The 2008 Detroit Lions season is the 79th season for the franchise in the National Football League. The Lions entered their third season under head coach Rod Marinelli. The Lions suffered one of the worst seasons in NFL history, losing all sixteen of their matches and becoming the first team since 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to end the NFL season without a win and no tied game, and the first to do so since the schedule expanded to six match in 1978 (a hatred that has since been equaled by Cleveland Browns 2017). Lions are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday 11, when they stand 0-10. The Lions' victory over Kansas City Chief on Sunday 16 of 2007 stood as their last until Sunday 3 season 2009. From the time the Lions recorded a victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday Nine 2007 to reach 6-2, the team went 5-47 for the next 52 games (including all 2008 and 2009) before winning four games in a row at the end of the 2010 season.
The Lions surrendered 517 points during the season, coming in 16th from matching the 1981 'Colts record of 533 points allowed. The Lions '32, 31 points per game allowed in defense were the third worst of the NFL team since the 1960s, only better than 1966 Giants (35.79 PPG) and the previous 1981 Colts (33.31 PPG). The president of the slipping team and CEO Matt Millen, who has served in the roles since 2001, was sacked on September 24, 2008. Marinelli was sacked after the season ended with most of his staff.
To celebrate their 75th year playing as Lions (they have been known as the Spartans Portsmouth their first four seasons), the Lions wore a special setback uniform for two home games, a replica used in 1934, the first year as the Lions. The uniform had a blue shirt with silver writing, solid silver trousers, blue socks, and solid silver helmet (like a leather helmet at the time). It replaced their alternative black jersey used in the 2005 to 2007 season.
Video 2008 Detroit Lions season
Season
Loss and trade main list
- RB Kevin Jones - Released on March 13 - signed with Chicago Bears
- DE Kalimba Edwards - Released on 13th March - signed with Oakland Raiders
- DT Shaun Rogers - Traded on February 29th to Cleveland Browns in exchange for cornerback Leigh Bodden and third round pick at NFL Draft 2008. (The Lions chose Andre Fluellen with this choice.)
2008 draft
Maps 2008 Detroit Lions season
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
KEY COLOR AND NOTE:
- x Shows a locally obstructed match
- # Indicates that the game is broadcast nationally
Game recap
Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons
The Lions started their 2008 season at the Georgia Dome against the Atlanta Falcons. The pre-season poll at thespread.com says Falcons (who finished 11-5 before losing the Wild Card round of the playoffs), is less likely (the last dead in this case) to make the Super Bowl of the Lions. In the first quarter, Detroit lagged early as QB rookie Matt Ryan completed a 62-yard TD pass for WR Michael Jenkins while RB Michael Turner scored twice on a 66 and a 5-meter run. In the second quarter, the Lions responded when Rookie RB Kevin Smith scored on a 3-yard TD run, while QB Jon Kitna completed a 21-yard TD pass for WR Roy Williams. However, in the third quarter, Atlanta continued its dominant start when kicker Jason Elam kicked a 50-yard field, while RB Jerious Norwood scored on a 10-yard TD run. Detroit replied when Kitna connected with TE Casey FitzSimmons with a 1-yard TD pass. Falcons secured victory in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard Elam field goal.
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers
Hoping to recover from losing their way to the Falcons, the Lions played their 2nd home opener against their northern NFC enemy, the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, Detroit left behind as QB Packers Aaron Rodgers completed a TD TD 9-yard for WR James Jones. In the second quarter, the Lions continued running as Rodgers completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver and passed a 29-yard TD to WR Jordy Nelson. Detroit closed the first half when kicker Jason Hanson incised a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions kept breaking into the Green Bay goal with Hanson kicking 49 yards and then scoring in the 53-yard. The Packers responded when the Mason Crosby kicker drove a 25-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit clawed on the Pack lead when QB Jon Kitna completed a 38-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson. The Lions closed in as a snap to the high punter Derrick Frost Packers, causing it to go through the back of the zone eventually, giving Detroit a safety. The Lions lead on Kitna's 47-yard card given to Calvin Johnson. However, Green Bay rebounded with 39-yard field goals Crosby, RB Brandon Jackson 19-yard TD run, CB 41-yard interception back for touchdown, and Nick Collins '42 -yard safety interception back for touchdown.
