2010 Detroit Lions season

The 2010 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 81st season in the NFL. It was Jim Schwartz's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings (whose overall record was the same), the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the season with a victory over that team. They were eliminated from playoff contention after their Thanksgiving Day loss, extending their postseason drought to 11 seasons, tied with Buffalo for the longest active streak in the NFL. High points of the season included two division wins, the first being a 7–3 victory over the eventual Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers that snapped a 19-game losing streak against division opponents, and a four-game winning streak which included a victory in Tampa that ended their record 26-game road losing streak. The Lions also sent two players to the 2011 Pro Bowl: wide receiver Calvin Johnson and rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

2010 Detroit Lions season
Head coachJim Schwartz
General managerMartin Mayhew
OwnerWilliam Clay Ford, Sr.
Home fieldFord Field
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersDT Ndamukong Suh
WR Calvin Johnson

The Lions missed the playoffs for the eleventh straight season, tying a record set between 1971 and 1981.

Off-season


Roster changes

Free agents
PosPlayerTag2010 TeamSigned
ILBCody SpencerRFA
G/TDamion CookUFAOmaha Nighthawks (UFL)
QBDaunte CulpepperUFASacramento Mountain Lions (UFL)June 7
ILBLarry FooteUFAPittsburgh SteelersMarch 15
CBAnthony HenryUFA
CBWilliam JamesUFASan Francisco 49ersMay 5
QBPatrick RamseyUFAOmaha Nighthawks (UFL)June 1
RBCedric PeermanUFACincinnati BengalsApril 27
WRMichael Ray GarvinUFALas Vegas Locomotives (UFL)June 2
DTTerrance TaylorUFA
SDeAngelo SmithUFACleveland BrownsApril 28
WRKole HeckendorfUFASeattle SeahawksMay 12

Releases
PosPlayerReleased2010 TeamSigned
CBPhillip BuchanonMarch 4Washington RedskinsMarch 29
DTGrady JacksonMarch 5
DEDewayne WhiteMarch 8Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)June 2
OGDaniel LoperApril 15Oakland RaidersMay 16
SKalvin PearsonApril 16
CBKevin HobbsApril 16Miami DolphinsAugust 12
CBBrian WitherspoonApril 16Carolina PanthersApril 16
SSDaniel BullocksJuly 8Omaha Nighthawks (UFL)

Signings
PosPlayerTag2009 TeamSigned
SJonathan HefneyUFAWinnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)January 4
LBAshlee PalmerUFABuffalo BillsFebruary 18
WRNate BurlesonUFASeattle SeahawksMarch 5
DTCorey WilliamsRFACleveland BrownsMarch 5
DEKyle Vanden BoschUFATennessee TitansMarch 5
CBJonathan WadeUFASt. Louis RamsMarch 8
CBChris HoustonRFAAtlanta FalconsMarch 8
QBShaun HillRFASan Francisco 49ersMarch 14
LBLandon JohnsonUFACarolina PanthersMarch 19
OGRob SimsRFASeattle SeahawksApril 5
TETony SchefflerRFADenver BroncosApril 19
GTrevor CanfieldRFASeattle SeahawksApril 19
DBC.C. BrownUFANew York GiantsMay 10
LBIsaiah EkejiubaUFAOakland RaidersJuly 23
DELawrence JacksonRFASeattle SeahawksAugust 18
CBT. J. RushingUFAIndianapolis ColtsAugust 18
SJohn WendlingUFABuffalo BillsAugust 27
TESpencer HavnerUFAGreen Bay PackersSeptember 5
WRStefan LoganUFAPittsburgh SteelersSeptember 5
TEJ.J. FinleyUFASan Francisco 49ersSeptember 8

Trades

2010 Draft class
Main article: 2010 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 2 Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
1 30a Jahvid Best RB California
3 66 Amari Spievey CB Iowa
4 128a Jason Fox OT Miami (FL)
7 213b Willie Young DE North Carolina State
7 255c Tim Toone WR Weber State

Denver traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection.[2]

The Lions traded their original seventh-round pick to Buffalo for S Ko Simpson.[3]

The Lions traded their 2010 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2011 seventh-round pick to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston.[4]

