisco 49ers 1 year / $420,000 [25]
Naaman Roosevelt Wide receiver Cleveland Browns 1 year / $570,000
April 28 Jordan Thompson Tight end West Virginia 1 year / $420,000 [26]
May 12 James Franklin Quarterback Missouri
Undrafted FA
 [27]
Cornelius Lucas Offensive tackle Kansas State
Andrew Peacock Wide receiver Appalachian State
Mohammed Seisay Cornerback Nebraska
Gabe Lynn Safety Oklahoma
Chad Abram Fullback Florida State
Alex Bullard Guard Tennessee
D.J. Morrell Guard Old Dominion
Justin Jackson Linebacker Wake Forest
Jacob Maxwell Tight end Louisiana–Lafayette
Jerome Couplin Safety William & Mary
May 16 Nate Freese Placekicker Boston College 4 years / $2,279,424 [28]
Caraun Reid Defensive tackle Princeton 4 years / $2,408,880
Larry Webster III Defensive end Bloomsburg 4 years / $2,545,050
Nevin Lawson Cornerback Utah State 4 years / $2,545,050
T. J. Jones Wide receiver Notre Dame 4 years / $2,326,200
May 19 Gregory Hickman Defensive tackle Florida International 3 years / $1,530,000 [29]
May 22 Travis Swanson Center Arkansas 4 years / $2,989,314 [30]
June 2 Kalonji Kashama Defensive end Eastern Michigan 1 year / – [31]
Cody Wilson Wide receiver Miami Dolphins 1 year / –
June 4 Kyle Van Noy Outside linebacker Brigham Young 4 years / $5.1 million [32]
June 13 Eric Ebron Tight end North Carolina 4 years / $12.2 million [33]
July 16 George Winn Running back Atlanta Falcons 1 year / – [34]
July 17 Garrett Reynolds Guard Atlanta Falcons 1 year / $745,000 [35]
July 25 Drew Butler Punter Chicago Bears 1 year / – [36]
July 31 Kris Redding Defensive end Wake Forest 1 year / – [37]
August 7 Drayton Florence Cornerback Carolina Panthers 1 year / – [38]
October 7 Matt Prater Placekicker Denver Broncos

Departures

Date Player Position Note New Team Source
February 13 Nate Burleson Wide receiver Released Cleveland Browns [39]
Louis Delmas Safety Released Miami Dolphins [40]
March 3 Leroy Harris Offensive guard Released [41]
March 13 Willie Young Defensive end UFA Chicago Bears [42]
March 18 Israel Idonije Defensive end UFA Chicago Bears [43]
April 2 Jason Fox Offensive tackle UFA Miami Dolphins [44]
May 12 Cody Wilson Wide receiver
Released
 [45]
Jon Morgan Linebacker
Nate Ness Cornerback
Matt Veldman Tight end
John Potter Placekicker
Carlin Isles Wide receiver
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Defensive back
May 19 Corvey Irvin Defensive tackle Released Calgary Stampeders (CFL) [29]
May 30 Kourtnei Brown Defensive end Released [46]
June 2 Vaughn Martin Defensive tackle Released [31]
June 13 Chris Houston Cornerback Released [47]
July 16 D.J. Morrell Guard Released [48]
July 17 J. B. Shugarts Offensive tackle Released [49]
July 18 Naaman Roosevelt Wide receiver Released Buffalo Bills [50]
July 25 Gabe Lynn Safety Released [51]
July 28 Kalonji Kashama Defensive end Released [52]
July 31 Cody Wilson Wide receiver Released [53]

Draft

Main article: 2014 NFL Draft
2014 Detroit Lions draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 10 Eric Ebron  TE North Carolina
2 40 Kyle Van Noy  OLB BYU
3 76 Travis Swanson  C Arkansas
4 133 Nevin Lawson  CB Utah St Compensatory
4 136 Larry Webster  DE Bloomsburg Compensatory
5 158 Caraun Reid  DT Princeton Pick from DAL
6 189 T.J. Jones  WR Notre Dame
7 229 Nate Freese  K Boston College Pick from DAL
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Notes

Final roster

2014 Detroit Lions final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 8 Inactive, 10 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 9 Cleveland Browns W 13–12 1–0 Ford Field Recap
2 August 15 at Oakland Raiders L 26–27 1–1 O.co Coliseum Recap
3 August 22 Jacksonville Jaguars W 13–12 2–1 Ford Field Recap
4 August 28 at Buffalo Bills W 23–0 3–1 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL.com
recap
1 September 8 New York Giants W 35–14 1–0 Ford Field ESPN Recap
2 September 14 at Carolina Panthers L 7–24 1–1 Bank of America Stadium Fox Recap
3 September 21 Green Bay Packers W 19–7 2–1 Ford Field Fox Recap
4 September 28 at New York Jets W 24–17 3–1 MetLife Stadium Fox Recap
5 October 5 Buffalo Bills L 14–17 3–2 Ford Field Fox Recap
6 October 12 at Minnesota Vikings W 17–3 4–2 TCF Bank Stadium Fox Recap
7 October 19 New Orleans Saints W 24–23 5–2 Ford Field Fox Recap
8 October 26 at Atlanta Falcons W 22–21 6–2 Wembley Stadium (London, England) Fox Recap
9 Bye
10 November 9 Miami Dolphins W 20–16 7–2 Ford Field CBS Recap
11 November 16 at Arizona Cardinals L 6–14 7–3 University of Phoenix Stadium Fox Recap
12 November 23 at New England Patriots L 9–34 7–4 Gillette Stadium Fox Recap
13 November 27 Chicago Bears W 34–17 8–4 Ford Field CBS Recap
14 December 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 34–17 9–4 Ford Field Fox Recap
15 December 14 Minnesota Vikings W 16–14 10–4 Ford Field Fox Recap
16 December 21 at Chicago Bears W 20–14 11–4 Soldier Field Fox Recap
17 December 28 at Green Bay Packers L 20–30 11–5 Lambeau Field Fox Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold.