Week 3: in San Francisco 49ers
The Lions visited Candlestick Park in San Francisco for a 3 week duel with 49ers. In the first quarter, Detroit lagged earlier as 49ers (and former Lions) QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 6-yard TD TD for WR Isaac Bruce. In the second quarter, San Francisco improved its lead when RB Frank Gore scored in a 4-yard TD run. The Lions climbed to the boards when kicker Jason Hanson scored a 44 yard field goal. The 49ers closed half when O'Sullivan completed a 24-yard TD pass for TE Delanie Walker.
In the third quarter, Detroit tried to rally when Hanson kicked a 51 yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco improved its lead when CB Allen Rossum scored in a 1-yard TD round. The Lions tried to return as QB Jon Kitna completed a 34-yard TD pass to RB Rudi Johnson, but the 49ers pulled away when Joe Nedney's kicker nailed a 25-yard field goal.
Week 4: Week Bye - Millen fired
In the next week, team leader and CEO Matt Millen was sacked after eight years of management in which the team collected the league's worst record of 31 wins and 84 losses.
Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears
By the end of their week, the Lions played a duel on Sunday 5th Black and Blue at home with the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Detroit left early when Bears kicker Robbie Gould got a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions continued running as QB Kyle Orton completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forte and a 12-yard TD pass to WR/KR Devin Hester. In the third quarter, Chicago continued its dominance as FortÃÆ' Â © got a 1-yard TD, and CB Charles Tillman again did a 26-yard interception for touchdown. After that, Detroit got the only score of the game as Rookie RB Kevin Smith scored on a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Bears secured victory when Gould incised a 45-yard field goal.
Week 6: in Minnesota Vikings
The Lions traveled to Minneapolis on the 6th week to face Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Detroit's woes continued because Orlovsky accidentally ran out of the back end of his endzone, giving Viking a salvation. In the second quarter, the Lions led as kicker Jason Hanson got a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead when Orlovsky completed a 12-yard TD for WR Calvin Johnson. However, Minnesota responded when QB Gus Frerotte completed an 86-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian. In the fourth quarter, Viking sealed victory as kicker Ryan Longwell chalked up a 26-yard field goal that won the game.
And Orlovsky's run out of end zones for security topped ESPN's Not Top 10 list in 2008.
Roster moves
On October 14, the Lions traded wide receiver Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for three picks in the 2009 NFL Draft. On the same day, quarterback Jon Kitna was placed on injury reserves for the rest of the season, due to chronic back pain. And Orlovsky took his place.
Week 7: in Houston Texans
At week 7, the Lions flew to Houston, Texas for interference duel with Houston Texans. In the first quarter, Detroit's slow start continued as Texans QB Matt Schaub completed a 2-yard TD pass for TE Owen Daniels, along with RB Ahman Green getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Houston increased their lead as RB Steve Slaton got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions responded when kicker Jason Hanson completed a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit started chasing as Rookie RB Kevin Smith got a 26-yard TD run, but the Texans answered with Schaub finishing a 1-yard TD pass for Daniels. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to return as QB Dan Orlovsky completed a 96-yard TD pass for WR Calvin Johnson, along with Hanson nailing a 54-yard field goal. However, Houston's defense prevented a comeback.
Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins
The Lions return home for an 8-week duel with the Washington Redskins. It was the first regular season game on Ford Field that failed to sell out by the 72 hour deadline and, therefore, became the target of local television outages.