The Lions traded a 2010 fifth-round pick (the pick they acquired from Denver) to Cleveland for DT Corey Williams and a 2010 seventh-round pick (214).[5]

The Lions traded seventh-round pick 220 to Philadelphia for their 2011 sixth-round selection.[6]

The Lions traded LB Ernie Sims to Philadelphia, the Broncos received a fifth-round pick from Philadelphia, and the Lions received TE Tony Scheffler and a 2010 seventh-round pick 220 from Denver in a three team trade.[7]

^a The Lions traded their second-round pick, their original fourth-round pick and seventh-round pick 214 to Minnesota for their first-round pick and their fourth-round pick.[8]

^b The Lions traded their 2010 fifth-round pick and DE Robert Henderson to Seattle for OG Rob Sims and their 2010 seventh-round pick.[9]

^c Awarded to the Lions as a compensatory pick.

Undrafted free agents
Position Player College
WRMichael MooreGeorgia
DTRobert CallawaySaginaw Valley State
TERichard DicksonLouisiana State
CBAaron BerryPittsburgh
SRandy PhillipsMiami (FL)
DEKorey BosworthUCLA

Staff
Detroit Lions 2010 staff
Front Office
  • Owner/Chairman – William Clay Ford, Sr.
  • Vice Chairman – William Clay Ford, Jr.
  • President – Tom Lewand
  • Senior Vice President/General Manager – Martin Mayhew
  • Senior Personnel Executive – James "Shack" Harris
  • Vice President of Football Operations – Cedric Saunders
  • Vice President of Pro Personnel – Sheldon White
  • Director of College Scouting – Scott McEwen
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting/National Scout – Lance Newmark
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Miller McCalmon
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Charlie Sanders

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

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

Final roster
2010 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, 19 inactive, 7 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason
WeekDateKickoffOpponentResultsGame siteTVNFL.com
recap
Final scoreTeam record
1 August 147:30 pm EDTat Pittsburgh SteelersL 23–70–1Heinz FieldDetroit Lions Television NetworkRecap
2 August 219:00 pm EDTat Denver BroncosW 25–201–1Invesco Field at Mile HighDetroit Lions Television NetworkRecap
3 August 285:00 pm EDTCleveland BrownsW 35–272–1Ford FieldDetroit Lions Television Network / NFL NetworkRecap
4 September 26:30 pm EDTBuffalo BillsW 28–233–1Ford FieldDetroit Lions Television NetworkRecap

Regular season
WeekDateKickoffOpponentResultsGame siteTVNFL.com
recap
Final scoreTeam record
1 September 121:00 pm EDTat Chicago BearsL 14–190–1Soldier FieldFoxRecap
2 September 191:00 pm EDTPhiladelphia EaglesL 32–350–2Ford FieldFoxRecap
3 September 261:00 pm EDTat Minnesota VikingsL 10–240–3Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeFoxRecap
4 October 31:00 pm EDTat Green Bay PackersL 26–280–4Lambeau FieldFoxRecap
5 October 101:00 pm EDTSt. Louis RamsW 44–61–4Ford FieldFoxRecap
6 October 171:00 pm EDTat New York GiantsL 20–281–5New Meadowlands StadiumFoxRecap
7 Bye
8 October 311:00 pm EDTWashington RedskinsW 37–252–5Ford FieldFox (x)Recap
9 November 71:00 pm ESTNew York JetsL 20–23 OT2–6Ford FieldCBSRecap
10 November 141:00 pm ESTat Buffalo BillsL 12–142–7Ralph Wilson StadiumFoxRecap
11 November 211:00 pm ESTat Dallas CowboysL 19–352–8Cowboys StadiumFoxRecap
12 November 2512:30 pm ESTNew England PatriotsL 24–452–9Ford FieldCBS (#)Recap
13 December 51:00 pm ESTChicago BearsL 20–242–10Ford FieldFoxRecap
14 December 121:00 pm ESTGreen Bay PackersW 7–33–10Ford FieldFoxRecap
15 December 191:00 pm ESTat Tampa Bay BuccaneersW 23–20 OT4–10Raymond James StadiumFoxRecap
16 December 261:00 pm ESTat Miami DolphinsW 34–275–10Sun Life StadiumFoxRecap
17 January 21:00 pm ESTMinnesota VikingsW 20–136–10Ford FieldFoxRecap

COLOR KEY AND NOTES:

(#) Indicates that the game was nationally televised.
(x) Indicates the game was blacked out locally
     Indicates that throwback uniforms were worn.