Postseason

Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
Wild Card January 4, 2015 at Dallas Cowboys (3) L 20–24 1-0 AT&T Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: vs. New York Giants

Week One: New York Giants at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 0 7 0714
Lions 14 0 13835

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • DET – (11:54) Nate Freese 28-yard FG. DET 17–7.
  • DET – (5:50) Nate Freese 27-yard FG. DET 20–7.
  • DET – (3:51) Matthew Stafford 5-yard TD run; Nate Freese XP good. DET 27–7.
Fourth quarter
  • NYG – (11:53) Rashad Jennings 1-yard TD run; Josh Brown XP good. DET 27–14.
  • DET – (4:39) Joique Bell 3-yard TD run; Matthew Stafford pass to Joseph Fauria for 2-point conversion good. DET 35–14.
Top passers
  • NYG – Eli Manning 18/33, 163 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 22/32, 346 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • NYG – Rashad Jennings 16 att./46 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Joique Bell 15 att./51 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • NYG – Larry Donnell 5 rec./56 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 7 rec./164 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers

The Lions hosted their first opening-day Monday Night Football game since 1971, rudely welcoming the New York Giants to town. Matthew Stafford connected with Calvin Johnson on TD passes of 67 and 16 yards in the first quarter, giving Detroit an early 14–0 lead. The Giants got on the board in the second quarter with a 1-yard TD pass from Eli Manning to Larry Donnell, closing the gap to 14–7. Rookie kicker Nate Freese connected on field goals of 28 and 27 yards in the third quarter to extend the Lions lead to 20–7. An interception by Glover Quin, Detroit's second pick of the game, set up the Lions next touchdown, a 5-yard run by Stafford. New York narrowed the lead to 27–14 early in the fourth quarter when Rashad Jennings plunged in from a yard out, but that was as close as the Giants would get. Joique Bell capped the scoring with a 3-yard TD run, and the ensuing 2-point conversion made the final score 35–14.

Week 2: at Carolina Panthers

Week Two: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 707
Panthers 0 6 71124

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

First quarter
  • No scoring
Second quarter
  • CAR – (7:58) Graham Gano 29-yard FG. CAR 3–0.
  • CAR – (1:11) Graham Gano 53-yard FG. CAR 6–0.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • CAR – (7:26) Jonathan Stewart 2-yard TD run; Cam Newton pass to Jerricho Cotchery for 2-point conversion good. CAR 21–7.
  • CAR – (4:45) Graham Gano 38-yard FG. CAR 24–7.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 27/48, 291 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • CAR – Cam Newton 22/34, 281 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell 10 att./36 yards
  • CAR – Jonathan Stewart 15 att./37 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Carolina's Cam Newton made a successful comeback from a rib injury that kept him out of action in Week 1, but the story of the day was the Panthers' defense. Carolina forced three Detroit turnovers, two of which led to scores. Graham Gano opened the scoring for Carolina in the second quarter with field goals of 29 and 53 yards. The Lions took a 7–6 lead in the third quarter when Matthew Stafford hit fullback Jed Collins with a 1-yard TD pass. But the rest of the game was all Carolina. Newton closed the third with a 14-yard TD pass to Jason Avant to retake the lead, 13–7. In the fourth quarter, Jonathan Stewart found the end zone on a 2-yard TD run, with the ensuing 2-point conversion giving the Panthers a 21–7 lead. Gano finished the scoring with a 38-yard field goal.

Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Three: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 7 0 007
Lions 7 5 0719

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DET – (13:21) Safety, DeAndre Levy tackled Eddie Lacy in end zone. DET 9–7.
  • DET – (6:16) Nate Freese 30-yard FG. DET 12–7.
Third quarter
  • No scoring.
Fourth quarter
  • DET – (10:40) Reggie Bush 26-yard TD run; Nate Freese XP good. DET 19–7.
Top passers
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers 16/27, 162 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 22/34, 246 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • GB – James Starks 8 att./38 yards
  • DET – Reggie Bush 12 att./61 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Lions faced division rival Green Bay in Week 3, with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers sporting a 9–1 record in his last ten games against Detroit. The first two scoring plays for the Lions came courtesy of the defense. Nick Fairley forced a fumble that was scooped up by defensive back Don Carey and returned 40 yards to paydirt to put the Lions up 7–0. After Rodgers tied the game with a 10-yard TD pass to Andrew Quarless, DeAndre Levy tackled running back Eddie Lacy in the end zone for a safety, making the score 9–7. Nate Freese closed the first half scoring with a 30-yard field goal, sending Detroit to the locker room with a 12–7 lead. The only scoring drive of the second half culminated with a Reggie Bush 26-yard TD run, to put Detroit up 19–7. The Lions defense held Green Bay scoreless for the final three quarters of the game.

Week 4: at New York Jets

Week Four: Detroit Lions at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 14 0724
Jets 3 0 7717

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DET – (6:19) Matthew Stafford 59-yard TD pass to Jeremy Ross; Alex Henery XP good. DET 10–3.
  • DET – (0:22) Matthew Stafford 16-yard TD pass to Eric Ebron; Alex Henery XP good. DET 17–3.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • DET – (14:54) Matthew Stafford 1-yard TD run; Alex Henery XP good. DET 24–10.
  • NYJ – (6:58) Chris Johnson 35-yard TD run; Nick Folk XP good. DET 24–17.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 24/34, 293 yards, 2 TD
  • NYJ – Geno Smith 17/33, 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After opening the season 3-for-7 on field goal attempts, Detroit kicker Nate Freese was cut during the week and was replaced by Alex Henery. Henery made good on his first FG attempt for his new team, a 51-yarder to tie the Jets at 3–3 in the first quarter. The Lions put together two TD drives in the second quarter to go up 17–3. First, Matthew Stafford hit Jeremy Ross on a 59-yard bomb. Stafford then connected with first-round draft pick Eric Ebron for a 16-yard TD, giving Ebron his first NFL touchdown. Jets QB Geno Smith hit Eric Decker with an 11-yard TD pass to close the gap to 17–10. Early in the fourth, Stafford found the right pylon for a 1-yard TD run, making the score 24–10. Chris Johnson rambled 35 yards for a touchdown midway through the final quarter, pulling the Jets within a touchdown again, at 24–17. But Detroit's defense was able to force a punt on New York's final possession, and the Lions ran out the clock thereafter.

Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Five: Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 0 3 31117
Lions 7 7 0014

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,775
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DET – (13:44) Rashean Mathis 41-yard interception return, Alex Henery extra point good. DET 14–0.
  • BUF – (6:43) Dan Carpenter 45-yard field goal. DET 14–3.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • BUF – Kyle Orton 30/43, 308 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Staford 18/31, 231 yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • BUF – Fred Jackson 10 rushes, 49 yards
  • DET – George Winn 11 rushes, 48 yards
Top receivers
  • BUF – Sammy Watkins 7 catches, 87 yards
  • DET – Golden Tate 7 catches, 134 yards
Top tacklers

The Lions took a 14–0 lead by early in the second quarter, following a 9-yard TD reception by Golden Tate and a 41-yard interception return by Rashean Mathis. But that would end Detroit's scoring for the day. Buffalo came back on field goals of 45 and 25 yards by Dan Carpenter, making the score 14–6 by the start of the fourth quarter. Kyle Orton hit Chris Gragg with a 2-yard TD pass, and the ensuing two-point conversion knotted the score at 14–14. With 26 seconds left in the game, Alex Henery missed a 50-yard field goal attempt, his third miss of the day. The Bills quickly moved the ball to the Lions' 40-yard line, setting up Carpenter's game-winning 58-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining.

Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Six: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 3 0717
Vikings 0 0 033

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DET – (0:07) Matt Prater 52-yard field goal. DET 10–0.
Third quarter
  • No scoring
Fourth quarter
  • DET – (11:44) Joique Bell 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater extra point good. DET 17–0.
  • MIN – (4:53) Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal. DET 17–3.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 19/33, 185 yards, 1 TD
  • MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 23/37, 188 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell 18 rushes, 74 yards, 1 TD
  • MIN – Jerick McKinnon 11 rushes, 40 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Theo Riddick 5 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
  • MIN – Jerick McKinnon 6 receptions, 42 yards
Top tacklers

On a day when offensive stars Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush could not play due to injuries, the Lions defense had to step up, and it did in a big way. Detroit sacked Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater eight times, harassed him into throwing three interceptions, and held the Vikings scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. The Lions got on the board in the first quarter with a 9-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford to Theo Riddick. Matt Prater, acquired during the week to replace the struggling Alex Henery, made good on a 52-yard field goal near the end of the first half to give the Lions a 10–0 lead. After a scoreless third quarter, Detroit upped its lead to 17–0 on a 1-yard TD plunge by Joique Bell. Blair Walsh got the Vikings on the board with a 40-yard field goal, making the final score 17–3.

Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 0 10 7623
Lions 0 3 71424

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 63,271
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • No scoring
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • NO – (13:42) Drew Brees 46-yard TD pass to Kenny Stills, Shayne Graham extra point good. NO 17–3.
  • DET – (6:19) Joique Bell 1-yard TD run, Matt Prater extra point good. NO 17–10.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – (13:33) Shayne Graham 48-yard field goal. NO 20–10.
  • NO – (5:24) Shayne Graham 36-yard field goal. NO 23–10.
  • DET – (3:38) Matthew Stafford 73-yard TD pass to Golden Tate, Matt Prater extra point good. NO 23–17.
  • DET – (1:48) Matthew Stafford 5-yard TD pass to Corey Fuller, Matt Prater extra point good. DET 24–23.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees 28/45, 342 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 27/40, 299 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • NO – Khiry Robinson 3 rushes, 26 yards
  • DET – Joique Bell 18 rushes, 48 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • NO – Marques Colston 6 receptions, 111 yards
  • DET – Golden Tate 10 receptions, 154 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

Playing again without Calvin Johnson, the Lions fell behind the visiting New Orleans Saints by two scores on two separate occasions, before mounting a dramatic comeback in the final minutes of the game. New Orleans had three of the first four scoring plays of the game. Drew Brees hit Austin Johnson with a 14-yard TD pass, Shayne Graham made good on a 27-yard field goal, and Kenny Stills caught a 46-yard TD pass from Brees. Meanwhile, the Lions could only muster a 21-yard field goal by Matt Prater, falling behind 17–3. Detroit closed the gap to 17–10 in the third quarter after a 1-yard TD run by Joique Bell. Two more Shayne Graham field goals, however, gave the Saints a seemingly comfortable 23–10 lead with 5:24 to play in the game. With under four minutes to play, Matthew Stafford connected with Golden Tate on a 73-yard catch-and-run, making the score 23–17. On the Saints' next possession, Glover Quin picked off a third-and-ten Drew Brees pass, returning it to the New Orleans 14-yard line. At the 1:48 mark, Corey Fuller made a leaping catch of a 5-yard TD pass from Stafford for the winning touchdown in a 24–23 game. The Lions' defense held off the Saints in four downs, then the offense ran out the clock for the win.

Week 8: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 101222
Falcons 14 7 0021

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • ATL - Steven Jackson 1 yd. run (Matt Bryant kick) (12-89, 6:17). ATL 21–0.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 20 yd. Field Goal (4-5, 1:00). ATL 21–13.
  • DET - Theo Riddick 5 yd. pass from Matt Stafford (2-point conversion pass failed) (13-69, 7:29). ATL 21–19.
  • DET - Matt Prater 48 yd. Field Goal (11-63, 1:38). DET 22–21.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • DET – Golden Tate 7 receptions, 151 yards, 1 TD
  • ATL – Roddy White - 5 receptions, 66 yards
Top tacklers

In week 8, the Lions flew to London, England to play in the NFL International Series against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. The game was played at 9:30 AM EDT, the first ever NFL game in that time slot.[56] Like the previous game, the Lions were trailing by a large margin (down 21–0 at halftime) before mounting a huge comeback, scoring 22 unanswered points in the second half to win by a single point in the final minutes. The Falcons had touchdown catches of 7 and 1 yards respectively by Devonta Freeman and Bear Pascoe in the first quarter, then a 1-yard run by Steven Jackson in the second quarter. After halftime, a 22-yard Matt Prater field goal and a 59-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate narrowed the score to 21–10 by the end of the third quarter. Detroit got the ball on the Atlanta 8-yard line early in the fourth quarter after a Cassius Vaughn interception and return, settling for a 20-yard Prater field goal. A 5-yard TD reception by Theo Riddick made the score 21–19, but the Lions failed to convert a two-point conversion. The Falcons had the ball in Lions territory with under two minutes to play, but a holding penalty and a dropped pass both stopped the clock, forcing Atlanta to punt. With no time outs remaining and 1:38 on the clock, Detroit drove from its own 6-yard line to the Atlanta 25 with four seconds remaining in the game. Prater missed a 43-yard field goal attempt, but the whistle had blown before the snap because of a Detroit delay-of-game penalty. Prater then nailed a 48-yarder as time expired for the win.

