2005 Detroit Lions season

NFL team season August 2023 March 2026 Detroit Lions 2005 5–11 3rd NFC North Steve Mariucci (fired on November 28, 4-7 record)Dick Jauron (interim, 1-4 record) Matt Millen William Clay Ford Sr. Ford Field Did not qualify File:NFCN-Throwback3-Uniform-DET.PNG DT Shaun Rogers Lions seasons The 2005 season was the Detroit Lions' 76th in the National Football League (NFL), their 72nd as the Detroit Lions, their fourth playing home games at Ford Field, and the third and final under head coach Steve Mariucci. The Lions failed to improve on their 6–10 record from 2004, dropping one more game than last year, and missed the postseason. Following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions fired head coach Steve Mariucci, naming defensive coordinator and former Chicago Bears head coach Dick Jauron as their interim coach. Mariucci compiled a 15–28 record with the Lions. The team started 3–3 before dropping 2 of their last 10 and finishing 5–11. The team finished bottom-tier in offense and below-average in defense. Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers was the only Lion named to the Pro Bowl, finishing his season with 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles including a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The passing game was headed by both fourth-year starter Joey Harrington and veteran Jeff Garcia, starting 11 and 5 games respectively. Harrington finished with 2,021 passing yards while throwing for 12 interceptions, matching last season's total. The receiving game was led by Roy Williams, while the run game was led by sophomore Kevin Jones. 3 Offseason left|thumb|Matt Millen, president and general manager of the Detroit Lions, signed a five-year extension with the team. Coaching changes Offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis retired after a 37-year coaching career.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8063835 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061223/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8063835 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com The Lions hired Ted Tollner, the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator during their 2004 season, to be their offensive coordinator. Fred Graves replaced Kevin Higgins as the wide receivers coach.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8179260 https://web.archive.org/web/20070609081623/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8179260 2007-06-09 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com After losing linebackers coach Richard Smith to the Miami Dolphins, the Lions elevated defensive assistant Johnny Holland to his position and hired former Washington defensive coordinator Phil Snow as defensive assistant.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8295525 https://web.archive.org/web/20070416012036/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8295525 2007-04-16 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com In July, president Matt Millen agreed to a five-year contract extension that would put him in Detroit through the 2010 season.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8701595 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135329/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8701595 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Free agency On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle and two-time Pro-Bowler Shaun Rogers signed a six-year extension with the team.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8057039 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135052/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8057039 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com The Lions also re-signed safety Bracy Walker,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8246052 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061234/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8246052 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com defensive tackle Marcus Bell,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8325994 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061243/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8325994 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com linebackers Wali Rainer and Donté Curry,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8051138 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135041/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8051138 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com and cornerbacks Chris CashNFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8362699 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135141/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8362699 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com and André Goodman.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8388463 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135152/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8388463 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Offensively, the Lions re-signed full-time starter and center Dominic Raiola to a five-year deal.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8238178 https://web.archive.org/web/20070420135702/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8238178 2007-04-20 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com Kick returner and Pro Bowler Eddie Drummond, looking for a multi-year deal, held out for one week before signing a one-year contract.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8701595 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135329/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8701595 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com The Lions filled in needs at wide receiver with the signing of Kevin Johnson.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8409606 https://web.archive.org/web/20070322122324/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8409606 2007-03-22 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com On special teams, the Lions re-signed punter Nick Harris.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8051138 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135041/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8051138 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com At quarterback, the Lions signed veteran and three-time Pro Bowlers Jeff Garcia, reuniting him with head coach Steve Mariucci, with whom he played for while Mariucci was coaching the San Francisco 49ers. Two weeks prior, the Cleveland Browns released Garcia after a turbulent season where he went for 1,731 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions while completing 57% of his passes.Garcia signs with Lions, reunites with Mariucci https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2011425 https://web.archive.org/web/20190118012624/https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2011425 2019-01-18 2025-09-29 ESPN.com en The Lions also signed safety Kenoy Kennedy, tight end Marcus Pollard,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8265732 https://web.archive.org/web/20070419012546/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8265732 2007-04-19 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com offensive linemen Rick DeMullingNFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8298655 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135131/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8298655 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com and Kyle Kosier,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8407243 https://web.archive.org/web/20070319080305/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8407243 2007-03-19 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com cornerback R. W. McQuarters,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8554577 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135222/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8554577 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com and running back Jamel White.