Standings
NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Chicago Bears 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 334 286 L1
(6) Green Bay Packers 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 388 240 W2
Detroit Lions 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 362 369 W4
Minnesota Vikings 6 10 0 .375 1–5 5–7 281 348 L1

Regular season results

Week 1: at Chicago Bears
Week 1: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 7 0014
Bears 3 10 0619

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

The Lions opened the season at Soldier Field against their NFC North foe the Chicago Bears. The Bears took an early lead in the first quarter with a 20-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould. The Lions answered with two consecutive touchdowns by rookie running back Jahvid Best: first a 7-yard run, and later in the second quarter with a 4-yard run. The Bears responded with an 89-yard catch and run touchdown by Matt Forté and later with a 31-yard field goal from Gould just before halftime. The only score of the second half was a 28-yard touchdown catch by Forté (with a failed 2-point conversion), giving the Bears a late lead. Late in the game, quarterback Shaun Hill completed what would have been the game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. A touchdown was initially signaled, but the officials conferred and ruled that Johnson did not “complete the catch during the process of the catch.” The play was reviewed and the ruling on the field of an incomplete pass stood.

With the loss, the Lions started their season 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 7 14 7735
Lions 7 10 01532

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

For their home opener, the Lions hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles scored first midway through the first quarter with a 45-yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 14-yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Later in the second quarter the Lions broke the tie with a 49-yard Jason Hanson field goal. They increased their lead with a 75-yard touchdown catch by Jahvid Best. The Eagles answered with 4 consecutive touchdowns. First a 14-yard run by LeSean McCoy. Next a 9-yard run by Jeremy Maclin just before halftime. Midway through the third, Philadelphia added to their lead with 2 touchdowns by LeSean McCoy. First a 4-yard run, then in the 4th quarter one for 46 yards. The Lions then attempted a comeback with 2 consecutive touchdowns late in the game. First a 2-yard touchdown run by Jahvid Best. Then a 19-yard catch by Calvin Johnson with a 2-point conversion tacked on. The Lions completed an onside kick but turned the ball over on downs.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 0–2 for the 3rd straight season.

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 3: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 3 0010
Vikings 7 7 10024

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

In week 3, the Lions traveled to Minneapolis to take on division rivals the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions took an early lead with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Tony Scheffler. The Vikings tied it up 24-yard catch by Percy Harvin. They then took the lead in the second quarter with a 6-yard run by Adrian Peterson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 33-yard field goal. Midway through the third quarter the Vikings added to their lead with a 31-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell. A few minutes later they sealed their win with an 80-yard run by Adrian Peterson.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
Week 4: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 14 6626
Packers 7 14 7028

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

In week 4, the Lions traveled across Lake Michigan to Green Bay, Wisconsin to play division rivals the Green Bay Packers. The Packers started the scoring in the first quarter with a 29-yard TD catch by Donald Driver from Aaron Rodgers. The Lions tied it up in the second quarter with a 23-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Packers took the lead with a 13-yard catch by Jermichael Finley. They added to their lead 17-yard catch by Greg Jennings. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 21-yard catch by Calvin Johnson. Just after the break, the Packers' Charles Woodson returned an interception for a touchdown. The Lions attempted a comeback with 4 consecutive field goals: from 39 yards and 52 yards in the 3rd quarter, and later from 49 yards and 24 yards in the 4th. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 0–4, but it also marked their 19th consecutive loss in Wisconsin.

Week 5: vs. St. Louis Rams
Week 5: St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 3 3 006
Lions 3 21 71344

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 5 the Lions hosted the St. Louis Rams. The Lions started the scoring early with a 30-yard Jason Hanson field goal. The Rams tied it up at the end of the first quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Josh Brown. To start the second quarter, the Lions took the lead with a 105-yard kickoff return by Stefan Logan, the longest touchdown run in the NFL this season. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 1-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Rams kicked another 28-yard field goal a few minutes later. The Lions made it 24–6 just before halftime with a 3-yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions' defense shut out the Rams in the second half. The only score of the third quarter was a 26-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. In the fourth quarter the Lions kicked 2 field goals: from 48 then from 47. The Lions capped off their victory with a 42-yard interception return TD by Alphonso Smith. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 1–4, but it was their largest margin of victory since 1995 and their first win since November 22, 2009.