Calvin Johnson, still recovering from an ankle injury, missed a third straight game for the Lions, who also played without Reggie Bush and its top three tight ends (Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, and Joseph Fauria). Matthew Stafford's two touchdown passes gave him a team-record 120 in his career, breaking the tie he held with Bobby Layne at 118. The Falcons blew a halftime lead of 21 points or more for the first time in team history. The Lions entered their bye week atop the NFC North with a 6–2 record.

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Ten: Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 3 10316
Lions 10 0 01020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 26 yd. Field Goal (15-72, 8:41), Lions 3–0
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 49 yd. pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick) (1-49, 0:08), Lions 10–0
Second quarter
  • MIA - Caleb Sturgis 23 yd. Field Goal (14-75, 5:09), Lions 10–3
Third quarter
  • MIA - Caleb Sturgis 50 yd. Field Goal (7-25, 2:52), Lions 10–6
  • MIA - Mike Wallace 3 yd. pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick) (1-3, 0:05), Dolphins 13–10
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 50 yd. Field Goal (8-50, 4:15), Tied 13–13
  • MIA - Caleb Sturgis 20 yd. Field Goal (13-70, 7:43), Dolphins 16–13
  • DET - Theo Riddick 11 yd. pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick) (11-74, 2:44), Lions 20–16
Top passers
  • MIA – Ryan Tannehill - 27/38, 201 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 25/40, 280 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • MIA – Damien Williams - 7 rushes, 39 yds
  • DET – Joique Bell - 10 rushes, 44 yds
Top receivers
  • MIA – Jarvis Landry - 7 receptions, 53 yds
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 7 receptions, 113 yds
Top tacklers
  • MIA – Jelani Jenkins - 7 tackles, 1 sack
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 9 tackles, 2 assists

Week 10 featured the top-ranked defenses (by yardage against) in each conference, as the Lions hosted the Dolphins. Detroit got off to a quick start. Matt Prater kicked a 26-yard field goal on the opening drive of the game. Later in the first quarter, Calvin Johnson, playing in his first game since Week 5, caught a 49-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford for a 10–0 lead. Miami managed a 23-yard Caleb Sturgis field goal before halftime, making the score 10–3. The Dolphins took the lead in the third, starting with a 50-yard Stugis field goal. Next, Earl Mitchell blocked Prater's 42-yard field goal attempt, and Dion Jordan returned the ball to the Lions 3-yard line. On the next play, Ryan Tannehill connected with Mike Wallace for the touchdown, putting Miami ahead, 13–10. Prater made good on a 50-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to knot the score at 13–13, but Sturgis' 20-yarder put Miami back on top by 3. As in the previous two games, the Lions had to rally on their final drive to win the game. Starting at their own 26 with 3:13 left in the game, the drive culminated with Stafford's 11-yard touchdown pass to Theo Riddick, putting the Lions ahead for good, 20–16.

This was the third straight game in which the Lions trailed at the two-minute warning, then went ahead on their final drive. It was the second time in a month that Miami had lost a game in the final seconds, following a Week 7 loss to Green Bay in which the final touchdown was scored with 3 seconds remaining. According to STATS Inc., this is the first time Detroit has started a season 7–2 since 1993.

Week 11: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Eleven: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 3 006
Cardinals 14 0 0014

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof stadium with roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 62,487
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • ARI - Michael Floyd 42 yd. pass from Drew Stanton (Chandler Catanzaro kick) (6-80, 2:58, Cardinals 7–0
  • ARI - Michael Floyd 12 yd. pass from Drew Stanton (Chandler Catanzaro kick) (7-77, 3:42), Cardinals 14–0
  • DET - Matt Prater 50 yd. Field Goal (6-48, 3:20), Cardinals 14–3
Second quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 28 yd. Field Goal (4-9, 1:27), Cardinals 14–6
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter

No scoring
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 18/30, 183 yards, 1 INT
  • ARI – Drew Stanton - 21/32, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell - 14 carries, 85 yards
  • ARI – Andre Ellington - 19 carries, 42 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 5 receptions, 59 yards
  • ARI – John Brown - 5 receptions, 69 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 8 tackles, 2 assists
  • ARI – Deone Bucannon - 7 tackles, 1 assist

In week 11, the 7–2, NFC North-leading Lions flew to Phoenix to face the NFC West's first place team, the 8–1 Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, the Cardinals picked up two touchdowns to open the game. Michael Floyd caught a pair of touchdown passes from Drew Stanton, from 42 yards and 12 yards out, giving them an early lead they never relinquished. Detroit's Matt Prater hit a pair of field goals, first a 50-yard kick in the first quarter then a 28-yarder late in the second quarter, to cut the lead to 14–6 at halftime. Neither team scored in the second half. The Lions, plagued by several penalties on both sides of the ball, saw their four-game winning streak snapped.