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8347193 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061253/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8347193 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com The Lions cut wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, who posted 31 receptions for 533 yards in 2004. They also cut safety Brock MarionNFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8419267 https://web.archive.org/web/20070420140938/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8419267 2007-04-20 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com and offensive lineman Matt Joyce. Legal issues In May, defensive end Kalimba Edwards was pulled over by a state trooper in Southfield, Michigan. After refusing to produce a driver's license, the trooper ordered Edwards out of the vehicle, to which he complied. After attempting to arrest him, Edwards resisted and was pepper sprayed. In June, Edwards pleaded guilty to two charges and was sentenced to one year probation.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8609136 https://web.archive.org/web/20070319080326/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8609136 2007-03-19 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Wide receiver David Kircus was arrested on June 25 for a DUI, pleading guilty on July 6 to the misdemeanor. He was ordered to pay $850 in fines and sentenced to one day time served.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8667477 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135231/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8667477 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com In early October, the league suspended Charles Rogers for four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Nearly a month and a half later, the Lions filed a grievance against Rogers, seeking $10.1 million of Rogers' $14.4 million signing bonus alleging he violated his contract.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9055902 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061456/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9055902 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com In September 2008, the Lions would win their grievance, with an arbitrator ruling Rogers must pay the Lions $8.5 million.Kowalski Tom 2008-10-09 Charles Rogers must repay Lions $8.5 million https://www.mlive.com/lions/2008/10/charles_rogers_must_repay_lion.html 2025-09-29 mlive enthumb|In the fifth round, the Lions would draft quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who would start one season out his seven total seasons with the team. Draft 2005 NFL draftIn the first round, the Lions drafted wide receiver Mike Williams out of USC. With the Lions, he put up 449 yards and 2 touchdowns.Mike Williams Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillMi03.htm 2025-09-29 Pro-Football-Reference.com en Williams was seen as another bust in a three-year stretch of the Lions drafting wide receivers in the first round and lasted just two seasons with the team.Clayton: History of drafting WRs not kind to Lions http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft07/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2806572 https://web.archive.org/web/20171019183652/http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft07/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2806572 2017-10-19 2025-09-29 ESPN.com Second-round selection, Shaun Cody, played four seasons with the Lions, catching one interception, posting 1.5 sacks, and getting 92 tackles.Shaun Cody Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CodySh20.htm 2025-09-29 Pro-Football-Reference.com en Third-round pick Stanley Wilson Jr. played 32 games for the Lions, posting 89 tackles and 8 passes defended.Stanley Wilson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsSt20.htm 2025-09-29 Pro-Football-Reference.com en Fifth-round selection, Dan Orlovsky, would sit on the bench for a few seasons in Detroit. In the 2008 season, he would play 10 games for the Lions, posting 1,616 yards with 8 touchdowns and interceptions as he went 0–7 in his starts. He would leave the Lions after 2008 before returning in 2014, playing two games total in 2015.Dan Orlovsky Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OrloDa00.htm 2025-09-29 Pro-Football-Reference.com en Both sixth-round picks, Bill Swancutt and Johnathan Goddard, lasted one season in the league.2005 Detroit Lions Draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2005_draft.htm 2025-09-29 Pro-Football-Reference.com en 2005 Detroit Lions 1 10 Mike Williams Wide receiver USC yes 2 37 Shaun Cody Defensive tackle USC yes 3 72 Stanley Wilson Cornerback Stanford yes 5 145 Dan Orlovsky Quarterback Connecticut from Arizona via New England yes 6 184 Bill Swancutt Defensive end Oregon State yes 6 206 Johnathan Goddard Linebacker Marshall Staff 2005 Detroit Lions Owner and chairman – William Clay Ford Sr. Vice chairman – William Clay Ford Jr. President and chief executive officer – Matt Millen Executive vice president and chief operating officer – Tom Lewand Senior vice president and assistant general manager – Martin Mayhew Director of pro personnel – Sheldon White Director of college scouting – Scott McEwen Assistant director of pro personnel – Charlie Sanders Head coach – Steve Mariucci Interim head coach/defensive coordinator – Dick Jauron Assistant to the head coach – Kevin Lartigue Offensive coordinator – Ted Tollner Quarterbacks – Greg Olson Running backs – Tom Rathman Wide receivers – Fred Graves Tight ends – Andy Sugarman Offensive line – Pat Morris Assistant offensive line/tight ends – Sean Kugler Offensive assistant – Adam Gase Coaching assistant – Shawn Jefferson Defensive line – Larry Brooks Linebackers – Johnny Holland Defensive backs – George Catavolos Defensive assistant – Don Clemons Defensive assistant – Phil Snow Special teams coordinator – Chuck Priefer Assistant special teams – Stan Kwan Strength and conditioning – Jason Arapoff Strength and conditioning – Malcolm Blacken Assistant strength and conditioning – Mondray Gee 2005 Detroit Lions Media Guide 4–29 Administration and Coaches Roster 2005 Detroit Lions 53 8 8  5 Jeff Garcia  3 Joey Harrington  9 Dan Orlovsky y 24 Shawn Bryson 34 Kevin Jones American football 21 Artose Pinner 30 Cory Schlesinger FB 27 Paul Smith fullback FB 18 Eddie Drummond 16 Troy Edwards 80 Charles Rogers wide receiver 10 Scottie Vines 88 Mike Williams wide receiver, born 1984 y 11 Roy Williams wide receiver 82 Casey FitzSimmons 49 Sean McHugh 81 Marcus Pollard 76 Jeff Backus OT 79 Kelly Butler OT 64 Rick DeMulling G 63 Brock Gutierrez C 69 Kyle Kosier G 51 Dominic Raiola C 71 Victor Rogers noOT 65 Damien Woody G 94 Marcus Bell lineman DT 75 Shaun Cody y DT 95 Jared DeVries DE 98 Kalimba Edwards DE 96 James Hall defensive end DE 78 Cory Redding DE 92 Shaun Rogers American football DT 90 Bill Swancutt y DE 72 Dan Wilkinson DT 55 Donté Curry MLB/OLB 52 James Davis linebacker OLB 48 Matt Grootegoed