1990 Detroit Lions season

NFL team season August 2023 March 2026 Detroit Lions 1990 6–10 3rd NFC Central Wayne Fontes Mouse Davis Woody Widenhofer Chuck Schmidt William Clay Ford Sr. Pontiac Silverdome Did not qualify RB Barry SandersT Lomas BrownDT Jerry BallLB Chris SpielmanPR Mel Gray Lions seasons The 1990 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 61st season in the National Football League (NFL), their 57th as the Detroit Lions, and their second under head coach Wayne Fontes. The team failed to improve upon their 7–9 record from the previous season, suffering their seventh consecutive losing season. Despite dropping in yardage from his rookie season, Barry Sanders led the league in rushing yards with 1,304, being named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Team while the Lions offense ranked 5th, scoring 373 points in the season. The defense dropped from 19th to 26th, allowing 5,734 yards of offense. Punt returner Mel Gray was named to the Pro Bowl and was named to the All-Pro Team, averaging 22 yards a return. Offseason NFL draft thumb|right|In the 1990 NFL draft, the Lions took Andre Ware seventh overall. He started six games over the next five years. 1990 NFL draft For the second season in a row, the Lions selected the Heisman Trophy winner with their draft picks, taking quarterback Andre Ware seventh-overall.https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-andre-ware-drafted/131715522/ The Heisman connection April 23, 1990 Battle Creek Enquirer AP With their second round pick, the Lions selected defensive end Dan Owens who would record 20.0 sacks with the team between 1990 to 1995 and 1998 to 1999.https://pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OwenDa20.htm Dan Owens Stats January 15, 2024 The Lions looked at defense again with their third round pick, selecting defensive Marc Spindler who recorded 9.0 sacks with the Lions.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpinMa20.htm Marc Spindler Stats January 15, 2024 Their fourth round selection Rob Hinckley didn't make the roster. Their other fourth round selection, cornerback Chris Oldham, recorded one interception in his lone season with the Lions.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OldhCh20.htm Chris Oldham Stats January 15, 2024 With their fifth round selection, the Lions looked offense again, selecting Jeff Campbell who would record 495 yards and three touchdowns with the Lions.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampJe00.htm Jeff Campbell Stats January 15, 2024 1990 Detroit Lions 1 7 Andre Ware QB Houston yes 2 35 Dan Owens DE USC yes 3 62 Marc Spindler DE Pittsburgh yes 4 90 Rob Hinckley LB Stanford no 4 105 Chris Oldham S Oregon Selection obtained from L.A. Rams in exchange for TE Pat Carter yes 5 118 Jeff Campbell WR Colorado yes 6 147 Maurice Henry LB Kansas State no 7 174 Tracy Hayworth LB Tennessee yes 8 194 Willie Green WR Mississippi Selection obtained from Dallas in exchange for RB Paul Palmer yes 8 203 Roman Fortin C San Diego State yes 9 229 Jack Linn OT West Virginia no 10 258 Bill Miller WR Illinois State no 11 285 Reginald Warnsley RB Southern Mississippi no 12 313 Robert Claiborne WR San Diego State yes no no https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1990_draft.htm 1990 Detroit Lions Draftees Pro-Football-Reference.com January 5, 2014 Free agency Months before the draft, former first-round pick Chuck Long had requested a trade. The Lions had worked out a deal for the Colts to get Long contingent on them not being able to trade for the first overall pick to select Jeff George. However, the Colts were able to trade up and select George.