Week 12: at New England Patriots

Week Twelve: Detroit Lions at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 3 039
Patriots 7 17 3734

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 20 Yd Field Goal (10 plays, 78 yds, 4:33). Patriots 7–6.
  • NE - LeGarrette Blount 3 Yd Run Stephen Gostkowski Kick. (2 plays, 22 yds, 0:54). Patriots 14–6.
  • NE - Tim Wright 8 Yd pass from Tom Brady. Stephen Gostkowski Kick. (13 plays, 93 yds, 5:03). Patriots 21–6.
  • NE - Stephen Gostkowski 35 Yd Field Goal. (4 plays, 40 yds, 0:35). Patriots 24–6.
Third quarter
  • NE - Stephen Gostkowski 43 Yd Field Goal. (9 plays, 50 yds, 3:27). Patriots 27–6.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 49 Yd Field Goal. (10 plays, 34 yds, 3:06). Patriots 27–9.
  • NE - LeGarrette Blount 1 Yd Run. Stephen Gostkowski Kick. (9 plays, 66 yds, 4:30). Patriots 34–9.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 18/46, 264 yards, 1 interception
  • NE – Tom Brady - 38/53, 349 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interceptions
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell - 19 carries, 49 yards
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount - 12 carries, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top receivers
  • DET – Golden Tate - 4 receptions, 97 yards
  • NE – Brandon LaFell - 9 receptions, 98 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 9 tackles, 1 assist
  • NE – Dont'a Hightower - 5 tackles, 3 assists

In week 12, the Lions flew east for another battle of division leaders, this time with the AFC East's 8–2 New England Patriots. The Lions failed to score a touchdown for the second consecutive week, and fell to second place after a blowout loss. The Lions scored first when Matt Prater hit a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Patriots then took the lead which they kept for the rest of the game when Tim Wright caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady near the end of the first quarter. The Lions responded with a 20-yard field goal in the second quarter. The Patriots then scored two touchdowns on a 3-yard run from LeGarrette Blount, then an 8-yard catch by Tim Wright. New England's Stephen Gostkowski then kicked a 35-yard field goal to make the score 24–6 at halftime. The only score of the third quarter was a Patriots 35 yard field goal. In the final quarter, the Lions scored their third field goal, this one from 49 yards out. The Patriots capped their large victory with a 1-yard touchdown run from LeGarrette Blount.

Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Thirteen: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 14 0 3017
Lions 3 21 01034

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • CHI - Alshon Jeffery 10 Yd pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould Kick. (6 plays, 55 yds, 2:47). Bears 7–0
  • DET - Matt Prater 46 Yd Field Goal. (8 plays, 52 yds, 3:42). Bears 7–3.
  • CHI - Alshon Jeffery 6 Yd pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould Kick. (2 plays, 5 yds, 0:43). Bears 14–3.
Second quarter
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 25 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (9 plays, 78 yds, 5:40). Bears 14–10
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 Yd Run. Matt Prater Kick. (10 plays, 86 yds, 4:28). Lions 17–14.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 6 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (5 plays, 64 yds, 1:21). Lions 24–14.
Third quarter
  • CHI - Robbie Gould 35 Yd Field Goal. (13 plays, 63 yds, 6:06). Lions 24–17.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 Yd Run. Matt Prater Kick. (12 plays, 95 yds, 6:01). Lions 31–17.
  • DET - Matt Prater 40 Yd Field Goal. (6 plays, 20 yds, 3:13). Lions 34–17.
Top passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler - 31/48, 280 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 34/45, 390 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
  • CHI – Ka'Deem Carey - 2 carries, 8 yards
  • DET – Joique Bell - 23 carries, 91 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top receivers
  • CHI – Martellus Bennett - 8 receptions, 109 yards
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 11 receptions, 146 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
  • CHI – Ryan Mundy - 11 tackles, 1 assist
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 10 tackles

After a short week, the Lions hosted their division rivals the Chicago Bears for their 75th annual Thanksgiving Day Game. Detroit spotted Chicago a 14–3 first quarter lead, as Jay Cutler hit Alshon Jeffery with touchdown passes of 10 and 6 yards, wrapped around a Matt Prater 46-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Calvin Johnson ended his team's nine-quarter touchdown drought by catching a 25-yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford. Before the half ended, Joique Bell scored on a 1-yard run and Stafford again hooked up with Johnson, this time on a 6-yard TD, putting Detroit up 24–14. Robbie Gould closed the gap to seven points with a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter. Detroit scored the game's final 10 points in the fourth quarter. Joique Bell capped a 95-yard drive with his second 1-yard TD run and Matt Prater hit a 40-yard field goal, making the final score 34–17. The Lions tallied a season-high 474 yards of offense on the day.

Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Fourteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 0717
Lions 7 10 10734

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 6 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (11 plays, 70 yds, 5:11). Lions 7–0.
Second quarter
  • TB - Patrick Murray 54 Yd Field Goal. (12 plays, 44 yds, 4:25). Lions 7–3.
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 Yd Run. Matt Prater Kick. (8 plays, 34 yds, 4:00). Lions 14–3.
  • DET - Matt Prater 46 Yd Field Goal. (4 plays, 4 yds, 2:03). Lions 17–3.
  • TB - Mike Evans 5 Yd pass from Josh McCown. Patrick Murray Kick. (4 plays, 10 yds, 1:30). Lions 17–10.
Third quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 23 Yd Field Goal. (5 plays, 56 yds, 1:41). Lions 20–10.
  • DET - Joseph Fauria 10 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (10 plays, 88 yds, 5:27). Lions 27–10.
Fourth quarter
  • TB - Mike Evans 26 Yd pass from Josh McCown. Patrick Murray Kick. (6 plays, 81 yds, 2:23). Lions 27–17.
  • DET - Joique Bell 5 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (6 plays, 92 yds, 2:54).
Top passers
  • TB – Josh McCown - 20/39, 250 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 26/34, 311 yds, 3 TD
Top rushers
  • TB – Doug Martin - 5 carries, 22 yds
  • DET – Joique Bell - 18 carries, 83 yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • TB – Vincent Jackson - 10 receptions, 159 yds
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 8 receptions, 158 yds, 1 TD
Top tacklers
  • TB – Danny Lansanah - 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • DET – Ndamukong Suh - 5 tackles, 1 assist

After a long break, the Lions hosted the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Detroit started the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson from Matthew Stafford in the first quarter, giving them a lead they kept for the rest of the game. The Buccaneers responded with a 54-yard field goal by Patrick Murray in the second quarter. The Lions added to their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Joique Bell, then a 46-yard field goal by Matt Prater. Tampa Bay ended the second quarter with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Mike Evans from Josh McCown, making the score 17–10 at halftime. The Lions added 10 more points to their lead in the third quarter with a 23-yard field goal from Matt Prater, then a 10-yard Joseph Fauria touchdown catch from Matthew Stafford. In the final quarter, Tampa Bay scored their only points of the second half, with a 26-yard touchdown catch by Mike Evans from Josh McCown. The Lions then capped their victory with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Joique Bell off a deflected Matthew Stafford pass. The win gave Detroit a 9–4 record, the first time for the franchise since 1991, keeping them in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs.

