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2015 Detroit Lions season

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2015 Detroit Lions season
Head Coach Jim Caldwell
General Manager Martin Mayhew (fired Nov. 5)
Sheldon White (interim)
Home Field Ford Field
Results
Record 7–9
Place 3rd NFC North
Playoff Finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers Ezekiel Ansah, DE
Calvin Johnson, WR
Timeline
Previous season Next season
2014 2016

The 2015 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 86th season in the National Football League, their 82nd as the Detroit Lions and the second under Head Coach Jim Caldwell. By Week 7 of the season, the Lions had already lost six games, more than they did in the entire 2014 season. This led to the firing of Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi and two other coaches. After falling to 1–7 the following week, the team fired President Tom Lewand and General Manager Martin Mayhew.[1] On November 19, the Lions named Rod Wood as team President.[2] The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to St. Louis in week 14. The team had a 6–2 record in the second half of the season to finish at 7–9, good for third place in the NFC North. One highlight of the season was the Lions first win in Green Bay since 1991.

Offseason[]

Re-signings[]

Date Player Position Contract Source
February 27 Don Muhlbach Long snapper 1 year / $1.05 million [3]
March 2 Dan Orlovsky Quarterback 1 year / $1.05 million [4]
Darryl Tapp Defensive end 1 year / $950,000 [5]
March 6 Matt Prater Placekicker 3 years / $9 million [6]
Kellen Moore Quarterback 2 years / $1.825 million [7]
March 10 Josh Bynes Linebacker 2 years / $1.81 million [8]
March 11 Isa Abdul-Quddus Safety 1 year / $1.5 million [9]
March 19 Rashean Mathis Cornerback 2 years / $3.5 million [10]
April 20 Jeremy Ross Return specialist 1 year / $585,000 [11]
August 5 DeAndre Levy Linebacker 4 years / $33.72 million [12]

Arrivals[]

Date Player Position Previous team Contract Source
February 27 Phillip Hunt Defensive end Indianapolis Colts 1 year / $585,000 [13]
March 12 Tyrunn Walker Defensive end New Orleans Saints 1 year / $1.75 million [14]
April 3 Josh Wilson Cornerback Atlanta Falcons 1 year / $950,000 [15]
April 7 Brandon Copeland Linebacker Tennessee Titans 1 year / $460,000 [16]
May 2 Al Bond Guard Memphis
Undrafted FA
 [17]
Anthony Boone Quarterback Duke
Kyle Brindza Placekicker Notre Dame
Isaiah Johnson Safety Georgia Tech
Vernon Johnson Wide receiver Texas A&M
Desmond Lawrence Wide receiver North Carolina A&T
Casey Pierce Tight end Kent State
Kevin Snyder Linebacker Rutgers
Brian Suite Safety Utah State
Rasheed Williams Running back Alfred State
Torrian Wilson Offensive lineman Central Florida
Zach Zenner Running back South Dakota State
May 8 Alex Carter Cornerback Stanford 4 years / $3.058 million [18]
Gabe Wright Defensive tackle Auburn 4 years / $2.801 million
Michael Burton Fullback Rutgers 4 years / $2.46 million
Quandre Diggs Cornerback Texas 4 years / $2.395 million
Corey Robinson Offensive tackle South Carolina 4 years / $2.338 million
May 11 Jarred Haggins Wide receiver Florida State 3 years / $1.575 million [19]
Nathan Lindsey Safety Fort Hays State 1 year / –
Erik Lora Wide receiver Eastern Illinois 1 year / –
May 12 Desmond Martin Running back Wayne State 3 years / $1.575 million [20]
Lance Moore Wide receiver Pittsburgh Steelers 1 year / $1.05 million [21]
May 13 Greg Salas Wide receiver New York Jets 1 year / $745,000 [22]
Chris Owens Cornerback Kansas City Chiefs 1 year / –
Ameer Abdullah Running back Nebraska 4 years / $4.156 million [23]
June 10 David Ausberry Tight end Oakland Raiders 1 year / $660,000 [24]
June 11 Laken Tomlinson Guard Duke 4 years / $8.55 million [25]
June 15 Garrett Gilbert Quarterback New England Patriots 1 year / – [26]
June 22 Taylor Mays Safety Minnesota Vikings 1 year / $745,000 [27]
July 28 R. J. Stanford Cornerback Miami Dolphins 1 year / – [28]
August 4 Ethan Davis Cornerback Troy 1 year / – [29]

Departures[]

Date Player Position Note New Team Source
February 25 Reggie Bush Running back Released San Francisco 49ers [30]
March 11 Ndamukong Suh Defensive tackle UFA Miami Dolphins [31]
March 12 Jed Collins Fullback UFA Dallas Cowboys [32]
March 13 Nick Fairley Defensive tackle UFA St. Louis Rams [33]
April 21 Rodney Austin Guard Released [34]
May 11 Desmond Lawrence Wide receiver Released [35]
May 12 Rasheed Williams Running back Released [36]
May 13 Skye Dawson Wide receiver Released Edmonton Eskimos (CFL) [37]
June 3 Erik Lora Wide receiver Released [38]
June 10 Nathan Lindsey Defensive back Released [24]
June 12 Anthony Boone Quarterback Released Montreal Alouettes (CFL) [39]
June 17 Rasheed Williams Running back Released [40]
August 4 Jerrell Harris Linebacker Released [41]
August 8 Ethan Davis Cornerback Waived [42]