Week 6: at New York Giants
Week 6: Detroit Lions at New York Giants – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 3 01020
Giants 7 7 7728

at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

In week 6, the Lions traveled east to East Rutherford, New Jersey to take on the New York Giants. The Lions took an early lead midway through the first quarter with a 14-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. The Giants responded at the end of the 1st quarter with a 4-yard TD run by Brandon Jacobs. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead with a 33-yard TD catch by Mario Manningham. The Lions responded with a 50-yard field goal just before halftime. Shaun Hill was also injured before halftime and left the game with a broken left forearm. Drew Stanton took over the QB role for the remainder of the game. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 1-yard TD catch by Travis Beckum of the Giants. The Lions attempted a comeback when Calvin Johnson caught an 87-yard TD. The Giants responded with a 6-yard TD catch by Brandon Jacobs. The Lions ended the scoring with another 50-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 1–5 into their bye week, but it increased their road losing streak to 24, tying the NFL record that the team set from 2001–2003.

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: vs. Washington Redskins
Week 8: Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 13 01225
Lions 0 7 72337

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 8, the Lions hosted a Halloween afternoon contest against the Washington Redskins. Neither team scored in the 1st quarter. The Lions took an early lead in the second quarter with a 13-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Redskins tied it up with a 6-yard TD catch by Ryan Torain. Washington's Graham Gano kicked 2 field goals just before halftime, from 38 and 46 yards out. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 2-yard TD catch by Brandon Pettigrew of the Lions. The Redskins took the lead in the 4th quarter with a 5-yard TD run by Keiland Williams; they went for a 2-point conversion and failed, however. The Lions took the lead back with a 7-yard catch by Calvin Johnson; they also failed to complete a 2-point conversion. The Redskins responded with a 96-yard kickoff return for a TD by Brandon Banks; they again failed to complete a 2-point conversion. The Lions retook the lead with a 10-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson, and completed a 2-point conversion. The Lions added to their lead a few minutes later with a 32-yard field goal by Jason Hanson. The Lions sealed their win with a fumble recovery by Ndamukong Suh which he ran back 17 yards for a touchdown, but the 2-point conversion failed. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 2–5, but it was the first time since 2007 that the team has won back-to-back home games.

Curiously, this was the Lions' second consecutive blacked-out home game against the Redskins. The Lions had won the previous season's meeting as well.

Week 9: vs. New York Jets
Week 9: New York Jets at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Jets 0 10 010323
Lions 7 0 67020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 9, the Lions hosted an interconference duel against the New York Jets. The only score of the first quarter was a 10-yard TD catch by the Lions' Brandon Pettigrew. The Jets responded in the second quarter with a 31-yard field goal by Nick Folk and later a 74-yard TD catch by Braylon Edwards just before halftime. The only score of the third quarter was a 1-yard quarterback sneak TD by Matt Stafford of the Lions; however the extra point attempt by defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh (an emergency fill-in for injured kicker Jason Hanson, who got run into on the previous field goal attempt which gave them a fresh set of downs) was no good. Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions added to their lead with a Nate Burleson 2-yard TD catch. The Jets responded late in the quarter with a 1-yard TD quarterback sneak by Mark Sanchez. The Jets kicked a field goal to tie it up just before time expired, forcing overtime. The Jets won the toss and kicked a 30-yard field goal for the win as the Lions fell to 2–6.

