2014 Detroit Lions season

NFL team season August 2023 March 2026 Detroit Lions 2014 11–5 2nd NFC North Jim Caldwell Joe Lombardi Teryl Austin Martha Firestone Ford Martin Mayhew Ford Field Lost Wild Card Playoffs(at Cowboys) 20–24 WR Calvin JohnsonFS Glover QuinQB Matthew StaffordDT Ndamukong SuhWR Golden Tate 200px DT Ndamukong Suh (1st team)S Glover Quin (2nd team)LB DeAndre Levy (2nd team) Lions seasons The 2014 season was the Detroit Lions' 85th in the National Football League (NFL), their 81st as the Detroit Lions and their first under a new coaching staff led by head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions suffered the passing of long-time owner William Clay Ford Sr., who died on March 9, 2014, at the age of 88, and wore patches with his initials on their jerseys in his honor.Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. passes away NFL.com, March 9, 2014Lions to wear Ford Sr. jersey patch ESPN, July 21, 2014 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. The Lions defense finished second in the NFL in total defense, surrendering just 300.9 yards per game. They also finished third in points per game defense, giving up just 17.6 points a game while leading the NFL in rushing defense, yielding just 69.3 rush yards per game. 3 Offseason Coaching staff On December 30, Head coach Jim Schwartz was fired after his fourth losing season in five years.Jim Schwartz fired by Detroit Lions after five seasons NFL.com, December 30, 2013. On January 14, the Lions hired Jim Caldwell as their new head coach. He is the first African American head coach in the franchise's history.Jim Caldwell to be hired by Detroit Lions as next coach NFL.com, January 14, 2014 On January 17, the Lions hired Teryl Austin as defensive coordinator.Detroit Lions hire defensive coordinator, linebackers coach; retain slew of assistants MLive.com, January 17, 2014 On January 18, the Lions hired Ron Prince as assistant head coach and tight ends coach.Detroit Lions add Ron Prince as assistant head coach, tight end coach MLive.com, January 18, 2014 On January 21, the Lions hired Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator.Detroit Lions hiring Joe Lombardi, Saints QB coach, as offensive coordinator MLive.com, January 21, 2014 On January 25, the Lions hired Robert Prince as receivers coach.Detroit Lions hire ex-Boise State offensive coordinator Robert Prince as receivers coach MLive.com, January 25, 2014 Re-signings Date Player Position Contract SourceMarch 12Kevin OgletreeWide receiver1 year / $795,000Lions re-sign WR Kevin Ogletree prideofdetroit.com, March 12, 2014Joique BellRunning back3 years / $9.3 millionLions agree with RB Joique Bell on a new three-year deal https://web.archive.org/web/20140314171902/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-agree-with-RB-Joique-Bell-on-a-new-three-year-deal/5ab45c10-b438-4293-8158-da2f92a8aac5 2014-03-14 detroitlions.com, March 12, 2014March 14Brandon PettigrewTight end4 years / $16 millionLions agree to terms with TE Pettigrew on new four-year deal https://web.archive.org/web/20140314175914/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-agree-to-terms-with-TE-Pettigrew-on-new-four-year-deal/e9b5ae43-9958-49c7-9334-df62567d285d 2014-03-14 detroitlions.com, March 14, 2014March 21Andre FluellenDefensive tackle1 year / $730,000O'Hara: Lions agree to one-year deal with DT Andre Fluellen https://web.archive.org/web/20140322114500/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Lions-agree-to-one-year-deal-with-DT-Andre-Fluellen/18b61ea7-9933-4943-a2f8-6e90c8366e3b 2014-03-22 detroitlions.com, March 21, 2014April 14Rashean MathisCornerback1 year / $565,000Twentyman: Lions agree to terms on a one-year deal with veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis https://web.archive.org/web/20140424030532/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-agree-to-terms-on-a-one-year-deal-with-veteran-cornerback-Rashean-Mathis/c0f252bd-ea14-4159-ad57-4021166564be 2014-04-24 detroitlions.com, April 14, 2014 Additions Date Player Position Previous team Contract SourceMarch 3Corvey IrvinDefensive tackleDallas Cowboys1 year / $730,000Detroit Lions sign ex-Cowboys defensive tackle Corvey Irvin MLive.com, March 3, 2014March 12Golden TateWide receiverSeattle Seahawks5 years / $31 millionGolden Tate, Detroit Lions strike five-year contract NFL.com, March 12, 2014March 13Darryl TappOutside linebackerWashington Redskins1 year / $920,000Free Agent Notebook: Lions sign Tapp; meet with Ihedigbo; sign Martin https://web.archive.org/web/20140314133255/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FREE-AGENT-NOTEBOOK-Lions-sign-Tapp-meet-with-Ihedigbo-sign-Martin/c54a1bb7-c070-4951-80fa-ce4eff7ef1aa 2014-03-14 detroitlions.com, March 13, 2014Vaughn MartinDefensive tackleMiami Dolphins1 year / $795,000March 19Jed CollinsFullbackNew Orleans Saints1 year / $710,000Lions agree to terms with FB Jed Collins https://web.archive.org/web/20140320100146/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-agree-to-terms-with-FB-Jed-Collins/4caea77d-b3bf-4b94-bb1b-0b9df1020f72 2014-03-20 detroitlions.com, March 19, 2014March 25James IhedigboSafetyBaltimore Ravens2 years / $3.15 millionSafety James Ihedigbo to join Lions on two-year deal https://web.archive.org/web/20140328091315/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Safety-James-Ihedigbo-to-join-Lions-on-two-year-deal/9e893263-4bc7-4185-9698-99b1874ac526 2014-03-28 detroitlions.com, March 25, 2014April 2Dan OrlovskyQuarterbackTampa Bay Buccaneers1 year / $920,000Twentyman: Lions find their backup quarterback in Dan Orlovsky https://web.archive.org/web/20140404205500/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-find-their-backup-quarterback-in-Dan-Orlovsky/d8afcb08-a40d-4fca-bcad-2788faf5f51f 2014-04-04 detroitlions.com, April 2, 2014April 3J. B. ShugartsOffensive tackleNew York Jets1 year / $420,000Lions add tackle depth to roster https://web.archive.org/web/20140406004112/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-add-tackle-depth-to-roster/7f714d08-e11f-4ac8-9076-fdc8d70a6932 2014-04-06 detroitlions.com, April 5, 2014April 7Cassius VaughnCornerbackIndianapolis Colts1 year / $730,000Lions sign veteran cornerback https://web.archive.org/web/20140409073155/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-veteran-cornerback/2bdfbc04-08ba-45cf-823f-991c4b252aa7 2014-04-09 detroitlions.com, April 7, 2014April 11Kourtnei BrownDefensive endBuffalo Bills1 year / $420,000Lions claim Kourtnei Brown off waivers https://web.archive.org/web/20140424034040/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-claim-Kourtnei-Brown-off-waivers/139f6652-91e1-43cf-a962-6b3c84258bed 2014-04-24 detroitlions.com, April 11, 2014April 21Aaron HesterCornerbackDenver Broncos1 year / $420,000Lions sign a pair of defensive backs https://web.archive.org/web/20140425114110/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-a-pair-of-defensive-backs/33b49d11-40eb-49f4-9dd3-248420cca7b1 2014-04-25 detroitlions.com, April 21, 2014Nate NessCornerbackCarolina Panthers1 year / $570,000April 22George JohnsonDefensive endMinnesota Vikings1 year / $730,000The Daily Dish: Lions sign DE George Johnson after workout https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032234/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/daily-cutup/article-1/THE-DAILY-DISH-Lions-sign-DE-George-Johnson-after-workout/041c83f9-f0ca-439b-a5b9-60898fab0426 2014-05-02 detroitlions.com, April 22, 2014April 25Sherman CarterCenterSan Francisco 49ers1 year / $420,000Lions sign Naaman Roosevelt, Sherman Carter prideofdetroit.com, April 25, 2014Naaman RooseveltWide receiverCleveland Browns1 year / $570,000April 28Jordan ThompsonTight endWest Virginia1 year / $420,000Lions add depth at tight end by signing Jordan Thompson https://web.archive.org/web/20140430071912/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-add-depth-at-tight-end-by-signing-Jordan-Thompson/bcf3a7d1-4434-4705-9ce6-b91922da6bef 2014-04-30 detroitlions.com, April 28, 2014May 12James FranklinQuarterbackMissouriUndrafted FATwentyman: Lions sign 11 undrafted rookie free agents https://web.archive.org/web/20140515000429/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-11-undrafted-rookie-free-agents-/a2b45448-9398-422d-ae60-572548e3df66 2014-05-15 detroitlions.com, May 12, 2014Cornelius LucasOffensive tackleKansas StateAndrew PeacockWide receiverAppalachian StateMohammed SeisayCornerbackNebraskaGabe LynnSafetyOklahomaChad AbramFullbackFlorida StateAlex BullardGuardTennesseeD.J. MorrellGuardOld DominionJustin JacksonLinebackerWake ForestJacob MaxwellTight endLouisiana–LafayetteJerome CouplinSafetyWilliam & MaryMay 16Nate FreesePlacekickerBoston College4 years / $2,279,424Lions sign draft picks Nevin Lawson, TJ Jones prideofdetroit.com, May 16, 2014Caraun ReidDefensive tacklePrinceton4 years / $2,408,880Larry Webster IIIDefensive endBloomsburg4 years / $2,545,050Nevin LawsonCornerbackUtah State4 years / $2,545,050T. J. JonesWide receiverNotre Dame4 years / $2,326,200May 19Gregory HickmanDefensive tackleFlorida International3 years / $1,530,000Lions sign Greg Hickman, release Corvey Irvin prideofdetroit.com, May 19, 2014May 22Travis SwansonCenterArkansas4 years / $2,989,314Lions sign draft pick Travis Swanson prideofdetroit.com, May 22, 2014June 2Kalonji KashamaDefensive endEastern Michigan1 year / –Twentyman: Lions adjust 90-man roster https://web.archive.org/web/20140603024259/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-adjust-90-man-roster/0ea25393-a9db-473f-839f-54c1d21874ac 2014-06-03 detroitlions.com, June 2, 2014Cody WilsonWide receiverMiami Dolphins1 year / –June 4Kyle Van NoyOutside linebackerBrigham Young4 years / $5.1 millionTwentyman: Lions sign second-round pick Kyle Van Noy https://web.archive.org/web/20170406022153/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-second-round-pick-Kyle-Van-Noy/2a1ef1de-ae34-4eda-a7a6-ad029b964c4b 2017-04-06 detroitlions.com, June 4, 2014June 13Eric EbronTight endNorth Carolina4 years / $12.2 millionTwentyman: Lions sign first-round pick Eric Ebron https://web.archive.org/web/20140616073555/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-first-round-pick-Eric-Ebron/973ac814-4256-445c-a923-77abe90a675c 2014-06-16 detroitlions.com, June 13, 2014July 16George WinnRunning backAtlanta Falcons1 year / –The Daily Dish: Lions sign Southfield RB George Winn https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071944/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/daily-cutup/article-1/THE-DAILY-DISH-Lions-sign-Southfield-RB-George-Winn/78656e5d-a695-494d-aa5f-0ce87fd9dad2 2016-03-04 detroitlions.com, July 16, 2014July 17Garrett ReynoldsGuardAtlanta Falcons1 year / $745,000Detroit Lions sign offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, former Atlanta Falcon MLive.com, July 17, 2014July 25Drew ButlerPunterChicago Bears1 year / –Detroit Lions add punting depth, sign Drew Butler MLive.com, July 25, 2014July 31Kris ReddingDefensive endWake Forest1 year / –Detroit Lions add DE Kris Redding, waive injured WR Cody Wilson MLive.com, July 31, 2014August 7Drayton FlorenceCornerbackCarolina Panthers1 year / –Detroit Lions sign veteran CB Drayton Florence before practice MLive.com, August 7, 2014October 7Matt PraterPlacekickerDenver Broncos Departures Date Player Position Note New team SourceFebruary 13Nate BurlesonWide receiverReleasedCleveland BrownsEx-Detroit Lions receiver Nate Burleson agrees to deal with Browns MLive.com, April 6, 2014Louis DelmasSafetyReleasedMiami DolphinsLions release Nate Burleson, Louis Delmas to clear cap room cbssports.com, February 13, 2014March 3Leroy HarrisOffensive guardReleasedLions release Leroy Harris https://web.archive.org/web/20140307234751/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-release-Leroy-Harris/1bd48c9b-9d4d-423b-93e2-f08a2feaf459 2014-03-07 detroitlions.com, March 3, 2014March 13Willie YoungDefensive endUFAChicago BearsWillie Young agrees to three-year deal with Bears prideofdetroit.com, March 13, 2014March 18Israel IdonijeDefensive endUFAChicago BearsDetroit Lions lose both of their left-side DEs to the Bears MLive.com, March 18, 2014April 2Jason Curtis FoxOffensive tackleUFAMiami Dolphinshttp://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Dolphins-Sign-Jason-Fox/5128a006-0c95-4adf-bd46-f0ced7302ebf Dolphins Sign Jason