In the first quarter, Detroit lagged early when Redskins shot Shaun Suisham got a 25-yard field goal. In what would be the first time in the Lions season scored during the first quarter, RB Johnson got an 11-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Detroit boosted its lead as kicker Jason Hanson got a 43-yard field goal. Washington closed half with Suisham getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Redskins regained the lead when Suisham scored a 45-yard field goal, along with QB Jason Campbell completing a 50-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. In the fourth quarter, the Lions struggle continued when Moss returned with a 80 yard shotdown. Detroit tried to rally as QB And Orlovsky completed a 17-yard TD pass for WR Calvin Johnson. However, Washington closed the match with Suisham nailing a 42-yard field goal.
Signing Daunte Culpepper
On October 28, the Lions discussed a contract with veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper. He signed a contract with the Lions on 3 November and played 4 matches before suffering a shoulder injury.
Week 9: at Chicago Bears
Still trying to get their first win of the season, the Lions travel to Soldier Field for the North North's 9-week rematch with the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Detroit was left early when Bears kicker Robbie Gould got a 36-yard field goal, along with QB Kyle Orton who got a 5-yard run. In the second quarter, the Lions responded greatly with Rookie RB Kevin Smith getting a 1-yard TD run (with blocked PAT), along with QB And Orlovsky completing a 17-yard TD pass for WR Calvin Johnson and a 14-yard TD pass to WR Shaun McDonald. Chicago will respond with Gould getting a 41-yard field goal, but Detroit replied with a Jason Hanson kick getting a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Bears began rallying as QB Rex Grossman (who took over for Orton after he left the game in the second quarter with a right leg injury) completing a 6-yard TD pass for WR Rashied Davis. In the fourth quarter, Chicago completed their rally as Grossman got a 1-yard TD. The Lions tried to rally, but the Bears defense prevented a possible comeback from happening.
By losing their ninth consecutive road, not only did the Lions fall to 0-8, but after the Bengals win over Jaguar, the Lions remained the only NFL team without a win.
Sunday 10: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
In the 10th week the Lions came home, wore their backsliding uniforms, and played an interferenceal game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the first quarter, Detroit lagged early when the butcher shooter Josh Scobee got a 34-yard field goal. The Lions will respond as QB Drew Stanton makes his NFL debut and completes a 1-yard TD pass to TE John Owens on his first NFL card. In the second quarter, Jacksonville led the way when RB Maurice Jones-Drew got a 6 yard, 1 yard, and 8 yard TD.
In the third quarter, Detroit's woes continued when Jaguar QB David Garrard completed a 7 yard TD pass for WR Jerry Porter. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville withdrew as Garrard completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Troy Williamson. The Lions will end the game when Rookie RB Kevin Smith scores on a 1-yard TD run.
Sunday 11: at Carolina Panthers
The still-winless lions went to the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina for an 11-week duel with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first as QB Daunte Culpepper completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson. In the second quarter, the Lions improved their lead when kicker Jason Hanson scored a 40-yard field goal. The Panthers responded when QB Jake Delhomme completed a 15-page TD pass to Jeff King's TE. Detroit responded when Hanson completed 56-yard field goals, but Carolina took the lead as RB DeAngelo Williams scored a long-term 56 yards running TD. Later, Carolina RB's Jonathan Stewart scored on a 22-yard TD run. The Lion closes half as Hanson completes a 27-yard goal field.
In the third quarter, the Panthers improved their lead when kicker John Kasay scored a 29-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit tried to return as Culpepper got a 1-yard TD run (with a 2-point conversion that failed due to a failed facemask call against Carolina), but Carolina withdrew as Williams scored on a 4-yard TD run. Losing this game eliminates the Lions from playoff contests.
Week 12: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Lions return home for a Week 12 duel with another South NFC team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, Detroit hit first as QB Daunte Culpepper completed a 15-yard TD for WR Calvin Johnson. The Lions continued their initial success as safety Daniel Bullocks again missed 44 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson got a 38-yard field goal.