Week 10: at Buffalo Bills
Week 10: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 0912
Bills 0 7 7014

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

In week 10, the Lions traveled east to rainy Orchard Park, New York to take on the Buffalo Bills. Neither team scored in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Bills got on the board first with a 1-yard run by Fred Jackson. The Lions responded just before halftime with a 25-yard field goal by newly signed kicker Dave Rayner. The only score of the third quarter was a 16-yard TD catch by Fred Jackson of the Bills. The Lions kicked a 45-yard field goal midway through the fourth. Late in the game, the Lions attempted a comeback with a 20-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. They went for a 2-point conversion for the tie but failed. With the loss not only did the Lions fall to 2–7, but it was their 25th consecutive road loss, setting a new league record.[10]

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 10 9019
Cowboys 7 0 141435

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

In week 11, the Lions traveled to Arlington, Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys. The only score of the first quarter was a 1-yard TD catch by Dez Bryant of the Cowboys. In the second quarter the Lions got on the board with a 47-yard field goal, and took the lead with a 9-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. After halftime, Leonard Davis of the Cowboys committed an offensive holding penalty in his own end zone, giving the Lions a safety. The Cowboys took the lead though with a 97-yard punt return by Bryan McCann, and added to it with a 3-yard catch by Miles Austin. The Lions responded with a 14-yard catch by Calvin Johnson. In the 4th quarter, Miles Austin caught another TD, this time from 4 yards out. Later, Jon Kitna sealed the Cowboys win with a 29-yard TD run. With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 2–8, but they added to their already record setting 26 game road losing streak.

Week 12: vs. New England Patriots (Thanksgiving Day game)
Week 12: New England Patriots at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 7 142145
Lions 7 10 7024

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

For their 71st annual Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions hosted the New England Patriots. In a rare occurrence, both teams wore the home versions of their throwback uniforms. The Patriots got on the board first with a 19-yard field goal by Shayne Graham. The Lions took the lead late in the first quarter with a 19-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions added to their lead in the 2nd quarter with a 1-yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots responded later in the quarter with a 15-yard run Benjarvus Green-Ellis. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 44-yard field goal.

Detroit area native Kid Rock performed for the halftime show.

The Patriots tied the game early in the 3rd quarter with a 5-yard catch by Wes Welker. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 1-yard run by Maurice Morris. The Patriots then scored 4 unanswered touchdowns: a 79-yard catch by Deion Branch, then in the 4th quarter a 22-yard catch by the same, then a 16-yard catch by Wes Welker, and finally a 1-yard run by Benjarvus Green-Ellis.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 2–9 and were eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 13: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 7 3724
Lions 7 10 3020

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 13, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Chicago Bears. The Lions took an early lead when Drew Stanton ran in a 3-yard touchdown. The Bears tied it up near the end of the 1st quarter with a 1-yard run by Chester Taylor. The Lions broke the tie with a 50-yard field goal. The Bears responded with a 14-yard TD run by Matt Forté. The Lions took the lead just before halftime with a 46-yard TD catch by Calvin Johnson. The Lions only points of the 2nd half was a 25-yard field goal by Dave Rayner early in the 3rd quarter. The Bears responded with a 54-yard field goal by Robbie Gould. The Bears took the lead midway through the 4th quarter with a 7-yard TD catch by Brandon Manumaleuna and held off the Lions offense for the remainder of the game for the win.

With the loss, the Lions fell to 2–10.

Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 14: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 0 0 303
Lions 0 0 077

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

In week 14, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Green Bay Packers. Neither team scored in the first half. The only points of the 3rd quarter was a 42-yard field goal by Mason Crosby of the Packers. The only score of the 4th quarter was a 13-yard touchdown catch by Will Heller of the Lions to give them the win. With the win, not only did the Lions improve to 3–10, but it was the first time the team beat the Packers since 2005, snapping a 10-game losing streak. It was also their first division win since 2007, snapping a 19-game losing streak.

Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 15: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Lions 7 3 73323
Buccaneers 0 14 06020

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

In week 15, the Lions traveled south to Tampa, Florida to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions took an early lead in the 1st quarter with a 10-yard TD catch by Nate Burleson. Tampa Bay tied it up in the second quarter with a 24-yard TD catch by Mike Williams, and later took the lead with a 39-yard TD run by LeGarrette Blount. The Lions answered just before halftime with a 41-yard field goal. The only score of the 3rd quarter was a 10-yard TD run by Maurice Morris of the Lions. Tampa Bay had 2 field goals in the fourth quarter, from 30 then 26 yards out. The Lions tied the game just before the end of regulation with a 28-yard field goal, taking it to overtime. In overtime the Lions got the ball first and kicked a 34-yard field goal for the win. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 4–10, but it broke their record 26-game road losing streak. It was also their first back to back wins since 2007.