Fox Miami Dolphins April 2, 2014 April 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140405032645/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Dolphins-Sign-Jason-Fox/5128a006-0c95-4adf-bd46-f0ced7302ebf April 5, 2014 deadMay 12Cody WilsonWide receiverReleasedLions sign 11 undrafted free agents, release eight players prideofdetroit.com, May 12, 2014Jon MorganLinebackerNate NessCornerbackMatt VeldmanTight endJohn PotterPlacekickerCarlin IslesWide receiverAkwasi Owusu-AnsahCornerbackMay 19Corvey IrvinDefensive tackleReleasedCalgary Stampeders (CFL)May 30Kourtnei BrownDefensive endReleasedhttp://www.freep.com/article/20140530/SPORTS01/305300168/detroit-lions-kourtnei-brown Detroit Lions waive DE Kourtnei Brown Birkett Dave Detroit Free Press May 30, 2014 June 2, 2014June 2Vaughn MartinDefensive tackleReleasedJune 13Chris HoustonCornerbackReleasedTwentyman: Lions terminate Chris Houston's contract https://web.archive.org/web/20140616053321/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-terminate-Chris-Houstons-contract/18d84575-2e04-488f-b6ce-3d61296d1cc4 2014-06-16 detroitlions.com, June 13, 2014July 16D.J. MorrellGuardReleasedLions release OG D.J. Morrell prideofdetroit.com, July 16, 2014July 17J. B. ShugartsOffensive tackleReleasedLions release OT J.B. Shugarts prideofdetroit.com, July 17, 2014July 18Naaman RooseveltWide receiverReleasedBuffalo BillsLions claim Reese Wiggins off waivers, release Naaman Roosevelt prideofdetroit.com, July 18, 2014July 25Gabe LynnSafetyReleasedLions sign Drew Butler, release Gabe Lynn prideofdetroit.com, July 25, 2014July 28Kalonji KashamaDefensive endReleasedLions waive Kalonji Kashama with injured designation prideofdetroit.com, July 25, 2014July 31Cody WilsonWide receiverReleasedLions sign Kris Redding, waive Cody Wilson prideofdetroit.com, July 31, 2014 Draft 2014 NFL draft 2014 Detroit Lions 1 10 Eric Ebron TE North Carolina yes yes 2 40 Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU yes 3 76 Travis Swanson C Arkansas yes 4 133 Nevin Lawson CB Utah St Compensatory yes 4 136 Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg Compensatory 5 158 Caraun Reid DT Princeton Pick from DAL 6 189 T.J. Jones WR Notre Dame yes 7 229 Nate Freese K Boston College Pick from DAL yes Notes The Lions traded their original fifth-round selection (No. 150 overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for wide receiver Mike Thomas.LaCanfora Jason Lions acquire WR Mike Thomas from Jaguars http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/20753629/lions-acquire-wr-mike-thomas-from-jaguars November 2, 2012 CBS Sports October 30, 2012 The Lions traded their fifth-round pick (146 overall) to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round pick (158 overall) and a seventh-round pick (229 overall).Detroit Lions swap fifth-round picks with Dallas Cowboys, pick up seventh-rounder MLive.com, May 10, 2014 Final roster 2014 Detroit Lions 53 9 9 17 Kellen Moore  8 Dan Orlovsky  9 Matthew Stafford 35 Joique Bell 21 Reggie Bush 45 Jed Collins FB 25 Theo Riddick 38 George Winn American football 84 Ryan Broyles 10 Corey Fuller wide receiver 81 Calvin Johnson 12 Jeremy Ross RS 15 Golden Tate 89 Kellen Davis 85 Eric Ebron y 87 Brandon Pettigrew 74 Rodney Austin G 62 Darren Keyton G 77 Cornelius Lucas T y 71 Riley Reiff T 70 Garrett Reynolds T 67 Rob Sims G 64 Travis Swanson C/G y 75 Larry Warford G 94 Ezekiel Ansah DE 98 Nick Fairley DT 96 Andre Fluellen DT 93 George Johnson defensive end DE 91 Jason Jones defensive end DE 99 CJ Mosley defensive lineman DT 97 Caraun Reid DT y 90 Ndamukong Suh DT 52 Darryl Tapp DE 92 Devin Taylor American football DE 79 Larry Webster III DE y 57 Josh Bynes OLB 54 DeAndre Levy OLB 58 Ashlee Palmer OLB 49 Julian Stanford MLB 95 Kyle Van Noy y OLB 59 Tahir Whitehead MLB/OLB 42 Isa Abdul-Quddus SS 26 Don Carey cornerback FS 32 James Ihedigbo SS 31 Rashean Mathis CB 27 Glover Quin FS 39 Mohammed Seisay y CB 23 Darius Slay CB 24 Josh Thomas cornerback CB 29 Cassius Vaughn CB  6 Sam Martin American football P 48 Don Muhlbach LS  5 Matt Prater K 28 Bill Bentley American football CB IR 80 Joseph Fauria TE IR 78 Corey Hilliard T IR 13 T. J. Jones y WR PUP 43 Nevin Lawson CB y IR 50 Travis Lewis LB IR 51 Dominic Raiola C Susp. 55 Stephen Tulloch LB IR 66 LaAdrian Waddle T IR 18 Skye Dawson WR 41 Jerrell Harris LB 44 Emil Igwenagu FB 47 Nate Ness S  1 Andrew Peacock American football y WR 62 Roy Philon American football DT y 69 Xavier Proctor DT IR 82 Jordan Thompson TE American football 46 Trevin Wade CB 73 Michael Williams T tight end Staff 2014 Detroit Lions Owner/chairman – Martha Firestone Ford Vice chairman – William Clay Ford Jr. President – Tom Lewand Executive vice president of football operations/general manager – Martin Mayhew Senior personnel executive – Brian Xanders Senior personnel executive – James 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 – Charlie Sanders Head coach – Jim Caldwell Assistant head coach/tight ends – Ron Prince 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 – Terry Heffernan Defensive coordinator – Teryl Austin Defensive line – Kris Kocurek Assistant defensive line – Jim Washburn Linebackers – Bill Sheridan Defensive backs – Alan Williams Assistant defensive backs – Tony Oden Senior coaching assistant – Gunther Cunningham Defensive quality control – Matt Raich Special teams coordinator – John Bonamego Assistant special teams – Devin Fitzsimmons Coordinator of physical development – Jason Arapoff Assistant strength and conditioning – Ted Rath Preseason Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 9, 2014 Cleveland Browns W 13–12 1–0 Ford Field Recap 2 August 15, 2014 at Oakland Raiders L 26–27 1–1 O.co Coliseum Recap 3 August 22, 2014 Jacksonville Jaguars W 13–12 2–1 Ford Field Recap 4 August 28, 2014 at Buffalo Bills W 23–0 3–1 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 8, 2014 New York Giants W 35–14 1–0 Ford Field Recap 2 September 14 at Carolina Panthers L 7–24 1–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap 3 September 21 Green Bay Packers W 19–7 2–1 Ford Field Recap 4 September 28 at New York Jets W 24–17 3–1 MetLife Stadium Recap 5 October 5 Buffalo