Week 15: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week Fifteen: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 0014
Lions 0 10 3316

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,490
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • MIN – Greg Jennings 8 yd pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh kick. 7 plays, 75 yds, 3:53. MIN 14–0.
  • DET – Golden Tate 7 yd pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater kick. 2 plays, 11 yds, 0:45. MIN 14–7.
  • DET – Matt Prater 29 yd field goal. 7 plays, 21 yds, 3:00. MIN 14–10.
Third quarter
  • DET – Matt Prater 30 yd field goal. 13 plays, 74 yds, 7:19. MIN 14–13.
Fourth quarter
  • DET – Matt Prater 33 yd field goal. 10 plays, 65 yds, 4:05. DET 16–14.
Top passers
  • MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 31-41, 315 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 17-28, 153 yds, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • MIN – Matt Asiata 11 rushes, 36 yds, 1 TD
  • DET – Joique Bell 15 rushes, 62 yds
Top receivers
  • MIN – Charles Johnson 5 rec, 72 yds
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 4 rec, 53 yds
Top tacklers
  • MIN – Gerald Hodges 7 tackles
  • DET – DeAndre Levy and Tahir Whitehead 8 tackles

In week 15, the Lions hosted a re-match with their division rival the Minnesota Vikings. Detroit got off to a slow start, as Minnesota scored two touchdowns to take a 14–0 lead by early in the second quarter. Matt Asiata scored first on a 2-yard TD run, and Greg Jennings followed on Minnesota's next possession, catching an 8-yard TD pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Meanwhile, the Lions offense was held without a first down on its first four possessions. The defense helped the Lions narrow the gap by halftime. Glover Quin picked off a Bridgewater pass and returned it to the Vikings 11-yard line. Two plays later, Matthew Stafford hit Golden Tate with a 7-yard TD pass. On Minnesota's next possession, Bridgewater was intercepted again, this time by Darius Slay. That led to a 29-yard Matt Prater field goal, cutting Minnesota's lead to 14–10 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Lions inched closer on a 30-yard Prater field goal, making the score 14–13. It appeared the Vikings would extend their lead when Blair Walsh lined up for a 26-yard field goal try, but Jason Jones partially blocked the kick, and it sailed wide. The Lions went ahead on their next possession when Prater made good on a 33-yard field goal. The final score remained 16–14 Lions, as Minnesota failed to score on its final two possessions. The win gave the Lions a 10–4 record for the first time since 1991 (and only the third time in franchise history, the other being 1970), their fourth consecutive division win (keeping them undefeated in the NFC North), and put them back in first place since Green Bay lost to Buffalo earlier in the day.

Week 16: at Chicago Bears

Week Sixteen: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 0 31020
Bears 0 7 7014

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 61,420
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • DET - Reggie Bush 13 Yd Run. Matt Prater Kick. (7 plays, 57 yds, 3:00). Lions 7–0
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • DET - Matt Prater 39 Yd Field Goal. (10 plays, 47 yds, 4:36). Lions 10–7.
  • CHI - Alshon Jeffery 20 Yd pass from Jimmy Clausen. Jay Feely Kick. (14 plays, 80 yds, 7:39). 14–10 Bears.
Fourth quarter
  • DET - Joique Bell 17 Yd Run. Matt Prater Kick. (4 plays, 73 yds, 1:05). Lions 17–14.
  • DET - Matt Prater 30 Yd Field Goal. (9 plays, 43 yds, 2:59). Lions 20–14
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/39, 243 yards, 2 interceptions
  • CHI – Jimmy Clausen - 23/39, 181 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell - 13 carries, 74 yards, 1 touchdown
  • CHI – Matt Forte - 19 carries, 55 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 103 yards
  • CHI – Alshon Jeffery - 6 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 6 tackles, 2 assists
  • CHI – Christian Jones - 11 tackles

In Week 16, the Lions traveled west for a re-match with their division rival the Chicago Bears. The Lions entered the game having already clinched a playoff spot, thanks to the Washington Redskins' win over the Philadelphia Eagles the previous day. Each team scored a touchdown in the first half. First Detroit's Reggie Bush ran one in from 13 yards out in the first quarter, then Chicago's Matt Forte caught an 11-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen late in the second quarter to tie it up at halftime. The Lions took the lead in the third quarter with a 39-yard field goal by Matt Prater, but the Bears went ahead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Clausen to Alshon Jeffrey. In the final quarter, Detroit scored 10 unanswered points for the victory: first a 17-yard touchdown run by Joique Bell, then a 30-yard field goal from Matt Prater. The win was the fifth of the season in which the Lions trailed entering the fourth quarter. It made the Lions 11–4 for the first time since 1991, and kept them undefeated against divisional opponents.

Week 17: at Green Bay Packers

Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 7 7620
Packers 7 7 7930

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: December 28
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 27 °F (−3 °C), cloudy, light snow
  • Game attendance: 78,408
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • GB - Randall Cobb 4 Yd pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby Kick. (6 plays, 69 yds, 3:55). Packers 14–0.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 20 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (8 plays, 77 yds, 2:00). Packers 14–7.
Third quarter
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 4 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater Kick. (11 plays, 51 yds, 5:21). Tied 14–14.
  • GB - Randall Cobb 13 Yd pass from Aaron Rodgers. Mason Crosby Kick. (7 plays, 60 yds, 4:01). Packers 21–14.
Fourth quarter
  • GB - Aaron Rodgers 1 Yd Run. Mason Crosby Kick. (9 plays, 42 yds, 4:43). Packers 28–14.
  • GB - Penalty on Matthew Stafford Enforced in End Zone for safety. (1 play, -10 yds, 0:07). Packers 30–14.
  • DET - Theo Riddick 6 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Two-Point Run Conversion Failed. (5 plays, 44 yds, 0:47). Packers 30–20.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 20/41, 217 yds, 3 TD's
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers - 17/22, 226 yds, 2 TD's
Top rushers
  • DET – Joique Bell - 13 carries, 60 yds
  • GB – Eddie Lacy - 26 carries, 100 yds
Top receivers
  • DET – Golden Tate - 3 receptions, 45 yds
  • GB – Jordy Nelson - 6 receptions, 86 yds
Top tacklers
  • DET – DeAndre Levy - 8 tackles, 2 assists
  • GB – Morgan Burnett - 5 tackles, 2 assists