Week 16: at Miami Dolphins
Week 16: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 3 7 71734
Dolphins 3 14 7327

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

In week 16, the Lions flew back to Florida, this time to play the Miami Dolphins. The Lions took an early lead with a 39-yard field goal by Dave Rayner. The Dolphins tied it up with a 40-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. In the second quarter, the Lions took the lead when Brandon Pettigrew caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins tied it up with a 4-yard rush by Lousaka Polite. Miami took the lead with a 13-yard TD catch by Davone Bess. After halftime, the Lions tied it back up with a 5-yard TD rush by Maurice Morris. The Dolphins responded with a 1-yard TD run by Ronnie Brown. Miami added to their lead with a 28-yard field goal. The Lions then scored 17 unanswered points. First Jahvid Best caught a 53-yard TD pass. Then Dave Rayner kicked a 47-yard field goal. They sealed their win when DeAndre Levy intercepted a Chad Henne pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 5–10, but it was their first back-to-back road victories since 2004, and first three-game winning streak since 2007.

Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 7613
Lions 0 10 3720

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • DET – Dave Rayner 55-yard field goal, Lions 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:18.
  • DET – Nate Burleson 7-yard pass from Shaun Hill (Dave Rayner Kick), Lions 10–0, Drive: 15 plays, 94 yards, 4:39.

Third quarter

  • DET – Dave Rayner 37-yard field goal, Lions 13–0, Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:02.
  • MIN – Jared Allen 36-yard interception return, Lions 13–7, Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:35.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, Lions 13–10, Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 7:17.
  • DET – Maurice Morris 5-yard run (Dave Rayner kick), Lions 20–10, Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:36.
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 48-yard field goal, Lions 20–13, Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 3:41.

Top passers

  • MIN – Joe Webb – 19/31, 133 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • DET – Shaun Hill – 28/39, 258 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Top rushers

  • MIN – Joe Webb – 5 rushes, 35 yards
  • DET – Jahvid Best – 10 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

Top tacklers

To finish the season, the Lions hosted a rematch with division rivals the Minnesota Vikings. Neither team scored in the first quarter; the Vikings were shut out in the first half. The Lions got on the board midway through the second quarter with a 55-yard field goal by Dave Rayner. They added to their lead with a 7-yard touchdown catch by Nate Burleson just before halftime. After the break, Detroit kicked another field goal, this time from 37 yards out. The Vikings finally got on the board midway through the third quarter when Jared Allen intercepted a Shaun Hill pass and ran it back 36 yards for a touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Minnesota added more points with a 27-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell. The Lions responded a few minutes later with a 5-yard TD run by Maurice Morris. The Vikings kicked a 48-yard field goal late in the game, and attempted an onside kick to try to tie it but failed, giving Detroit the win. With the win not only did the Lions finish their season 6–10, but it became their first four-game winning streak since 1999 as they snapped the Vikings' 6-game winning streak against them and also became the first time the team has won back-to-back division rival games since 2007.

Awards and records

Ndamukong Suh

References
  1. "Lions Trade TE Gronkowski for CB Smith". DetroitLions.com. September 6, 2010. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  2. "2009 Draft Tracker". NFL. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  3. Niyo, John (February 22, 2010). "Net gain in '09 free agency could be Lions' loss in 2010 draft". Detroit News. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
  4. Kowalski, Tom (March 8, 2010). "Lions close deal for Chris Houston, sign Jonathan Wade". MLive.com. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  5. Kowalski, Tom (March 5, 2010). "Lions get Corey Williams, seventh-round pick from Browns for fifth-rounder". MLive.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  6. "NFL Draft trade tracker Day 3". NFL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  7. Kowalski, Tom (April 19, 2010). "Lions trade linebacker Ernie Sims for tight end Tony Scheffler in three-team deal". MLive.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  8. "NFL Draft trade tracker". NFL. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  9. Kowalski, Tom (April 5, 2010). "Detroit Lions send fifth-round pick to Seattle for Rob Sims and seventh-rounder". MLive.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
  10. Kowalski, Tom (November 14, 2010). "Detroit Lions' record 25th consecutive road loss comes against previously winless Bills". MLive.com. Retrieved November 14, 2010.

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