Despite an early advantage 17-0 is the biggest win that the Lions will get throughout the year, it does not even last until halftime. In the second quarter, RB Warrick Dunn Buccaneers got a TD run of 13 yards, while QB Jeff Garcia completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard and a 24-yard TD pass to TE Jerramy Stevens.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay added to their lead when RB Clifton Smith returned a 70-yard kick to touchdown, along with CB Ronde Barber restoring a 65-yard interception for a touchdown. Detroit scored when Hanson scored a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, only Buccaneers scored when kicker Matt Bryant incised a 48-yard field goal.
Sunday 13: vs. Tennessee Titans (Thanksgiving Day game)
Later that week, the Lions stayed home, wore their retirement uniforms again, and played their annual 69th Thanksgiving Day game against 10-1 Tennessee Titans. It is the only national game to be broadcast on television in regular season and is the only one among the last six unbeatable home games, although the Lions need a 24-hour extension to sell Ford Field. In the first quarter, Detroit lagged early because RB Titans Chris Johnson ran for a 6-yard TD. The Lions responded with Jason Hanson kicking a 53-yard field goal. Tennessee responded with Johnson running 58 yards for the score, along with DE Dave Ball returning a 15-yard interception for TD. In the second quarter, Detroit's woes continued when RB LenDale White scored within 6 yards and 2 yards. Detroit ended the half with QB Daunte Culpepper completing a 2-yard TD pass for TE Michael Gaines. In the third quarter, The Titans withdrew as kicker Rob Bironas kicked the 49 and 41 yards field targets. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee scored two more goals when Bironas nailed 45 and 43 field goals.
Singer Jesse McCartney performs at halftime.
47 points were the most points Detroit ever awarded on Thanksgiving Day when they fell to 0-12. It also became the second consecutive NFL season to see the team start out 0-12 after the Miami Dolphins in 2007.
Week 14: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Furthermore, the Lions stayed home for North 14th Northern Weekend rematch in North Korea with former veteran midfielder Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Viking. In the first quarter, Detroit was on the first board as the kicker Jason Hanson got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions improved their lead when Hanson scored a 23-yard field goal. Viking will close in half as Ryan Longwell's kicker gets a 35-yard field goal.
During the first half, Moran Norris was sent off by referee Jerome Boger for a punch at Minnesota's Napoleon Harris.
In the third quarter, Minnesota led as RB Chester Taylor got a run of TD 17 yards. Detroit will respond with former Viking QB Daunte Culpepper who completed a 70-yard TD for WR Calvin Johnson. However, Minnesota got the lead again as QB Tarvaris Jackson completed an 11-page TD pass to Visishe Tian Shiancoe. In the fourth quarter, The Lions tried to rally as Hanson made a 39-yard field goal. However, Viking pulled away when Longwell nailed a 50-yard field goal.
Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts
In the last interferenceal duel of the season, the Lions traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to take the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts attacked first when Dominic Rhodes raced on TD from 1 yard in the first half of the quarter. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 51-yard field goal by Jason Hanson. With just less than 6 minutes left in the half, Chad Simpson of Colts scored TD from 2 yards. Calvin Johnson of the Lions responded a few minutes later by catching a 33-yard TD pass. The Colts hit back with just under a minute in the half, when Dallas Clark caught a 3-yard TD pass.
The only point for both teams in the 3rd quarter was Jason Hanson's 30-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Kevin Smith ran the TD from 1 yard out. The Lions decided to go for a 2 point conversion to tie the score and succeed when Casey Fitzsimmons catch a pass for a conversion. Colts responded with yet another Dominic Rhodes 1-yard TD sprinted and put the game out of reach with a 31-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal.
With the loss of the Colts, the Lions became the third team (after Buccaneer in 1976 and 1980 Saints) missed the first 14 games of the regular season. They are the last team to start 0-14 until 2016 Browns do so in 2016.