y OLB 58 Wali Rainer OLB 53 Nate Wayne OLB 57 LeVar Woods MLB 32 Dré Bly CB 36 Vernon Fox SS 35 André Goodman CB 26 Kenoy Kennedy SS 44 Scott McGarrahan FS 40 Jon McGraw FS 31 R. W. McQuarters CB 38 Keith Smith cornerback CB 28 Bracy Walker FS 29 Stanley Wilson Jr. y CB  4 Jason Hanson K  2 Nick Harris punter P 67 Don Muhlbach LS 97 Boss Bailey OLB IR 25 Fernando Bryant CB IR 50 Earl Holmes OLB IR 42 Terrence Holt FS IR -- Cliff Johnson no S NF-Inj. 85 Kevin Johnson wide receiver WR IR 54 Teddy Lehman MLB IR 59 Alex Lewis linebacker MLB IR 62 David Loverne G IR -- Robby Valenzuela no y IR OT 99 Sarth Benoit no y OLB 77 Kevin Carberry y DT 86 Paris Hamilton y WR IR 12 Glenn Martinez WR 43 Will Matthews no y FB IR 74 Levi Newton no y G 60 Dave Pearson American football C 89 Jason Randall no y TE 15 DeAndrew Rubin WR 73 Clint Stickdorn y OT 53 12 Preseason The Lions began their preseason schedule against the New York Jets. The Jets opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, with the Lions response being a Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal. The Jets would kick a field goal of their own in a turnover heavy game as the Lions fell 3–10. The two teams combined for five turnovers and ten punts.2005 Preseason Week 1 Gamebook, Jets at Lions August 12, 2005 Week Date Opponent Result Record Attendance 1 August 12 New York Jets L 3–10 0–1 77,865 2 August 20 at Cleveland Browns L 13–21 0–2 58,371 3 August 29 at St. Louis Rams L 13–37 0–3 58,625 4 September 2 Buffalo BillsW 21–71–353,713 Regular season Overview 350 Joey Harrington (cropped).JPG bg-transparent Jeff Garcia Eagles.jpg bg-transparent Joey Harrington (left) and Jeff Garcia (right) fought for the starting quarterback position throughout the season. left The Lions began their season 3–3, tied for first in the NFC North,2005 Division Standings and Conference Standings https://www.nflgsis.com/GameStatsLive/Statistics/Standings registration March 7, 2026 NFLGSIS.com before finishing 2–8 and ending the season 5–11, missing the playoffs. They suffered their fifth straight losing season and finished third in the North. The offense, headed first by coordinator Ted Tollner and then Greg Olson, finished bottom 6 in both points scored and yards. The passing and running game both finished 26th in yards. Fourth-year quarterback Joey Harrington led the team in passing yards with 2,021 and 12 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, while quarterback Jeff Garcia finished with 937 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. The run game was headed by sophomore Kevin Jones, who rushed for 664 yards and 5 touchdowns. Wide receiver Roy Williams led the team in receiving with 687 yards and 8 touchdowns.2005 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2005.htm 2026-03-08 Pro-Football-Reference.com en The quarterback situation in Detroit was tumultuous. In March, the Lions signed veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia in the offseason after losing Mike McMahon to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Garcia was seen as an immediate competitor for the starting quarterback role.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8284366 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135112/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8284366 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com Garcia was coming off a season where he threw for 1,731 yards and a 10–9 touchdown–interception ratio. In the final game of the preseason, Garcia, filling in for the injured Joey Harrington, suffered a broken fibula after a hit from a defensive player.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8798661 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061334/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8798661 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com After finding out he wouldn't need surgery, Garcia's return was slated to be within six to eight weeks. The Lions named Harrington as the starter to begin the season.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8812531 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135338/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8812531 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com After Garcia returned to practice in mid-October, Mariucci benched Harrington in favor of Garcia: he led Detroit to a 13–10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8998007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070609081519/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8998007 2007-06-09 2025-09-28 www.nfl.comNFL.com - Green Bay at Detroit Game Recap http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20050911_GB@DET https://web.archive.org/web/20070321064915/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20050911_GB@DET 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com However, after just two games, Garcia was benched for Harrington after taking multiple shots in their Week 8 matchup versus the Chicago Bears.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9021701 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321135359/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9021701 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com He was also sat for the Week 10 and 11 game due to issues with the same leg he broke in the preseason.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9035298 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061447/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9035298 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com On the Thanksgiving Day matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons, Harrington was benched in the first half for Garcia after throwing an interception.NFL.com - Atlanta at Detroit Game Recap http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20051124_ATL@DET https://web.archive.org/web/20070615130814/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20051124_ATL@DET 2007-06-15 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com After Mariucci was fired, cornerback Dré Bly blamed Harrington for the firing of Mariucci, saying that he wouldn't have been fired if Garcia was the full-time starting quarterback. Harrington said of the statement: "I'm not ever going to validate what he said. I'm not going to get into a war of words with Dre'."Garcia to start for Lions as CB Bly apologizes https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2242181 https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023632/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2242181 2023-11-23 2025-09-28 ESPN.com en Bly later apologized to the team.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9069910 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321132536/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9069910 2007-03-21 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com Interim head coach Dick Jauron named Garcia as the starter versus the Vikings. Garcia was benched for Harrington during the Week 15 matchup versus the Bengals, and Harrington was named the starter for the rest of the season.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9110454 https://web.archive.org/web/20070319050802/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9110454 2007-03-19 2025-09-28 www.nfl.com In June, wide receiver Charles Rogers was cleared for contact after breaking his collarbone in each of the last two seasons.