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-chuck-long-req-trade/131542382/ Long feels left out of Lions' plans April 23, 1990 Detroit Free Press Long was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Rams for a third-round draft selection.https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-chuck-long-traded-to/131542423/ Lions hope Ware, Peete, Gagliano have answers May 3, 1990 The Lions let Tony Paige go in free agency: he signed to the Miami Dolphins.https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant-1990-off-dolphins-sig/131789642/ In the news March 14, 1990 Hartford Courant AP The Lions also traded their 1989 second-round selection John Ford to the Seattle Seahawks,https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-1990-off-john-f/131790156/ NFL Notebook August 26, 1990 The Charlotte Observer and allowed Stacey Mobley walk in free agency, who then signed with Green Bay Packers.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-1990-off-stacey-mobl/131790799/ Sports Briefs April 17, 1990 The Capital Times Walter Stanley, who led the league in yards per return in the previous season, had high interest going into free agency and was ultimately signed by the Washington Redskins.https://www.newspapers.com/article/casper-star-tribune-1990-off-walter-st/131791044/ Football March 2, 1990 Casper Star Tribunehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-advance-1990-off-walter-s/131791140/ Other football March 23, 1990 The News and Advance The Lions signed cornerback William Judson who, after requiring knee surgery and being placed on injured reserve, was waived in October.https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-william-judson-to-lions/138931353/ Dolphins lose four players - in a day March 30, 1990 January 17, 2024 News-Presshttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-william-judson-wai/138931455/ LIONS WAIVE 2 October 25, 1990 January 17, 2024 The Reporter Dispatch Undrafted free agents + 1990 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeWillie Burks Defensive TackleGeorgia TechDelmar ChesleyLinebackerUSCKen DawsonRunning backAppalachian StateJim DuboseLinebackerWake ForestMike FarrWide receiverUCLATroy FauncePunterKansas StateEddie GrantCenterArizona StateMark HoflandTackleMarylandWilson HoyleKickerWake ForestKip LewisWide receiverArizonaGeorge LinbergerCenter/GuardToledoBrent NapierkowskiTacklePortland StateM. J. NelsonWide receiverColoradoMark NuaTackleHawaiiScott ParkerGuardWest VirginiaDerrell RobertsonDefensive EndMississippi StateDavis SmithWide receiverTexas SouthernEric ToweOffensive LinemanEastern MichiganMike WilliamsLinebackerUSC Personnel Staff 1990 Detroit Lions Owner and president – William Clay Ford Sr. Executive vice president and chief operating officer – Chuck Schmidt Treasurer – William Clay Ford Jr. Director of player personnel – Ron Hughes Director of pro scouting – Kevin Colbert Head coach – Wayne Fontes Off./def. administrative assistant to the head coach – Dave Levy Quarterbacks and receivers – Mouse Davis Quarterbacks and receivers – June Jones Running backs – Billie Matthews Receivers – Charlie Sanders Offensive line – Jerry Wampfler Defensive coordinator/outside linebackers – Woody Widenhofer Defensive line – Lamar Leachman Inside linebackers – Herb Paterra Defensive backs – Len Fontes Defensive assistant – Don Clemons Special teams – Frank Gansz Strength and conditioning – Bert Hill Roster 1990 Detroit Lions 47 7 1 14 Bob Gagliano  9 Rodney Peete 11 Andre Ware y 23 Mel Gray return specialist KR/PR 20 Barry Sanders 34 James Wilder Sr. 87 Jeff Campbell American football y 82 Robert Clark American football 81 Mike Farr y 89 Terry Greer 84 Richard Johnson wide receiver 83 Aubrey Matthews 24 Jason Phillips wide receiver 65 Eric Andolsek G 75 Lomas Brown T 67 Ken Dallafior G 53 Kevin Glover C 62 Dennis McKnight G 73 Harvey Salem T 64 Eric Sanders offensive lineman T 60 Mike Utley G 93 Jerry Ball NT 94 Jackie Cline DE 91 Mark Duckens DE 77 Keith Ferguson American football DE 97 Jeff Hunter American football DE 70 Dan Owens y DE 96 Lawrence Pete NT 52 Mark Brown linebacker born 1961 OLB 50 Toby Caston ILB 55 Mike Cofer linebacker OLB 99 Tracy Hayworth OLB 58 George Jamison OLB 57 Victor Jones linebacker ILB 51 Niko Noga ILB 54 Chris Spielman ILB 32 Bruce Alexander American football CB 36 Bennie Blades FS 27 Darren Carrington CB 39 Ray Crockett CB 47 LeRoy Irvin CB 42 Chris Oldham y CB 27 Herb Welch FS 25 Sheldon White CB 35 William White American football SS  6 Jim Arnold American football P  3 Eddie Murray American football