Bills L 14–17 3–2 Ford Field Recap 6 October 12 at Minnesota Vikings W 17–3 4–2 TCF Bank Stadium Recap 7 October 19 New Orleans Saints W 24–23 5–2 Ford Field Recap 8 October 26 at Atlanta Falcons W 22–21 6–2 United Kingdom Wembley Stadium (London) Recap 9Bye 10 November 9 Miami Dolphins W 20–16 7–2 Ford Field Recap 11 November 16 at Arizona Cardinals L 6–14 7–3 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap 12 November 23 at New England Patriots L 9–34 7–4 Gillette Stadium Recap 13 November 27 Chicago Bears W 34–17 8–4 Ford Field Recap 14 December 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 34–17 9–4 Ford Field Recap 15 December 14 Minnesota Vikings W 16–14 10–4 Ford Field Recap 16 December 21 at Chicago Bears W 20–14 11–4 Soldier Field Recap 17 December 28 at Green Bay Packers L 20–30 11–5 Lambeau Field Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold. Game summaries Week 1: vs. New York Giants Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: New York Giants at Detroit Lions – Game summary September 8 Monday 7:10 p.m. EDT Giants 0 7 0 7 Lions 14 0 13 8 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 64,401 None (indoor stadium) Clete Blakeman ESPN Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 67-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Nate Freese kick), 12:11. Lions 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:49. DET – Calvin Johnson 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Nate Freese kick), 5:12. Lions 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:23. Second quarter NYG – Larry Donnell 1-yard pass from Eli Manning (Josh Brown kick), 12:54. Lions 14–7. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 4:56. Third quarter DET – Nate Freese 28-yard field goal, 11:54. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:37. DET – Nate Freese 27-yard field goal, 5:50. Lions 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:02. DET – Matthew Stafford 5-yard run (Nate Freese kick), 3:51. Lions 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:41. Fourth quarter NYG – Rashad Jennings 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 11:53. Lions 27–14. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:58. DET – Joique Bell 3-yard run (Matthew Stafford–Joseph Fauria pass), 4:39. Lions 35–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:14. Top passers NYG – Eli Manning – 18/33, 163 yards, TD, 2 INT DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/32, 346 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NYG – Rashad Jennings – 16 rushes, 46 yards, TD DET – Joique Bell – 15 rushes, 51 yards, TD Top receivers NYG – Larry Donnell – 5 receptions, 56 yards, TD DET – Calvin Johnson – 7 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TD 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 two-point conversion made the final score 35–14. Week 2: at Carolina Panthers Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers – Game summary September 14 1:00 p.m. EDT Lions 0 0 7 0 Panthers 0 6 7 11 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina 73,586 Cloudy, 70 F C Jerome Boger Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 7:58. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:04. CAR – Graham Gano 53-yard field goal, 1:11. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:06. Third quarter DET – Jed Collins 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Nate Freese kick), 9:28. Lions 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:01. CAR – Jason Avant 14-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:30. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:21. Fourth quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 2-yard run (Cam Newton–Jerricho Cotchery pass), 7:26. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:53. CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 4:45. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 2:31. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 27/48, 291 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 22/34, 281 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 10 rushes, 36 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 83 yards CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards 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 two-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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary September 21 1:00 p.m. EDT Packers 7 0 0 0 Lions 7 5 0 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 62,418 None (indoor stadium) Carl Cheffers Fox Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Don Carey 40-yard fumble return (Nate Freese kick), 12:02. Lions 7–0. GB – Andrew Quarless 10-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:07. Second quarter DET – Eddie Lacy tackled in the end zone by DeAndre Levy for a safety, 13:21. Lions 9–7. DET – Nate Freese 30-yard field goal, 6:16. Lions 12–7. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 7:05. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter DET – Reggie Bush 26-yard run (Nate Freese kick), 10:40. Lions 19–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:53. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 16/27, 162 yards, TD DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/34, 246 yards, 2 INT Top rushers GB – James Starks – 8 rushes, 38 yards DET – Reggie Bush – 12 rushes, 61 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Jordy Nelson – 5 receptions, 59 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 82 yards The Lions faced division rival Green Bay in Week 3, with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers sporting a 9–1 record in his last 10 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 for a touchdown 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Detroit Lions at New York Jets – Game summary September 28 1:00 p.m. EDT Lions 3 14 0 7 Jets 3 0 7 7 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 78,160 Clear, 80 F C Walt Coleman Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa Recap, Game Book First quarter NYJ – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 8:36. Jets 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 6:24. DET – Alex Henery 51-yard field goal, 5:04. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:32. Second quarter DET – Jeremy Ross 59-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Alex Henery kick), 6:19. Lions 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 2:59. DET – Eric Ebron 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Alex Henery kick), 0:22. Lions 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 0:46. Third quarter NYJ – Eric Decker 11-yard pass from Geno Smith (Nick Folk kick), 7:26. Lions 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 4:39. Fourth quarter DET – Matthew Stafford 1-yard run (Alex Henery kick), 14:54. Lions 24–10. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 7:32. NYJ – Chris Johnson 35-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:58. Lions 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:27. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 24/34, 293 yards, 2 TD NYJ – Geno Smith – 17/33, 209 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DET – Reggie Bush – 12 rushes, 46 yards NYJ – Chris Ivory – 17 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers DET – Golden Tate – 8 receptions, 116 yards NYJ – Greg Salas – 2 receptions, 60 yards 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 field goal 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 rumbled 35 yards for a touchdown midway through the final quarter, pulling the Jets within a touchdown again, at 24–17. 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions – Game summary October 5 1:00 p.m. EDT Bills 0 3 3 11 Lions 7 7 0 0 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 62,775 None (indoor stadium) Craig Wrolstad Fox Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Golden Tate 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Alex Henery kick), 0:05. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:38. Second quarter DET – Rashean Mathis 41-yard interception return (Alex Henery kick), 13:44. Lions 14–0. BUF – Dan Carpenter 45-yard field goal, 6:43. Lions 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 3:38. Third quarter BUF – Dan Carpenter 25-yard field goal, 1:23. Lions 14–6. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:42. Fourth quarter BUF – Chris Gragg 2-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Fred Jackson run), 9:23. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:56. BUF – Dan Carpenter 58-yard field goal, 0:04. Bills 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 20 yards, 0:17. Top passers BUF – Kyle Orton – 30/43, 308 yards, TD, INT DET – Matthew Staford – 18/31, 231 yards, TD, INT Top rushers BUF – Fred Jackson – 10 rushes, 49 yards DET – George Winn – 11 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers BUF – Sammy Watkins – 7 receptions, 87 yards DET – Golden Tate – 7 receptions, 134 yards thumb|Scoreboard showing the final score The Lions took a 14–0 lead by early in the second quarter, following a 9-yard touchdown 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 tied 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 6: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary October 12 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT Lions 7 3 0 7 Vikings 0 0 0 3 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,213 Sunny, 53 F C John Parry Fox Mike Goldberg, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Peter Schrager Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Theo Riddick 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 11:06. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 52-yard field goal, 0:07. Lions 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 0:38. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 11:44. Lions 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 7:54. MIN – Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, 4:53. Lions 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 4:21. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 19/33, 185 yards, TD MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 23/37, 188 yards, 3 INT Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 18 rushes, 74 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 11 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers DET – Theo Riddick – 5 receptions, 75 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 6 receptions, 42 yards 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. This game would receive attention due to it being the only NFL on FOX game ever broadcast by UFC announcer Mike Goldberg, whose commentating style received overwhelmingly negative reception by fans and viewers alike. Goldberg was not retained after the game. Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions – Game summary October 19 1:00 p.m. EDT Saints 0 10 7 6 Lions 0 3 7 14 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 63,271 None (indoor stadium) Terry McAulay Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter NO – Austin Johnson 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 13:56. Saints 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 1:16. DET – Matt Prater 21-yard field goal, 5:29. Saints 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:18. NO – Shayne Graham 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:32. Third quarter NO – Kenny Stills 46-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 13:42. Saints 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:18. DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 6:19. Saints 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:23. Fourth quarter NO – Shayne Graham 48-yard field goal, 13:33. Saints 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:03. NO – Shayne Graham 36-yard field goal, 5:24. Saints 23–10. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 3:19. DET – Golden Tate 73-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 3:38. Saints 23–17. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 1:46. DET – Corey Fuller 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:48. Lions 24–23. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 1:22. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 28/45, 342 yards, 2 TD, 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, TD Top receivers NO – Marques Colston – 6 receptions, 111 yards DET – Golden Tate – 10 receptions, 154 yards, TD 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 NFL International Series Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary October 26 1:30 p.m. GMT/9:30 a.m. EDT Lions 0 0 10 12 Falcons 14 7 0 0 Wembley Stadium, London, England 83,532 Overcast, 59 F C Pete Morelli Fox Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Charissa Thompson Recap, Game Book First quarter ATL – Devonta Freeman 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 9:25. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:35. ATL – Bear Pascoe 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:53. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:26. Second quarter ATL – Steven Jackson 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:45. Falcons 21–0. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 6:17. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 22-yard field goal, 7:54. Falcons 21–3. Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:06. DET – Golden Tate 59-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 4:38. Falcons 21–10. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:44. Fourth quarter DET – Matt Prater 20-yard field goal, 14:10. Falcons 21–13. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:00. DET – Theo Riddick 5-yard pass from Matt Stafford (pass failed), 3:56. Falcons 21–19. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 7:29. DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 22–21. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 1:38. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 24/47, 325 yards, 2 TD, INT ATL – Matt Ryan – 20/27, 228 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 14 rushes, 39 yards ATL – Steven Jackson – 18 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers DET – Golden Tate – 7 receptions, 151 yards, TD ATL – Roddy White – 5 receptions, 66 yards 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.London game to have earlier start https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10079217/london-nfl-game-start-early-next-season December 4, 2013 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 touchdown reception by Theo Riddick made the score 21–19, but the Lions failed to convert a two-point attempt. 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 their 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 10: Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions – Game summary November 9 1:00 p.m. EST Dolphins 0 3 10 3 Lions 10 0 0 10 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 63,179 None (indoor stadium) Bill Leavy CBS Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Matt Prater 26-yard field goal, 6:19. Lions 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 8:41. DET – Calvin Johnson 49-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 3:58. Lions 10–0. Drive: 1 play, 49 yards, 0:08. Second quarter MIA – Caleb Sturgis 23-yard field goal, 0:13. Lions 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:09. Third quarter MIA – Caleb Sturgis 50-yard field goal, 8:24. Lions 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:52. MIA – Mike Wallace 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:17. Dolphins 13–10. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05. Fourth quarter DET – Matt Prater 50-yard field goal, 12:02. Tied 13–13. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:15. MIA – Caleb Sturgis 20-yard field goal, 4:19. Dolphins 16–13. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 7:43. DET – Theo Riddick 11-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:29. Lions 20–16. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 2:44. Top passers MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 27/38, 201 yards, TD, INT DET – Matthew Stafford – 25/40, 280 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIA – Damien Williams – 7 rushes, 39 yards DET – Joique Bell – 10 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers MIA – Jarvis Landry – 7 receptions, 53 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 7 receptions, 113 yards 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 11: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary November 16 4:25 p.m. EST/2:25 p.m. MST Lions 3 3 0 0 Cardinals 14 0 0 0 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona 62,487 None (retractable roof closed) Jerome Boger Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter ARI – Michael Floyd 42-yard pass from Drew Stanton (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:02. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58. ARI – Michael Floyd 12-yard pass from Drew Stanton (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 6:06. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:42. DET – Matt Prater 50-yard field goal, 2:46. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:20. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 28-yard field goal, 0:25. Cardinals 14–6. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:27. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 18/30, 183 yards, INT ARI – Drew Stanton – 21/32, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 14 rushes, 85 yards ARI – Andre Ellington – 19 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 5 receptions, 59 yards ARI – John Brown – 5 receptions, 69 yards 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Detroit Lions at New England Patriots – Game summary November 23 1:00 p.m. EST Lions 3 3 0 3 Patriots 7 17 3 7 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts 68,756 Mostly sunny, 58 F C Tony Corrente Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 11:44. Lions 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:16. NE – Tim Wright 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:10. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 2:37. Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 20-yard field goal, 13:37. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:33. NE – LeGarrette Blount 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:43. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 2 plays, 22 yards, 0:54. NE – Tim Wright 8-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 2:42. Patriots 21–6. Drive: 13 plays, 93 yards, 5:03. NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 0:35. Third quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, 5:05. Patriots 27–6. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:27. Fourth quarter DET – Matt Prater 49-yard field goal, 14:48. Patriots 27–9. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 3:06. NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:53. Patriots 34–9. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:30. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 18/46, 264 yards, INT NE – Tom Brady – 38/53, 349 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 19 rushes, 49 yards NE – LeGarrette Blount – 12 rushes, 78 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Golden Tate – 4 receptions, 97 yards NE – Brandon LaFell – 9 receptions, 98 yards 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 NFL on Thanksgiving Day Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary November 27 Thursday 12:30 p.m. EST Bears 14 0 3 0 Lions 3 21 0 10 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 64,175 None (indoor stadium) Bill Vinovich CBS Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson Recap, Game Book First quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 10:33. Bears 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:47. DET – Matt Prater 46-yard field goal, 6:51. Bears 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:42. CHI – Alshon Jeffery 6-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 3:35. Bears 14–3. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:43. Second quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 25-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 12:55. Bears 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:40. DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 3:18. Lions 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 4:28. DET – Calvin Johnson 6-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:24. Lions 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:21. Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 35-yard field goal, 8:54. Lions 24–17. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 6:06. Fourth quarter DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 14:57. Lions 31–17. Drive: 12 plays, 95 yards, 6:01. DET – Matt Prater 40-yard field goal, 6:16. Lions 34–17. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 3:13. Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 31/48, 280 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT DET – Matthew Stafford – 34/45, 390 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CHI – Ka'Deem Carey – 2 rushes, 8 yards DET – Joique Bell – 23 rushes, 91 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Martellus Bennett – 8 receptions, 109 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 11 receptions, 146 yards, 2 TD 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – Game summary December 7 1:00 p.m. EST Buccaneers 0 10 0 7 Lions 7 10 10 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,489 None (indoor stadium) Jeff Triplette Fox Dick Stockton, Brady Quinn and Kristina Pink Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 6-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 2:57. Lions 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:11. Second quarter TB – Patrick Murray 54-yard field goal, 13:32. Lions 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 4:25. DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 6:01. Lions 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 4:00. DET – Matt Prater 46-yard field goal, 3:01. Lions 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 2:03. TB – Mike Evans 5-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 0:05. Lions 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 10 yards, 1:30. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 23-yard field goal, 11:14. Lions 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:41. DET – Joseph Fauria 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:15. Lions 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:27. Fourth quarter TB – Mike Evans 26-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 12:52. Lions 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:23. DET – Joique Bell 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 5:01. Lions 34–17 Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 2:54. Top passers TB – Josh McCown – 20/39, 250 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT DET – Matthew Stafford – 26/34, 311 yards, 3 TD Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 5 rushes, 22 yards DET – Joique Bell – 18 rushes, 83 yards, TD Top receivers TB – Vincent Jackson – 10 receptions, 159 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 8 receptions, 158 yards, TD 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. This game was Jim Caldwell's first against the Buccaneers, the team he was the quarterbacks coach for in 2001. Week 15: vs. Minnesota Vikings Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary December 14 4:25 p.m. EST Vikings 7 7 0 0 Lions 0 10 3 3 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 62,490 None (indoor stadium) Pete Morelli Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Game Book First quarter MIN – Matt Asiata 2-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:09. Second quarter MIN – Greg Jennings 8-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 10:05. Vikings 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:53. DET – Golden Tate 7-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 3:42. Vikings 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:45. DET – Matt Prater 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 3:00. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 30-yard field goal, 3:45. Vikings 14–13. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 7:19. Fourth quarter DET – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 3:38. Lions 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:05. Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 31/41, 315 yards, TD, 2 INT DET – Matthew Stafford – 17/28, 153 yards, TD Top rushers MIN – Matt Asiata – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD DET – Joique Bell – 15 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers MIN – Charles Johnson – 5 receptions, 72 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 4 receptions, 53 yards In week 15, the Lions hosted a rematch with their division rival 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary December 21 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Lions 7 0 3 10 Bears 0 7 7 0 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 61,420 Cloudy, 36 F C Gene Steratore Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Reggie Bush 13-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 5:15. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:00. Second quarter CHI – Matt Forte 11-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Jay Feely kick), 0:30. Tied 7–7. Drive: 1 plays, 11 yards, 0:06. Third quarter DET – Matt Prater 39-yard field goal, 10:24. Lions 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:36. CHI – Alshon Jeffery 20-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Jay Feely kick), 2:45. Bears 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:39. Fourth quarter DET – Joique Bell 17-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 7:15. Lions 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:05. DET – Matt Prater 30-yard field goal, 2:35. Lions 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 2:59. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/39, 243 yards, 2 INT CHI – Jimmy Clausen – 23/39, 181 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 13 rushes, 74 yards, TD CHI – Matt Forte – 19 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 103 yards CHI – Alshon Jeffery – 6 receptions, 72 yards, TD 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 Jeffery. 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 Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary December 28 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST Lions 0 7 7 6 Packers 7 7 7 9 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 78,408 Cloudy, light snow, 27 F C Walt Anderson Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Game Book First quarter GB – Micah Hyde 55-yard punt return (Mason Crosby kick), 4:49. Packers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 8 yards, 2:55. Second quarter GB – Randall Cobb 4-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:24. Packers 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:55. DET – Calvin Johnson 20-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:24. Packers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:00. Third quarter DET – Calvin Johnson 4-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:34. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:21. GB – Randall Cobb 13-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 3:33. Packers 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 4:01. Fourth quarter GB – Aaron Rodgers 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 8:45. Packers 28–14. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 4:43. GB – Penalty on Matthew Stafford enforced in the end zone for a safety, 2:32. Packers 30–14. DET – Theo Riddick 6-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (run failed), 1:45. Packers 30–20. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 0:47. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 20/41, 217 yards, 3 TD GB – Aaron Rodgers – 17/22, 226 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 13 rushes, 60 yards GB – Eddie Lacy – 26 rushes, 100 yards Top receivers DET – Golden Tate – 3 receptions, 45 yards GB – Jordy Nelson – 6 receptions, 86 yards 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; they attempted a two-point conversion but failed. With the loss, the Lions finished the season 11–5, good for second place in the NFC North and a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Standings Division DET Conference DET Postseason Schedule 2014–15 NFL playoffs Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap Wild Card January 4, 2015 at Dallas Cowboys (3) L 20–24 0–1 AT&T Stadium Recap Game summaries 2014–15 NFL playoffs NFC Wild Card Game: at Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions 2;text-align:center; autocollapse NFC Wild Card Game: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary January 4, 2015 4:40 p.m. EST/3:40 p.m. CST Lions 14 3 3 0 Cowboys 0 7 7 10 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 91,410 Played indoors (retractable roof stadium with roof closed) Pete Morelli Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers Recap, Game Book First quarter DET – Golden Tate 51-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 11:22. Lions 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 2:04. DET – Reggie Bush 18-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 1:57. Lions 14–0. Drive: 14 plays, 99 yards, 7:10. Second 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. Third 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. Fourth 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. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/42, 323 yards, TD, INT DAL – Tony Romo – 19/31, 293 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 12 rushes, 43 yards DAL – DeMarco Murray – 19 rushes, 75 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Golden Tate – 6 receptions, 89 yards, TD DAL – Terrance Williams – 3 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD 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 before going 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. The Cowboys took over and sealed a date with Green Bay. References External links http://www.detroitlions.com Detroit Category:Detroit Lions seasons Category:2014 in sports in Michigan