By losing their 11 straight path, the Lions fell to 0-14 and 0-4 against the AFC Opponents.
Weekly 16: vs. New Orleans Saints
For their last home game of the season, the Lions take on New Orleans Saints. Detroit trailed early in the first quarter as wide-ranging Saints receiver Robert Meachem scored on a 20-yard touchdown and ran back Deuce McAllister to score on a 2-yard touchdown run. The Lions responded in the second quarter with rookie running back 1-yard touchdown Kevin Smith. New Orleans responded by running back 1-yard Mike Bell's touchdown, and running back 2-page touchdown Pierre Thomas. The Saints then closed the scores in the third quarter with Drew Brees's quarterback completing a 6-yard and 3-yard touchdown to a wide receiver Marques Colston.
With that loss, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to have a 0-15 record. They also became the first team to lose fifteen in a row in a season since the 2001 Carolina Panthers, who won their first game, then lost 15 remaining players to complete 1-15. The 2008 Lions is the last team up to Brown 2017 from 0-15.
Week 17: in Green Bay Packers
For their last chance to avoid becoming the first 0-16 team in NFL history, the Lions traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers division rivals, which Detroit has not been beaten on the road since 1991. The Packers attacked first. in the first half of the quarter when Deshawn Wynn ran into a 73-yard TD career. They made it 14-0 when Jermichael Finley caught a 3-yard TD pass near the end of the first quarter. The Lions climbed to the boards in the second quarter when Calvin Johnson caught a 9-yard TD pass. At the end of the act, Will Blackmon is called a fair haul as time ends, allowing Mason Crosby to try a rare 69-yard field goal. Crosby kicked him accurately but fell just a short yard with the wind blowing toward him. Before the game, Crosby also tried a 64-yard field target. Calvin Johnson scored another TD to tie him in the third quarter when he caught a 14-yard bait. The Packers responded only after the beginning of the 4th quarter with a 36-yard Mason Crosby field goal, and then by capturing John Kuhn's 5-yard TD. The Lions responded less than a minute later with Kevin Smith running a 9-yard TD. Packers seal the fate of the Lion 'though with a 71-yard TD pass that was caught by Donald Driver.
With that loss, the Lions became the only second NFL team from the post-merger era to go without a win without a tie in the regular season, and the first to go 0-16. (The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers also went without a win, but that's when the regular season only has fourteen matches.) The Lions ended 2008 after losing 23 of their 24 regular season games, back to the previous season, and a total of seventeen consecutive defeats regular season (NFL record is 26th by Buccaneers, who lost in the next twelve matches after their winless season).
After allowing 31 points to the Packers, it brings their total season total allowed to 517. This is the second highest number of points allowed in a season in NFL history, following only 533 allowed by Baltimore Colts 1981.
Of note, the three players on the winless season list went on to participate in the Super Bowl XLVIII: Manny Ramirez and Paris Lenon for the Denver Broncos and Cliff Avril for the final Seattle Seahawks champion.
Important reactions
After the final game of the season, the Lions radio-by-play broadcaster Dan Miller concluded throughout the year in a few sentences:
And Miller, on December 28, 2008, at the Detroit Lions Radio Network, after the Detroit Lions became the first team in NFL history to go to 0-16.Flea clocks here in Green Bay. The Lions find themselves in a very familiar position. For 16 weeks, starting in Atlanta in September, they thought that this would be their day. Sixteen times they were wrong, and now there is no Sunday left. With the record, they are the worst team in the history of the league. Zero and sixteen, that is a number that will be forever attributed to the Detroit Lions.
At the 'Top 10 Worst Teams All Time' of the NFL Network, the 2008 Lions were placed at # 1, with 0-14 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the starting rank-0-12 1977 Buccaneers as the second worst team (s) ever.
Coach staff
List of final names
Notes and references
See also
- The season is not perfect
- The Curse of Bobby Layne
- 2017 Cleveland Browns season
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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