K 48 Roman Fortin y TE IR 98 Dennis Gibson American football LB IR 86 Willie Green American football y WR IR 45 Rob Hinckley y LB IR 29 Bruce McNorton CB IR 71 Derrell Robertson y DE IR 92 Marc Spindler y NT IR 79 Donnie Gardner y DE 47 7 Preseason The Lions began their preseason visiting the Houston Oilers. Using their starters in the first half, the Lions outgained the Oilers with 223 yards to 69. The Lions scored on their opening drive when sophomore Rodney Peete completed a pass to Richard Johnson for the 9-yard score. On the Oilers' first play, Warren Moon fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Lions on the 7-yard line. Barry Sanders scored on a 2-yard rush to give the Lions a 14–0 lead. A missed field goal by Lions' kicker Wilson Hoyle missed a 32-yard field goal. The Oilers scored their first points on an 80-yard drive. The Lions responded with a 23-yard interception return to take the 21–7 lead, which grew to 24–7 on a Hoyle 19-yard field goal. A punt return early in the second half and a 25-yard field goal put the Lions up 34–7. The Oilers tacked on a field goal to bring the final score to 34–10, with the Lions clinching their first preseason win since 1987.August 10, 1990 Season opening roar Petoskey News-Review https://www.newspapers.com/article/petoskey-news-review-1990-p1-lions-at/131544623/ WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenue1August 9at Houston OilersW 34–101–0Astrodome2August 17Buffalo BillsW 24–132–0Pontiac Silverdome3August 24Kansas City ChiefsW 35–213–0Pontiac Silverdome4August 31at Cincinnati BengalsW 26–244–0Riverfront Stadium Regular season Schedule WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendance 1 September 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 21–38 0–1 Pontiac Silverdome 56,692 2 September 16 Atlanta Falcons W 21–14 1–1 Pontiac Silverdome 48,961 3 September 23 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 20–23 1–2 Tampa Stadium 55,075 4 September 30 Green Bay Packers L 21–24 1–3 Pontiac Silverdome 64,509 5 October 7 at Minnesota Vikings W 34–27 2–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 57,586 6 October 14 at Kansas City Chiefs L 24–43 2–4 Arrowhead Stadium 74,312 7 Bye 8 October 28 at New Orleans Saints W 27–10 3–4 Louisiana Superdome 64,368 9 November 4 Washington Redskins L 38–41 (OT) 3–5 Pontiac Silverdome 69,326 10 November 11 Minnesota Vikings L 7–17 3–6 Pontiac Silverdome 68,264 11 November 18 at New York Giants L 0–20 3–7 Giants Stadium 76,109 12 November 22 Denver Broncos W 40–27 4–7 Pontiac Silverdome 73,896 13 December 2 at Chicago Bears L 17–23 (OT) 4–8 Soldier Field 62,313 14 December 10, 1990 Los Angeles Raiders L 31–38 4–9 Pontiac Silverdome 72,190 15 December 16 Chicago Bears W 38–21 5–9 Pontiac Silverdome 67,759 16 December 22 at Green Bay Packers W 24–17 6–9 Lambeau Field 46,700 17 December 30 at Seattle Seahawks L 10–30 6–10 Kingdome 50,681Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text. Game summaries All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.http://www.profootballresearchers.org/index.html PFRA | PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL RESEARCHERS ASSOCIATION www.profootballresearchers.org Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Detroit Lions 1990 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions – Game summary September 9, 1990 1:00 p.m. EDT Buccaneers 7 14 7 10 Lions 14 0 0 7 Pontiac Silverdome, Michigan 54,728 Tom White Box score First quarter TAM – Ron Hall 54-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Steve Christie kick good), 12:45. Buccaneers 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 2:07. DET – Robert Clark 26-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Eddie Murray kick good), 10:14. Tied 7–7 Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:25. DET – Barry Sanders 1-yard rush (Eddie Murray kick good), 1:13. Detroit 14–7 Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:32. Second quarter TAM – Bruce Perkins 8-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Steve Christie kick good), 8:53. Tied 14–14 Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 7:10. TAM – Gary Anderson 19-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Steve Christie kick good), 6:16. Tampa Bay 21–14 Drive: 3 plays, 28 yards, 1:53. Third quarter TAM – Reggie Cobb 2-yard rush (Steve Christie kick good), 10:31. Tampa Bay 28–14 Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:28. Fourth quarter TAM – Steve Christie 22-yard field goal, 6:48. Tampa Bay 31–14 Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 8:43. DET – Robert Clark 16-yard pass from Bob Gagliano (Eddie Murray kick good), 5:34. Tampa Bay 31–21 Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 1:04. TAM – Wayne Haddix 62-yard interception return (Steve Christie kick good), 5:15. Tampa Bay 38–21 Top passers TAM – Vinny Testaverde – 16/21, 237 yards, 3 TD, INT DET – Rodney Peete – 10/21, 143 yards, TD, INT Top receivers TAM – Gary Anderson – 6 receptions, 79 yards, TD DET – Robert Clark – 6 receptions, 117 yards, 2 TD Top rushers TAM – Gary Anderson – 21 rushes, 74 yards DET – Barry Sanders – 14 rushes, 79 yards, TDThe Lions hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season and home opener. The Buccaneers received the opening kickoff and took their first drive 4 plays and 71 yards into the endzone on a Vinny Testaverde 54-yard pass to Ron Hall. The Lions got the ball with a chance to respond on their own 20-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Rodney Peete completed a pass to Robert Clark four times in a row including the 15-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7–7. The Buccaneers took their next drive into Lions' territory when a Gary Anderson rush for 2 yards turned into a fumble that was recovered by the Lions. At their own 27, the Lions moved downfield with multiple 10+ yard passes and Barry Sanders rushes to cap off the scoring drive with a Sanders 1-yard rushing touchdown to put the Lions up 14–7. The Bucs' took their responding drive into the second quarter. Testaverde capped the drive off with a 8-yard pass into the end zone to tie the game 14–14. On the Lions next possession, an overthrown Peete pass intended for Clark fell into the hands of a Buccaneers defender. The Bucs took three plays to make it into the endzone with a Testaverde 19-yard pass to Anderson. The teams punted on each of their drives to end the first half.1990 Week 1 Gamebook, Buccaneers at Lions September 9, 1990 The Lions received the second half kickoff, but fumbled it away on second down, turning it over. The Buccaneers quickly scored with aReggie Cobb 2-yard rushing touchdown to put the Buccaneers up 28–14. The Lions punted on their next drive, with the Buccaneers taking over on the Lions 47. The Bucs' got down to the Lions 25-yard line, but a Testaverde pass that went through the hands of Mark Carrier was intercepted which was returned 48-yard to the Bucs 32-yard line. The Lions moved the ball to the Bucs' 8-yard line. On 2nd and 7, Peete faked the handoff to Sanders and ran around to the right into the end zone for the 8-yard touchdown. However, upon review, the play was overturned. The Lions converted a 3rd and 1 on the 2 with a Sanders 1-yard rush. On 1st down from the 1, Peete fumbled the ball attempting a QB sneak which was turned over for a touchback. The Bucs took their new possession into the fourth quarter, settling for a 22-yard field goal by Steve Christie. On the Lions next drive, a 24-yard Sanders rush and a Bob Gagliano pass to Clark for 21 set up the 16-yard touchdown pass from Gagliano to Clark. The Lions attempted an onside kick, successfully recovering it with 5:28 left in the game. On the first play of their new drive, Gagliano threw an interception that was returned 62-yards for the touchdown. On the Lions first play after the turnover, the Lions turned the ball over again on a fumble. The Lions had one more drive to produce points, but a Gagliano interception leading to the two-minute warning sealed the 21–38 loss for the Lions. Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons Detroit Lions 1990 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – Game summary September 16, 1990 1:00 p.m. EDT Falcons 7 0 7 0 Lions 7 14 0 0 Pontiac Silverdome, Michigan 48,961 Gordon McCarter Box score First quarter DET – Terry Greer 12-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Eddie Murray kick good), 5:06. Detroit 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 1:53. ATL – Andre Rison 10-yard pass from Chris Miller (Greg Davis kick good), 0:33. Tied 7–7 Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:48. Second quarter DET – Richard Johnson 5-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Eddie Murray kick good), 10:02. Detroit 14–7 Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:19. DET – Barry Sanders 17-yard rush (Eddie Murray kick good), 0:20. Detroit 21–7 Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 0:54. Third quarter ATL – Steve Broussard 3-yard rush (Greg Davis kick good), 7:44. Detroit 21–14 Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 7:08. Top passers ATL – Chris Miller – 18/31, 196 yards, TD DET – Rodney Peete – 13/26, 167 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top receivers ATL – Michael Haynes – 1 receptions, 60 yards DET – Robert Clark – 4 receptions, 62 yards Top rushers ATL – Gary Anderson – 21 rushes, 74 yards DET – Barry Sanders – 14 rushes, 79 yards, TDIn Week 2, the Lions hosted the Atlanta Falcons. The Lions received the opening kickoff. After a delay of game, Rodney Peete found Jason Phillips for 15 yards on 3rd and 16, electing to punt on the ensuing 4th and 1. On the Falcons' first drive, they got down to the 50-yard line on 3rd and 6, but were sacked and had to punt. On the first play of the Lions' new drive, Peete scrambled right and found Phillips for 29 yards. On the next play, Peete passed to Richard Johnson for a gain of 13 yards with an Atlanta 15-yard personal foul penalty bringing the Lions to the Falcons 15-yard line. A Barry Sanders rush brought them three before Peete found Terry Greer in the end zone to put the Lions up 7–0. After a three-and-out from both teams, the Falcons went from their own 27 to the Lions 13 with a Chris Miller 60-yard pass to Michael Haynes. After an incompletion and a three-yard rush, Miller found Andre Rison in the end zone on 3rd and 7 to tie it at 7–7. The Lions brought their responding scoring drive into the second quarter. They crossed midfield with a Peete pass to Robert Clark that went for 23-yards. They slowly inched down Falcons territory, converting a 3rd and 5 from the Falcons 13 with a Sanders 12-yard run that brought them to the goal-line. After Sanders was brought down 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage, Peete found Johnson in the end zone to go up 14–7. The teams exchanged punts along with a Peete intercepted followed up by an Atlanta punt. The Lions got possession with 1:14 left in the second half following a bad 24-yard punt that set them up at the Falcons 36. It took the Lions 54 seconds to reach the endzone with a Sanders 17-yard rushing touchdown to put the halftime score at 21–7.1990 Week 2 Gamebook, Falcons at Lions September 16, 1990 The Falcons received the opening kickoff to start the second half. The Falcons, beginning at their own 37-yard line, moved into Lions territory with a Miller pass to Keith Jones for 11 yards. The Falcons got down to the Lions 3 on 2nd down and scored on a Steve Broussard 3-yard rushing touchdown to put the Falcons within 7 at 14–21. After two punts for each team, Peete threw an interception on 2nd and 20 to bring the Falcons' new drive into the fourth quarter. The Falcons looked poised to score when the team got down to the Lions 13-yard line. However, Miller fumbled the snap which was recovered by Detroit. After a total of four punts, the Lions drained the remaining clock with help from a Bob Gagliano 22-yard rush to bring up the final score of 21–14. Week 3: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Detroit Lions 1990 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary September 23, 1990 8:02 p.m. EDT Lions 3 3 7 7 Buccaneers 0 6 3 14 Tampa Stadium, Florida 55,075 Dale Hamer Box score First quarter DET – Eddie Murray 25-yard field goal, 3:39. Detroit 3–0 Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:46. Second quarter TAM – Steve Christie 55-yard field goal, 13:03. Tied 3–3 Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 5:36. TAM – Steve Christie 28-yard field goal, 8:52. Tampa Bay 6–3 Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:54. DET – Eddie Murray 33-yard field goal, 3:31. Tied 6–6 Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 5:21. Third quarter DET – Rodney Peete 1-yard rush (Eddie Murray kick good), 10:56. Detroit 13–6 Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:04. TAM – Steve Christie 21-yard field goal, 3:21. Detroit 13–9 Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 7:35. Fourth quarter TAM – Gary Anderson 11-yard rush (Steve Christie kick good), 10:08. Tampa Bay 16–13 Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards, 1:35. DET – Robert Clark 5-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Eddie Murray kick good), 6:46. Detroit 20–16 Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:22. TAM – John Harvey 3-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Steve Christie kick good), 4:21. Tampa Bay 23–20 Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:25. Top passers DET – Rodney Peete – 17/26, 169 yards, TD TAM – Vinny Testaverde – 13/22, 181 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Rodney Peete – 8 rushes, 97 yards, TD TAM – Gary Anderson – 17 rushes, 71 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Richard Johnson – 7 receptions, 73 yards TAM – Mark Carrier – 4 receptions, 65 yards Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos Detroit Lions 1990 2; text-align:center collapsed Week Twelve: Denver Broncos (3–7) at Detroit Lions (3–7) November 22 12:30 p.m. EST Broncos 7 10 3 7 Lions 21 6 7 6 Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan 73,896 Indoors (dome) Dick Hantak Box Score First quarter DET – Richard Johnson 11-yard pass from Bob Gagliano (Eddie Murray kick), 10:11. Lions 7–0. Drive: DEN – Melvin Bratton 1-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 6:45. Tie 7–7. Drive: DET – Barry Sanders 7-yard run (Eddie Murray kick), 4:32. Lions 14–7. Drive: DET – Richard Johnson 43-yard pass from Bob Gagliano (Eddie Murray kick), 0:50. Lions 21–7. Drive: Second quarter DET – Eddie Murray 24-yard field goal, 1:32. Lions 24–7. Drive: DEN – David Treadwell 24-yard field goal, 8:40. Lions 24–10. Drive: DEN – Wymon Henderson 48-yard interception return (David Treadwell kick), 7:40. Lions 24–17. DET – Eddie Murray 32-yard field goal, 1:55. Lions 27–17. Drive: Third quarter DEN – David Treadwell 32-yard field goal, 9:32. Lions 27–20. Drive: DET – Barry Sanders 35-yard pass from Bob Gagliano (Eddie Murray kick), 6:32. Lions 34–20. Drive: Fourth quarter DEN – Melvin Bratton 1-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 14:14. Lions 34–27. Drive: DET – Eddie Murray 43-yard field goal, 3:43. Lions 37–27. Drive: DET – Eddie Murray 45-yard field goal, 2:51. Lions 40–27. Drive: Top passers DEN – John Elway – 24/36, 246 yards, INT DET – Bob Gagliano – 18/30, 248 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers DEN – Bobby Humphrey – 16 rushes, 53 yards DET – Barry Sanders – 23 rushes, 147 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Ricky Nattiel – 3 receptions, 50 yards DET – Richard Johnson – 5 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TD Standings Player stats Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average Long Touchdowns Barry Sanders 255 1304 5.1 45 13 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average Long Touchdowns Barry Sanders 36 480 13.3 47 3 Awards and records Jerry Ball, Second-Team All-Pro selection Jerry Ball, Pro Bowl Reserve Selection Lomas Brown, Second-Team All-Pro selection Mike Cofer, Second-Team All-Pro selection Mel Gray, First-Team All-Pro selection Eddie Murray, Pro Bowl Selection Barry Sanders, First-Team All-Pro selection Barry Sanders, Pro Bowl Selection Chris Spielman, Pro Bowl Reserve Selection References External links 1990 Detroit Lions at Pro-Football-Reference.com Detroit Lions Category:Detroit Lions seasons Detroit Lions