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8543130 https://web.archive.org/web/20070322122335/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8543130 2007-03-22 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com During the first game of the season, veteran kicker Jason Hanson injured his hamstring, leading the Lions to activate kicker Remy Hamilton.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8861255 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061344/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8861255 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Cornerback Fernando Bryant went down in Week 2 with a separated right shoulder, ending his season.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8899396 https://web.archive.org/web/20070416131529/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8899396 2007-04-16 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com The Lions also lost Rogers to a four-game suspension in early October due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8923944 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061354/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8923944 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com They lost another wide receiver when, during the Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Roy Williams went down with a leg injury.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8945468 https://web.archive.org/web/20070319050648/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/8945468 2007-03-19 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Cornerback Dré Bly was out for three to four weeks due to a wrist injury suffered during Week 7.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9005762 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061427/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9005762 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com The Lions also lost running back Kevin Jones with a shoulder injury that sat him out of the Week 9 game.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9027313 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061436/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9027313 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com In the last four weeks of the season, the Lions put three linebackers on injured reserve: Teddy Lehman,NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9057112 https://web.archive.org/web/20070416152338/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9057112 2007-04-16 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Boss Bailey, and Earl Holmes.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9100559 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061536/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9100559 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com They also lost safety Terrence Holt to the injured reserve due to an elbow injury.NFL.com - Detroit Lions Team News http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9082551 https://web.archive.org/web/20070321061516/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DET/9082551 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 September 11 Green Bay Packers W 17–3 1–0 Ford Field 61,877 2 September 18 at Chicago Bears L 6–38 1–1 Soldier Field 62,019 3 Bye 4 October 2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–17 1–2 Raymond James Stadium 64,994 5 October 9 Baltimore Ravens W 35–17 2–2 Ford Field 61,201 6 October 16 Carolina Panthers L 20–21 2–3 Ford Field 61,083 7 October 23 at Cleveland Browns W 13–10 3–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium 72,923 8 October 30 Chicago Bears L 13–19 (OT) 3–4 Ford Field 61,814 9 November 6 at Minnesota Vikings L 14–27 3–5 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,813 10 November 13 Arizona Cardinals W 29–21 4–5 Ford Field 61,091 11 November 20 at Dallas Cowboys L 7–20 4–6 Texas Stadium 62,670 12 November 24 Atlanta Falcons L 7–27 4–7 Ford Field 62,390 13 December 4 Minnesota Vikings L 16–21 4–8 Ford Field 61,375 14 December 11 at Green Bay Packers L 13–16 (OT) 4–9 Lambeau Field 70,019 15 December 18 Cincinnati Bengals L 17–41 4–10 Ford Field 61,749 16 December 24 at New Orleans Saints W 13–12 5–10 Alamodome 63,747 17 January 1 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 21–35 5–11 Heinz Field 63,794 Game summaries Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary September 11 3:15 p.m. CDT Packers 0 3 0 0 Lions 7 0 3 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,877 None (indoor stadium) Jeff Triplette Recap First quarter DET – Marcus Pollard 9-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 4:56. Lions 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:54. Second quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 50-yard field goal, 2:59. Lions 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 4:51. Third quarter DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 8:34. Lions 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 4:44. Fourth quarter DET – Mike Williams 3-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 4:13. Lions 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:22. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 27/44, 201 yards, 2 INT DET – Joey Harrington – 15/28, 167 yards, 2 TD Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 12 rushes, 58 yards DET – Kevin Jones – 25 rushes, 87 yards Top receivers GB – Donald Driver – 4 receptions, 48 yards DET – Marcus Pollard – 5 receptions, 58 yards, TD In their opening game of the season, the Lions hosted the Green Bay Packers. Both teams punted to begin their opening possessions. The Lions took their second drive 68 yards capped off by a Joey Harrington touchdown pass to Marcus Pollard to take the early 7–0 lead. The Packers responded with a 14-play drive that got them down to Detroit's 4-yard line. After lining up in field goal formation, the Packers ran a fake field goal that failed, ending in a fumble recovery for Detroit. The Lions would turn the ball over on downs in Packer territory. The Packers took their next drive 11 plays and 37 yards capped off by a Ryan Longwell 50-yard field goal. Three punts would end the first half with the Lions up 7–3.2005 Week 1 Gamebook, Packers at Lions September 11, 2005 The Packers fumbled their opening possession of the half, which the Lions capitalized on with a Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal. After eight straight punts brought the game into the fourth quarter, Brett Favre threw an interception to Kenoy Kennedy. After a Harrington pass to Charles Rogers went for 31, Harrington found Mike Williams for a 3-yard touchdown pass. The Packers brought their next drive past the two-minute warning where, with 0:30 left, Favre would throw an interception to Terrence Holt, sealing the 17–3 victory for the Lions and their third consecutive season-opener win.NFL.com - Green Bay at Detroit Game Recap http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20050911_GB@DET https://web.archive.org/web/20070321064915/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20050911_GB@DET 2007-03-21 2025-09-29 www.nfl.com Week 2: at Chicago Bears Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary September 18 12:00 p.m. CDT Lions 6 0 0 0 Bears 10 21 0 7 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,019 Sunny, 76 F C Tony Corrente Recap First quarter CHI – Thomas Jones 3-yard run (Doug Brien kick good), 10:10. Chicago 7–0 Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:39. DET – Roy Williams 51-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Remy Hamilton kick failed), 9:54. Chicago 7–6 Drive: 1 play, 51 yards, 0:16. CHI – Doug Brien 48-yard field goal, 6:04. Chicago 10–6 Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:50. Second quarter CHI – Bobby Wade 73-yard punt return (Doug Brien kick good), 11:34. Chicago 17–6. CHI – Muhsin Muhammad 28-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Doug Brien kick good), 1:14. Chicago 24–6 Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:25. CHI – Mike Brown 41-yard interception return (Doug Brien kick good), 0:57. Chicago 31–6. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter CHI – Thomas Jones 16-yard rush (Doug Brien kick good), 12:13. Chicago 38–6 Drive: 2 plays, 38 yards, 0:39. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 19/37, 196 yards, TD, 5 INT CHI – Kyle Orton – 14/21, 150 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Muhsin Muhammad – 6 receptions, 81 yards, TD CHI – Roy Williams – 5 receptions, 96 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 8 rushes, 22 yards CHI – Thomas Jones – 20 rushes, 139 yards, TD In Week 2, the Lions went on the road to face the Chicago Bears. The Lions turned the ball over on the first possession with a Joey Harrington interception. The Bears capitalized with a Thomas Jones rushing touchdown. The Lions immediately answered on their first play from scrimmage with a Harrington 51-yard touchdown pass to Roy Williams. However, with kicker Jason Hanson out due to an injury, back-up kicker Remy Hamilton tried the extra point and missed, leaving the score at 6–7. The Bears turned their next possession into points with a Doug Brien 48-yard field goal. The Lions went three-and-out on their next possession, setting up a Brien 48-yard field goal for the Bears. However, it was missed wide left and kept the score at 6–10 going into the second quarter. After trading punts, the Lions had another three-and-out and punted the ball. Return man Bobby Wade took the ball at Chicago's 27 before running it back 73 yards for the score. The Lions look poised to respond, getting down to Chicago's 12 on the back of three third down conversions. However, on third and 3, Harrington was intercepted by Nathan Vasher. The Bears tacked onto their score with a 28-yard Kyle Orton touchdown pass. On the first play from scrimmage on their next drive, Harrington threw his third interception, this time for a pick-six, which put the score at 31–6 heading into halftime.2005 Week 2 Gamebook, Lions at Bears September 18, 2005 Three punts started the game before the Lions turned it over on downs. Heading into the fourth, the Bears tried a 36-yard field goal but missed it wide right. After another Harrington interception put the Bears at the Lions' 38, they scored on a Jones 16-yard run. Harrington threw his fifth interception of the day, and both teams benched their starters as the Lions fell 6–38. Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary October 2 1:00 p.m. EDT Lions 0 10 0 3 Buccaneers 3 7 7 0 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 64,994 Partly cloudy, 87 F C Gerry Austin Recap First quarter TAM – Matt Bryant 43-yard field goal, 7:59. Tampa Bay 3–0 Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards, 3:46. Second quarter DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 11:30. Tied 3–3 Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 2:14. DET – Kevin Jones 8-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 4:58. Detroit 10–3 Drive: 2 plays, 8 yards, 0:48. TAM – Michael Pittman 41-yard pass from Brian Griese (Matt Bryant kick good), 1:12. Tied 10–10 Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 3:46. Third quarter TAM – Joey Galloway 80-yard pass from Brian Griese (Matt Bryant kick good), 14:05. Tampa Bay 17–10 Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:55. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 7:29. Tampa Bay 17–13 Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 3:37. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 15/27, 137 yards TAM – Brian Griese – 22/39, 302 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top receivers DET – Roy Williams – 3 receptions, 54 yards TAM – Joey Galloway – 7 receptions, 166 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 12 rushes, 38 yards, TD TAM – Michael Pittman – 5 rushes, 30 yardsFollowing their Week 3 bye, the Lions traveled to Tampa, Florida to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions punted on the opening drive. The Buccaneers took their opening drive to Detroit's 24-yard line, kicking a 43-yard field goal to take the early 3–0 lead. After three straight punts, the Lions got the ball after Bucs quarterback Brian Griese was strip-sacked by Kalimba Edwards. They capitalized with a Hanson 44-yard field goal. After two punts, an errant pass by Griese was intercepted by Teddy Lehman. The Lions scored on a Kevin Jones 8-yard run to go up 10–3. On the next drive, the Lions nearly got the ball back again after André Goodman intercepted a Griese pass. However, Goodman was flagged for defensive holding, and the Bucs scored on a Michael Pittman Sr. 41-yard touchdown pass. The two teams traded turnovers to end the first half.2005 Week 4 Gamebook, Lions at Bucs October 2, 2005 To open the second half, the Bucs scored on a Griese 80-yard deep shot to Joey Galloway to go up 17–10. After a Lions punt, the Bucs missed a 46-yard field goal from Matt Bryant. The Lions once again punted before getting the ball back after Terrence Holt intercepted Griese. The Lions kicked a 23-yard field goal to pull within 4 at 13–17. After a Buccaneers punt, the Lions would attempt a game-winning drive with 5:14 left. After converting a fourth down, the Lions got within Tampa Bay's red zone with 0:20 left. On 2nd and 1 from the 12-yard line, Harrington threw a pass to Marcus Pollard that was caught for an apparent game-winning touchdown. However, replay review determined that Pollard was out of bounds. Two Harrington incomplete passes secured the Lions 13–17 loss.NFL.com - Detroit at Tampa Bay Game Recap http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20051002_DET@TB https://web.archive.org/web/20051220143436/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20051002_DET@TB 2005-12-20 2026-03-08 www.nfl.com Week 5: vs. Baltimore Ravens Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions – Game summary October 9 1:00 p.m. EDT Ravens 0 10 0 7 Lions 14 0 7 14 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,201 None (indoor stadium) Mike Carey Recap First quarter DET – Kevin Jones 14-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:40. Detroit 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:59. DET – Kevin Jones 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 4:40. Detroit 14–0 Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:18. Second quarter BAL – Jamal Lewis 15-yard pass from Anthony Wright (Matt Stover kick good), 8:14. Detroit 14–7 Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards,. 