To end the regular season, the Lions visited their division rival the Green Bay Packers, in a game that determined the NFC North's winner. The Packers took an early lead with a 55-yard punt return touchdown run by Micah Hyde in the opening quarter, and added more points in the second quarter when Randall Cobb caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. The Lions then scored their only points of the first half when Calvin Johnson caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to make the score 14–7 at halftime. After the break Johnson and Stafford hooked up again with a 4-yard pass to tie the score. Green Bay responded with a 13-yard touchdown catch from Rodgers to Cobb. In the final quarter, the Packers added to their lead when Rodgers ran in a touchdown from 1 yard out. Matthew Stafford was later flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone, giving the Packers a safety. The Lions scored the game's final points when Theo Riddick caught a 6-yard pass from Stafford, and attempted a 2-point conversion but failed. With the loss, the Lions finished the season 11–5, good for 2nd place in the NFC North and a wildcard spot in the playoffs.

Postseason

NFC Wild Card Game: at Dallas Cowboys

NFC Wild Card Game: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 14 3 3020
Cowboys 0 7 71024

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • DAL – Terrance Williams 76-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 1:37. Lions 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 0:38.
  • DET – Matt Prater 39-yard field goal, 0:03. Lions 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 1:34.
3rd quarter
  • DET – Matt Prater 37-yard field goal, 8:41. Lions 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:03.
  • DAL – DeMarco Murray 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 2:54. Lions 20–14. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:47.
4th quarter
  • DAL – Dan Bailey 51-yard field goal, 12:16. Lions 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 4:00.
  • DAL – Terrance Williams 8-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 2:32. Cowboys 24–20. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:38.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to win their first playoff game since the 1991 season, the Lions visited the Dallas Cowboys. Detroit took an early lead in the first quarter with a pair of touchdowns, first on a 51-yard reception by Golden Tate, then an 18-yard run by Reggie Bush. Dallas responded in the second quarter with a 76-yard touchdown catch by Terrance Williams. The Lions added three more points with a 39-yard Matt Prater field goal just before halftime to make the score 17–7. After the break, Detroit increased their lead with another Prater field goal, this one from 37 yards. The Cowboys responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by DeMarco Murray. In the final quarter, Dallas cut the lead to three with a 51-yard field goal from Dan Bailey, and went ahead with an 8-yard touchdown catch by Terrance Williams. This final touchdown capped a 59-yard drive that came after a controversially changed pass interference call against the Cowboys, which would have given the Lions a first down near the Dallas 30-yard line.

Standings

Division

NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Green Bay Packers 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 486 348 W2
(6) Detroit Lions 11 5 0 .688 5–1 9–3 321 282 L1
Minnesota Vikings 7 9 0 .438 1–5 6–6 325 343 W1
Chicago Bears 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 319 442 L5

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA PD STK
Division leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] Seattle Seahawks West 12 4 0 .750 5–1 10–2 394 254 140 W6
2[lower-alpha 1] Green Bay Packers North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 486 348 138 W2
3[lower-alpha 1] Dallas Cowboys East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 467 352 115 W4
4 Carolina Panthers South 7 8 1 .469 4–2 6–6 339 374 –25 W4
Wild Cards
5[lower-alpha 2] Arizona Cardinals West 11 5 0 .688 3–3 8–4 310 299 11 L2
6[lower-alpha 2] Detroit Lions North 11 5 0 .688 5–1 9–3 321 282 33 L1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7 Philadelphia Eagles East 10 6 0 .625 4–2 6–6 474 400 74 W1
8 San Francisco 49ers West 8 8 0 .500 2–4 7–5 306 340 –34 W1
9[lower-alpha 3] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 401 424 –23 W1
10[lower-alpha 3] Minnesota Vikings North 7 9 0 .438 1–5 6–6 325 343 –18 W1
11[lower-alpha 4] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 380 400 –20 L1
12[lower-alpha 4] Atlanta Falcons South 6 10 0 .375 5–1 6–6 381 417 –36 L1
13[lower-alpha 4] St. Louis Rams West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 324 354 –30 L3
14 Chicago Bears North 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 319 442 –123 L5
15 Washington Redskins East 4 12 0 .250 2–4 2–10 301 438 –137 L1
16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 2 14 0 .125 0–6 1–11 277 410 –133 L6
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 5]
  1. 1 2 3 Seattle, Green Bay and Dallas were ranked in seeds 1–3 based on conference record.
  2. 1 2 Arizona defeated Detroit head-to-head (Week 11, 14–6).
  3. 1 2 New Orleans defeated Minnesota head-to-head (Week 3, 20–9).
  4. 1 2 3 The New York Giants defeated both Atlanta and St. Louis head-to-head (Atlanta: Week 5, 30–20; St. Louis: Week 16, 37–27).
    Atlanta finished ahead of St. Louis based on conference record.
  5. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Coaching staff

2014 Detroit Lions staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator – Joe Lombardi
  • Quarterbacks – Jim Bob Cooter
  • Running Backs – Curtis Modkins
  • Wide Receivers – Robert Prince
  • Offensive Line – Jeremiah Washburn
  • Assistant Offensive Line – Bobby Johnson
  • Offensive Assistant/Quality Control Coach – Terry Heffernan
 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – John Bonamego
  • Assistant Special Teams – Devin Fitzsimmons

Strength and conditioning

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

References

  1. ↑ Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. passes away NFL.com, March 9, 2014
  2. ↑ Lions to wear Ford Sr. jersey patch ESPN, July 21, 2014
  3. ↑ Jim Schwartz fired by Detroit Lions after five seasons NFL.com, December 30, 2013.
  4. ↑ Jim Caldwell to be hired by Detroit Lions as next coach NFL.com, January 14, 2014
  5. ↑ Detroit Lions hire defensive coordinator, linebackers coach; retain slew of assistants MLive.com, January 17, 2014
  6. ↑ Detroit Lions add Ron Prince as assistant head coach, tight end coach MLive.com, January 18, 2014
  7. ↑ Detroit Lions hiring Joe Lombardi, Saints QB coach, as offensive coordinator MLive.com, January 21, 2014
  8. ↑ Detroit Lions hire ex-Boise State offensive coordinator Robert Prince as receivers coach MLive.com, January 25, 2014
  9. ↑ Lions re-sign WR Kevin Ogletree prideofdetroit.com, March 12, 2014
  10. ↑ Lions agree with RB Joique Bell on a new three-year deal detroitlions.com, March 12, 2014
  11. ↑ Lions agree to terms with TE Pettigrew on new four-year deal detroitlions.com, March 14, 2014
  12. ↑ O'Hara: Lions agree to one-year deal with DT Andre Fluellen detroitlions.com, March 21, 2014
  13. ↑ Twentyman: Lions agree to terms on a one-year deal with veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis detroitlions.com, April 14, 2014
  14. ↑ Detroit Lions sign ex-Cowboys defensive tackle Corvey Irvin MLive.com, March 3, 2014
  15. ↑ Golden Tate, Detroit Lions strike five-year contract NFL.com, March 12, 2014
  16. ↑ Free Agent Notebook: Lions sign Tapp; meet with Ihedigbo; sign Martin detroitlions.com, March 13, 2014
  17. ↑ Lions agree to terms with FB Jed Collins detroitlions.com, March 19, 2014
  18. ↑ Safety James Ihedigbo to join Lions on two-year deal detroitlions.com, March 25, 2014
  19. ↑ Twentyman: Lions find their backup quarterback in Dan Orlovsky detroitlions.com, April 2, 2014
  20. ↑ Lions add tackle depth to roster detroitlions.com, April 5, 2014
  21. ↑ Lions sign veteran cornerback detroitlions.com, April 7, 2014
  22. ↑ Lions claim Kourtnei Brown off waivers detroitlions.com, April 11, 2014
  23. ↑ Lions sign a pair of defensive backs detroitlions.com, April 21, 2014
  24. ↑ The Daily Dish: Lions sign DE George Johnson after workout detroitlions.com, April 22, 2014
  25. ↑ Lions sign Naaman Roosevelt, Sherman Carter prideofdetroit.com, April 25, 2014
  26. ↑ Lions add depth at tight end by signing Jordan Thompson detroitlions.com, April 28, 2014
  27. ↑ Twentyman: Lions sign 11 undrafted rookie free agents detroitlions.com, May 12, 2014
  28. ↑ Lions sign draft picks Nevin Lawson, TJ Jones prideofdetroit.com, May 16, 2014
  29. 1 2 Lions sign Greg Hickman, release Corvey Irvin prideofdetroit.com, May 19, 2014
  30. ↑ Lions sign draft pick Travis Swanson prideofdetroit.com, May 22, 2014
  31. 1 2 Twentyman: Lions adjust 90-man roster detroitlions.com, June 2, 2014
  32. ↑ Twentyman: Lions sign second-round pick Kyle Van Noy detroitlions.com, June 4, 2014
  33. ↑ Twentyman: Lions sign first-round pick Eric Ebron detroitlions.com, June 13, 2014
  34. ↑ The Daily Dish: Lions sign Southfield RB George Winn detroitlions.com, July 16, 2014
  35. ↑ Detroit Lions sign offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, former Atlanta Falcon MLive.com, July 17, 2014
  36. ↑ Detroit Lions add punting depth, sign Drew Butler MLive.com, July 25, 2014
  37. ↑ Detroit Lions add DE Kris Redding, waive injured WR Cody Wilson MLive.com, July 31, 2014
  38. ↑ Detroit Lions sign veteran CB Drayton Florence before practice MLive.com, August 7, 2014
  39. ↑ Ex-Detroit Lions receiver Nate Burleson agrees to deal with Browns MLive.com, April 6, 2014
  40. ↑ Lions release Nate Burleson, Louis Delmas to clear cap room cbssports.com, February 13, 2014
  41. ↑ Lions release Leroy Harris detroitlions.com, March 3, 2014
  42. ↑ Willie Young agrees to three-year deal with Bears prideofdetroit.com, March 13, 2014
  43. ↑ Detroit Lions lose both of their left-side DEs to the Bears MLive.com, March 18, 2014
  44. ↑ "Dolphins Sign Jason Fox". Miami Dolphins. April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  45. ↑ Lions sign 11 undrafted free agents, release eight players prideofdetroit.com, May 12, 2014
  46. ↑ Birkett, Dave (May 30, 2014). "Detroit Lions waive DE Kourtnei Brown". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  47. ↑ Twentyman: Lions terminate Chris Houston's contract detroitlions.com, June 13, 2014
  48. ↑ Lions release OG D.J. Morrell prideofdetroit.com, July 16, 2014
  49. ↑ Lions release OT J.B. Shugarts prideofdetroit.com, July 17, 2014
  50. ↑ Lions claim Reese Wiggins off waivers, release Naaman Roosevelt prideofdetroit.com, July 18, 2014
  51. ↑ Lions sign Drew Butler, release Gabe Lynn prideofdetroit.com, July 25, 2014
  52. ↑ Lions waive Kalonji Kashama with injured designation prideofdetroit.com, July 25, 2014
  53. ↑ Lions sign Kris Redding, waive Cody Wilson prideofdetroit.com, July 31, 2014
  54. ↑ LaCanfora, Jason (October 30, 2012). "Lions acquire WR Mike Thomas from Jaguars". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  55. ↑ Detroit Lions swap fifth-round picks with Dallas Cowboys, pick up seventh-rounder MLive.com, May 10, 2014
  56. ↑ "London game to have earlier start". Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  57. ↑ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  58. ↑ "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.

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