2:57. BAL – Matt Stover 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Detroit 14–10 Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:18. Third quarter DET – Artose Pinner 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 1:35. Detroit 21–10 Drive: 18 plays, 73 yards, 9:38. Fourth quarter DET – Casey Fitzsimmons 2-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 14:55. Detroit 28–10 Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:22. BAL – Todd Heap 6-yard pass from Anthony Wright (Matt Stover kick good), 8:59. Detroit 28–17 Drive: 11 plays, 89 yards, 5:56. DET – Shawn Bryson 77-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 7:05. Detroit 35–17 Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:54. Top passers BAL – Anthony Wright – 20/37, 230 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT DET – Joey Harrington – 10/23, 97 yards, TD, 2 INT Top receivers BAL – Derrick Mason – 6 receptions, 65 yards DET – Kevin Johnson – 3 receptions, 25 yards Top rushers BAL – Jamal Lewis – 19 rushes, 95 yards DET – Shawn Bryson – 1 rush, 77 yards, TDIn Week 5, the Lions hosted the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions received the opening kickoff and immediately punted. However, they would get the ball back after an Anthony Wright interception by Dré Bly. The Lions immediately capitalized and scored on a Kevin Jones 14-yard touchdown run. After forcing the Ravens to punt, the Lions scored again on another Jones run, this time from a yard out, to take the 14–0 lead. The Ravens turned the ball over once again when Ovie Mughelli fumbled on a pass reception which was recovered by Cory Redding. The Lions took their next drive into the second quarter and into Ravens territory, but would turn the ball over on a Harrington interception. The Ravens would give the ball right back on an interception of their own, but the Lions failed to start a drive and punted. The Ravens scored on their next drive with a Wright touchdown pass to Jamal Lewis. The Lions attempt to respond ended with a Harrington interception in Baltimore territory. After two punts, the Ravens kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired to close the lead at 14–10 heading into the half.2005 Week 5 Gamebook, Ravens at Lions October 9, 2005 The Ravens moved into Lions territory, and made it down to the 33-yard line, but punted on 4th and 12. The Lions would construct an 18 play, 73 yard drive ending with an Artose Pinner 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Ravens punted on their next drive, and Lions' return man R. W. McQuarters returned the punt 49 yards to Baltimore's 9. The Lions would score in 2 plays with a Harrington pass to Casey FitzSimmons. The Ravens responded with a long touchdown drive of their own, capped off by a Wright 6-yard pass to Todd Heap. On the following drive, Shawn Bryson took the third snap of the drive 77 yards on a touchdown run, extending the Lions lead to 35–17. The Ravens fumbled on their next drive, followed by a Lions punt, then ending the game with a turnover on downs to secure the second win of the season for the Lions. With the win, the Lions improved to 2-2 (2-0 at home and 1-0 against the AFC North). This would be the Lions last win against Baltimore until 2025, however, this is still the Lions last home against the Ravens. Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 6: Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary October 16 1:00 p.m. EDT Panthers 7 7 0 7 Lions 0 14 3 3 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,083 None (indoor stadium) Larry Nemmers Recap First quarter CAR – Rod Gardner 4-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (John Kasay kick good), 0:54. Carolina 7–0 Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:30. Second quarter DET – Boss Bailey 34-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick good), 14:17. Tied 7–7 CAR – Steve Smith Sr. 80-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (John Kasay kick good), 14:00. Carolina 14–7 Drive: 1 plays, 80 yards, 0:17. DET – Kenoy Kennedy 64-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick good), 8:28. Tied 14–14 Third quarter DET – Jason Hanson 52-yard field goal, 0:40. Detroit 17–14 Drive: 11 plays, 31 yards, 6:09. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 25-yard field goal, 5:08. Detroit 20–14 Drive: 6 plays, 89 yards, 3:44. CAR – Ricky Proehl 3-yard pass from Chris Weinke (John Kasay kick good), 0:32. Carolina 21–20 Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 2:41. Top passers CAR – Jake Delhomme – 15/25, 236 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT DET – Joey Harrington – 17/28, 201 yards, INT Top receivers CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 6 receptions, 123 yards, TD DET – Marcus Pollard – 3 receptions, 105 yards Top rushers CAR – Stephen Davis – 13 rushes, 27 yards DET – Kevin Jones – 12 rushes, 21 yards Week 7: at Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns – Game summary October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Lions 0 7 3 3 Browns 3 7 0 0 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 72,923 Mostly cloudy, 47 F C Walt Coleman Recap First quarter CLE – Phil Dawson 30-yard field goal, 8:30. Cleveland 3–0 Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 5:31. Second quarter DET – Jeff Garcia 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:26. Detroit 7–3 Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 6:12. CLE – Josh Cribbs 90-yard kick return (Phil Dawson kick good), 5:14. Cleveland 10–7 Third quarter DET – Jason Hanson 47-yard field goal, 9:29. Tied 10–10 Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:37. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 50-yard field goal, 14:07. Detroit 13–10 Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:07. Top passers DET – Jeff Garcia – 22/34, 210 yards CLE – Trent Dilfer – 10/19, 73 yards Top receivers DET – Mike Williams – 5 receptions, 95 yards CLE – Braylon Edwards – 3 receptions, 30 yards Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 21 rushes, 74 yards CLE – Reuben Droughns – 19 rushes, 100 yards Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary October 30 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Bears 0 13 0 0 6 Lions 3 0 7 3 0 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,814 None (indoor stadium) Bill Carollo Recap First quarter DET – Jason Hanson 32-yard field goal, 4:11. Detroit 3–0 Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:09. Second quarter CHI – Muhsin Muhammad 23-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Robbie Gould kick good), 9:29. Chicago 7–3 Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 6:02. CHI – Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal, 1:51. Chicago 10–3 Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 5:57. CHI – Robbie Gould 20-yard field goal, 0:17. Chicago 13–3 Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 0:53. Third quarter DET – Kevin Jones 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:15. Chicago 13–10 Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 6:53. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 30-yard field goal, 13:20. Tied 13–13 Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:21. Overtime CHI – Charles Tillman 22-yard interception return, 8:43. Chicago 19–13 Top passers CHI – Kyle Orton – 17/31, 230 yards, TD DET – Jeff Garcia – 23/35, 197 yards, INT Top receivers CHI – Mark Bradley – 5 receptions, 88 yards DET – Scottie Vines – 5 receptions, 61 yards Top rushers CHI – Thomas Jones – 22 rushes, 72 yards DET – Kevin Jones – 18 rushes, 66 yards, TD Despite coming back from a 13-3 deficit after holding the Bears scoreless in the 2nd half, Jeff Garcia ended up throwing a game losing 22 yard pick six to Bears DB Charles Tillman. As a result, the Lions were swept by Chicago for the first time since 2001. Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 9: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary November 6 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Lions 0 7 0 7 Vikings 3 21 0 3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota 63,813 None (indoor stadium) Bill Vinovich Recap First quarter MIN – Paul Edinger 21-yard field goal, 5:55. Minnesota 3–0 Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:53. Second quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 5-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Paul Edinger kick good), 7:26. Minnesota 10–0 Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:22. MIN – Ciatrick Fason 3-yard run (Paul Edinger kick good), 5:45. Minnesota 17–0 Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:22. MIN – Nate Burleson 15-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Paul Edinger kick good), 4:02. Minnesota 24–0 Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:53. DET – Artose Pinner 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 0:48. Minnesota 24–7 Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:14. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter DET – Marcus Pollard 23-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 14:55. Minnesota 24–14 Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:57. MIN – Paul Edinger 40-yard field goal, 7:30. Minnesota 27–14 Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:32. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 28/48, 263 yards, TD, 2 INT MIN – Brad Johnson – 15/22, 136 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Scottie Vines – 9 receptions, 109 yards MIN – Travis Taylor – 4 receptions, 27 yards Top rushers DET – Joey Harrington – 4 rushes, 17 yards MIN – Michael Bennett – 18 rushes, 106 yards Week 10: vs. Arizona Cardinals Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 10: Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary November 13 1:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. MST Cardinals 0 3 8 10 Lions 9 10 7 3 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,091 None (indoor stadium) Scott Green Recap First quarter DET – Roy Williams 7-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 11:17. Detroit 7–0 Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:43. DET – Obafemi Ayanbadejo tackled in the endzone by Dan Wilkinson for a safety, 2:46. Detroit 9–0 Second quarter DET – Roy Williams 21-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 11:13. Detroit 16–0 Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 3:21. ARI – Neil Rackers 51-yard field goal, 5:33. Detroit 16–3 Drive: 13 plays, 44 yards, 5:40. DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, . Detroit 19–3 Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:34. Third quarter ARI – J.J. Arrington 1-yard run (Obafemi Ayanbadejo kick good), 9:53. Detroit 19–11 Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 5:07. DET – Roy Williams 29-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 6:03. Detroit 26–11 Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:50. Fourth quarter ARI – Neil Rackers 28-yard field goal, 14:09. Detroit 26–14 Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:48. DET – Jason Hanson 20-yard field goal, 8:35. Detroit 29–14 Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:34. ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 8-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick good), 2:24. Detroit 29–21 Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 1:11. Top passers ARI – Kurt Warner – 29/45, 359 yards, TD DET – Joey Harrington – 21/31, 231 yards, 3 TD Top receivers ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 9 receptions, 141 yards, TD DET – Roy Williams – 7 receptions, 117 yards, 3 TD Top rushers ARI – J.J. Arrington – 8 rushes, 24 yards, TD DET – Kevin Jones – 14 rushes, 81 yards Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 11: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary November 20 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Lions 0 7 0 0 Cowboys 7 6 7 0 Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas 62,670 57 F C Ed Hochuli Recap First quarter DAL – Marion Barber III 6-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick good), 6:58. Dallas 7–0 Drive: 14 plays, 84 yards, 8:02. Second quarter DAL – Billy Cundiff 19-yard field goal, 6:39. Dallas 10–0 Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 6:43. DET – Kevin Jones 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 2:49. Dallas 10–7 Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:50. DAL – Billy Cundiff 56-yard field goal, 0:03. Dallas 13–7 Drive: 5 plays, 4 yards, 0:35. Third quarter DAL – Marion Barber III 4-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick good), 2:21. Dallas 20–7 Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:03. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 17/25, 169 yards DAL – Drew Bledsoe – 12/23, 110 yards Top receivers DET – Roy Williams – 5 receptions, 72 yards DAL – Keyshawn Johnson – 5 receptions, 37 yards Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 12 rushes, 29 yards, TD DAL – Julius Jones – 21 rushes, 92 yards Week 12: vs. Atlanta Falcons Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary November 24 12:40 p.m. EST Falcons 10 7 10 0 Lions 0 0 0 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 62,390 None (indoor stadium) Peter Morelli Recap First quarter ATL – Todd Peterson 21-yard field goal, 10:13. Atlanta 3–0 Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:47. ATL – T.J. Duckett 1-yard run (Todd Peterson kick ), 0:52. Atlanta 10–0 Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:21. Second quarter ATL – Alge Crumpler 6-yard pass from Michael Vick (Todd Peterson kick good), 10:44. Atlanta 17–0 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:37. Third quarter ATL – Alge Crumpler 32-yard pass from Michael Vick (Todd Peterson kick good), 11:46. Atlanta 24–0 Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 2:04. ATL – Todd Peterson 23-yard field goal, 5:11. Atlanta 27–0 Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 5:34. Fourth quarter DET – Roy Williams 31-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:18. Atlanta 27–7 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:06. Top passers ATL – Michael Vick – 12/22, 146 yards, 2 TD, INT DET – Jeff Garcia – 14/24, 154 yards, TD, INT Top receivers ATL – Alge Crumpler – 7 receptions, 104 yards, 2 TD DET – Mike Williams – 6 receptions, 84 yards Top rushers ATL – Warrick Dunn – 17 rushes, 116 yards DET – Kevin Jones – 4 rushes, 32 yards Week 13: vs. Minnesota Vikings Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary December 4 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Vikings 7 7 7 0 Lions 3 3 3 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,375 None (indoor stadium) Tom White Recap First quarter DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 8:06. Detroit 3–0 MIN – Koren Robinson 80-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Paul Edinger kick good), 7:56. Minnesota 7–3 Second quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 7-yard run (Paul Edinger kick good), 13:53. Minnesota 14–3 DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, 0:08. Minnesota 14–6 Third quarter MIN – Michael Bennett 5-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Paul Edinger kick good), 10:45. Detroit 21–6 DET – Jason Hanson 28-yard field goal, 1:51. Detroit 21–9 Fourth quarter DET – Artose Pinner 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 7:38. Detroit 21–16 Top passers MIN – Brad Johnson – 17/23, 256 yards, 2 TD DET – Jeff Garcia – 17/35, 126 yards, INT Top receivers MIN – Koren Robinson – 4 receptions, 148 yards, TD DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 34 yards Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 22 rushes, 79 yards, TD DET – Artose Pinner – 14 rushes, 64 yards, TD Week 14: at Green Bay Packers Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary December 11 8:40 p.m. EST/7:40 p.m. CST Lions 13 0 0 0 0 Packers 3 7 0 3 3 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 70,019 Partly cloudy, 14 F C Mike Carey Recap First quarter DET – Jason Hanson 19-yard field goal, 11:03. Detroit 3–0 Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:57. DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 7:11. Detroit 6–0 Drive: 7 plays, 13 yards, 3:03. GNB – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 2:26. Detroit 6–3 Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:45. DET – Roy Williams 4-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Jason Hanson kick good), 0:43. Detroit 13–3 Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 1:43. Second quarter GNB – Samkon Gado 64-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick good), 4:56. Detroit 13–10 Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:24. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter GNB – Ryan Longwell 39-yard field goal, 14:22. Tied 13–13 Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:27. Overtime GNB – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, , 9:43. Green Bay 16–13 Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:17. Top passers DET – Jeff Garcia – 13/24, 112 yards, TD GNB – Brett Favre – 21/31, 170 yards, INT Top receivers DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 53 yards GNB – David Martin – 5 receptions, 38 yards Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 9 rushes, 63 yards GNB – Samkon Gado – 29 rushes, 171 yards, TD With the loss, the Lions fell to 4-9 and they eliminated from playoff contention for the 6th straight year. Detroit also finished 1-5 against the NFC North. Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary December 18 4:05 p.m. EST Bengals 17 7 7 10 Lions 0 7 3 7 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 61,749 None (indoor stadium) Walt Anderson Recap First quarter CIN – Shayne Graham 28-yard field goal, 11:41. Cincinnati 3–0 Drive: 7 plays, 13 yards, 3:09. CIN – Kelley Washington 18-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick good), 7:52. Cincinnati 10–0 Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:41. CIN – Chad Johnson 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick good), 2:59. Cincinnati 17–0 Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:48. Second quarter DET – Roy Williams 5-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Jason Hanson kick good), 12:42. Cincinnati 17–7 Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 5:17. CIN – T.J. Houshmandzadeh 7-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick good), 9:20. Cincinnati 24–7 Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:22. Third quarter CIN – Rudi Johnson 4-yard run (Shayne Graham kick good), 9:32. Cincinnati 31–7 Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:28. DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 5:22. Cincinnati 31–10 Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 4:10. Fourth quarter CIN – Rudi Johnson 16-yard run (Shayne Graham kick good), 11:01. Cincinnati 38–10 Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 3:11. DET – Charles Rogers 35-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 6:44. Cincinnati 38–17 Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:17. CIN – Shayne Graham 33-yard field goal, 1:55. Cincinnati 41–17 Drive: 9 plays, 22 yards, 4:49. Top passers CIN – Carson Palmer – 28/39, 274 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT DET – Jeff Garcia – 13/21, 138 yards, TD, 3 INT Top receivers CIN – Chad Johnson – 11 receptions, 99 yards, TD DET – Charles Rogers – 3 receptions, 71 yards, TD Top rushers CIN – Rudi Johnson – 24 rushes, 117 yards, 2 TD DET – Artose Pinner – 15 rushes, 55 yards With the loss, the Lions fell to 4-10, 2-1 against the AFC North, and finished 3-5 at home. Week 16: at New Orleans Saints Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary December 24 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Lions 0 7 0 6 Saints 0 3 6 3 Alamo Dome, San Antonio, Texas 63,747 None (indoor stadium) Larry Nemmers Recap First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter DET – Shaun Rogers 21-yard defensive fumble return (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:45. Detroit 7–0 NOR – John Carney 35-yard field goal, 1:04. Detroit 7–3 Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 4:41. Third quarter NOR – John Carney 47-yard field goal, 9:16. Detroit 7–6 Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:44. NOR – John Carney 33-yard field goal, 5:49. New Orleans 9–7 Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:38. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 7:14. Detroit 10–9 Drive: 11 plays, 89 yards, 6:47. NOR – John Carney 20-yard field goal, 1:52. New Orleans 12–10 Drive: 17 plays, 70 yards, 5:22. DET – Jason Hanson 39-yard field goal, 0:00. Detroit 13–12 Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 1:52. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 17/30, 210 yards, INT NOR – Todd Bouman – 21/38, 233 yards Top receivers DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 111 yards NOR – Zach Hilton – 7 receptions, 83 yards Top rushers DET – Artose Pinner – 20 rushes, 57 yards NOR – Antowain Smith – 13 rushes, 33 yards With the win, the Lions improved to 5-10 and finished 1-3 against the NFC South, and 3-9 against the NFC. Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers Detroit Lions 2005 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary January 1 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Lions 14 0 7 0 Steelers 14 7 14 0 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 63,794 Cloudy, 39 F C Walt Coleman Recap First quarter PIT – Antwaan Randle El 81-yard punt return (Jeff Reed kick good), 13:43. Pittsburgh 7–0 DET – Marcus Pollard 11-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:43. Tied 7–7 Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:00. DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:33. Detroit 14–7 Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:46. PIT – Jerome Bettis 1-yard run (Jeff Reed kick good), 0:21. Tied 14–14 Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 3:12. Second quarter PIT – Jerome Bettis 5-yard run (Jeff Reed kick good), 1:11. Pittsburgh 21–14 Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:24. Third quarter PIT – Jerome Bettis 4-yard run (Jeff Reed kick good), 11:00. Pittsburgh 28–14 Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 4:00. DET – Roy Williams 15-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:32. Pittsburgh 28–21 Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:28. PIT – Ben Roethlisberger 7-yard run (Jeff Reed kick good), 0:42. Pittsburgh 35–21 Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:50. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 17/33, 212 yards, 3 TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 7/16, 135 yards, 2 INT Top receivers DET – Shawn Bryson – 1 reception, 63 yards PIT – Heath Miller – 3 receptions, 62 yards Top rushers DET – Kevin Jones – 18 rushes, 78 yards PIT – Willie Parker – 26 rushes, 135 yards With the loss, the Lions ended their 2005 season at 5-11, 2-2 against the AFC North, and 2-6 on the road. Standings Division Conference References External links 2005 Detroit Lions at Pro-Football-Reference.com Detroit Category:Detroit Lions seasons Detroit Lions Category:2005 in Detroit