Trades[]

Draft[]

Main article: 2015 NFL draft
2015 Detroit Lions Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 28 Laken Tomlinson G Duke
2 54 Ameer Abdullah RB Nebraska
3 80 Alex Carter CB Stanford
4 113 Gabe Wright DT Auburn
5 168 Michael Burton FB Rutgers
6 200 Quandre Diggs CB Texas
7 240 Corey Robinson OT South Carolina

Notes

  • The Lions traded their fourth and fifth-round selections (Nos. 122 and 158 overall, respectively) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and the Ravens' seventh-round selection (No. 231 overall).[43]
  • The Lions traded defensive end George Johnson and their seventh-round selection (No. 231 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round selection (No. 168 overall).[44]
  • The Lions traded their first-round selection (No. 23 overall) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Denver's 2015 first and fifth-round selections (Nos. 28 and 143 overall, respectively), their fifth-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft, and guard Manny Ramirez.[46]
  • The Lions traded their third and fifth-round selections (Nos. 88 and 143 overall, respectively) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a third-round selection (No. 80 overall).[47]
  • The Lions traded their third-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round selection (No. 113 overall).[48]

Final roster[]

2015 Detroit Lions roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 13 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule[]

Preseason[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 13 New York Jets W 23–3 1–0 Ford Field Recap
2 August 20 at Washington Redskins L 17–21 1–1 FedExField Recap
3 August 28 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 22–17 2–1 EverBank Field Recap
4 September 3 Buffalo Bills W 17–10 3–1 Ford Field Recap

Regular season[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 13 at San Diego Chargers L 28–33 0–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
2 September 20 at Minnesota Vikings L 16–26 0–2 TCF Bank Stadium Recap
3 September 27 Denver Broncos L 12–24 0–3 Ford Field Recap
4 October 5 at Seattle Seahawks L 10–13 0–4 CenturyLink Field Recap
5 October 11 Arizona Cardinals L 17–42 0–5 Ford Field Recap
6 October 18 Chicago Bears W 37–34 (OT) 1–5 Ford Field Recap
7 October 25 Minnesota Vikings L 19–28 1–6 Ford Field Recap
8 November 1 at Kansas City Chiefs L 10–45 1–7 Wembley Stadium Recap
9 Bye
10 November 15 at Green Bay Packers W 18–16 2–7 Lambeau Field Recap
11 November 22 Oakland Raiders W 18–13 3–7 Ford Field Recap
12 November 26 Philadelphia Eagles W 45–14 4–7 Ford Field Recap
13 December 3 Green Bay Packers L 23–27 4–8 Ford Field Recap
14 December 13 at St. Louis Rams L 14–21 4–9 Edward Jones Dome Recap
15 December 21 at New Orleans Saints W 35–27 5–9 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
16 December 27 San Francisco 49ers W 32–17 6–9 Ford Field Recap
17 January 3 at Chicago Bears W 24–20 7–9 Soldier Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries[]

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers[]

Week One: Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 7 14 0 7

28

Chargers 3 7 10 13

33

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Ameer Abdullah 24 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:14. Lions 7–0.
  • SD - Josh Lambo 32 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 7:02. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

  • DET - Glover Quin 31 yard interception return. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:32. Lions 14–3.
  • DET - Eric Ebron pass from Matthew Stafford for 18 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:06. Lions 21–3.
  • SD - Danny Woodhead 9 yard rush. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:47. Lions 21–10.

Third quarter

  • SD - Josh Lambo 25 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:39. Lions 21–13.
  • SD - Stevie Johnson pass from Philip Rivers for 12 yards. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 1:12. Lions 21–20.

Fourth quarter

  • SD - Ladarius Green pass from Philip Rivers for 13 yards. Josh Lambo kick is no good. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:52. Chargers 26–21.
  • SD - Danny Woodhead 1 yard rush. Josh Lambo kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:18. Chargers 33–21.
  • DET - Theo Riddick 21 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 1:29. Chargers 33–28.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 19/30, 246 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • SD – Philip Rivers - 35/42, 404 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 7 rushes, 50 yds, 1 TD
  • SD – Melvin Gordon - 14 rushes, 51 yds

Top receivers

  • DET – Eric Ebron - 4 catches, 53 yds, 1 TD
  • SD – Keenan Allen - 15 catches, 166 yds

Top tacklers

  • DET – Rashean Mathis - 8 tackles
  • SD – Eric Weddle - 7 tackles

The visiting Lions opened the 2015 season at San Diego. Detroit held a 21–3 lead midway through the second quarter, only to see the Chargers reel off 30 unanswered points on their way to a 33–28 victory.

Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings[]

Week Two: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 0 10 0 6

16

Vikings 7 10 6 3

26

at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

  • MIN - Kyle Rudolph 5 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh kick is good. 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:35. Vikings 7–0.

Second quarter

  • MIN - Teddy Bridgewater 1 yard run. Blair Walsh kick is good. 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:58. Vikings 14–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 26 yard field goal. 14 plays, 72 yards, 7:14. Vikings 14–3.
  • MIN - Blair Walsh 28 yard field goal. 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:40. Vikings 17–3.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 11 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:58. Vikings 17–10.

Third quarter

  • MIN - Zach Line 1 yard run. Blair Walsh kick is no good. 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:31. Vikings 23–10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN - Blair Walsh 23 yard field goal. 10 plays, 34 yards, 5:46. Vikings 26–10.
  • DET - Eric Ebron 12 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Two-point conversion attempt failed. 18 plays, 82 yards, 4:32. Vikings 26–16.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 32/53, 286 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • MIN – Teddy Bridgewater - 14/18, 153 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 4 carries, 20 yards
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson - 29 carries, 134 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 10 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson - 2 receptions, 58 yards

Top tacklers

  • DET – James Ihedigbo - 7 tackles, 2 assists
  • MIN – Captain Munnerlyn - 7 tackles

The Vikings took an early 14–0 lead on the visiting Lions and never looked back, as Detroit struggled to find any offensive consistency, especially in the running game. (Quarterback Matthew Stafford was the leading rusher with only 20 yards.)

Week 3: vs. Denver Broncos[]

Week Three: Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Broncos 0 14 0 10

24

Lions 0 6 6 0

12

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • DEN - Ronnie Hillman 1 yard rush. Brandon McManus kick is good. 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:25. Broncos 7–0
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is blocked. 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51. Broncos 7–6.
  • DEN - Demaryius Thomas pass from Peyton Manning for 45 yards. Brandon McManus kick is good. 7 plays, 80 yards, 0:58. Broncos 14–6.

Third quarter

  • DET -Ameer Abdullah 16 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Two-point conversion is no good. 4 plays, 29 yards, 2:09. Broncos 14–12.

Fourth quarter

  • DEN - Brandon McManus 48 yard field goal is good. 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:22. Broncos 17–12.
  • DEN - Owen Daniels 11 yard pass from Peyton Manning. Brandon McManus kick is good. 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:09. Broncos 24–12.

Top passers

  • DEN – Peyton Manning - 31/42, 324 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 31/45, 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's

Top rushers

  • DEN – C.J. Anderson - 8 carries, 18 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 23 yards

Top receivers

  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas - 9 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 8 receptions, 77 yards

Top tacklers

  • DEN – Brandon Marshall - 10 tackles, 2 assists
  • DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 4 assists

Playing in their home debut, the 0–2 Lions closed the game to 14–12 in the third quarter, but a two-point conversion to tie the score failed. Denver then scored the final 10 points for a 24–12 victory.

Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks[]

Week Four: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 0 3 0 7

10

Seahawks 0 10 3 0

13

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

First quarter

    • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • SEA - Doug Baldwin 24 yard pass from Russell Wilson. Steven Hauschka kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:59. Seahawks 7–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 41 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:40. Seahawks 7–3.
  • SEA - Steven Hauschka 51 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:16. Seahawks 10–3.

Third quarter

  • SEA - Steven Hauschka 52 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 3:49. Seahawks 13–3.

Fourth quarter

  • DET - Caraun Reid 27 yard fumble return. Matt Prater kick is good. Seahawks 13–10.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 24/35, 203 yards
  • SEA – Russell Wilson - 20/26, 287 yards, 1 TD

Top rushers

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 13 carries, 33 yards
  • SEA – Thomas Rawls - 17 carries, 48 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 7 receptions, 56 yards
  • SEA – Jermaine Kearse - 2 receptions, 84 yards

Top tacklers

  • DET – James Ihedigbo - 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • SEA – Bobby Wagner - 4 tackles, 4 assists

Playing on Monday Night, the Lions had a chance to upset last year's NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Late in the fourth quarter, Calvin Johnson caught a pass from Matthew Stafford and was headed for a go-ahead touchdown until Kam Chancellor punched the ball from his hands at Seattle's 1-yard line. As the ball bounded into the end zone, K. J. Wright batted the ball across the end line. By NFL rules, the intentional guiding of the ball across the end line should have resulted in a penalty, giving the ball back to the Lions at the spot of the fumble. But the back judge ruled that Wright's act was not blatant, and Seattle was given the ball at their own 20-yard line, after which they proceeded to run out the clock.

Dean Blandino, NFL VP of Officiating, stated after the game that the on-field officials made a mistake, and Detroit should have regained possession at the 1-yard line.[49]

With the loss, the Lions are 0–4, their worst start since 2010. With the Saints' win over the Cowboys on Sunday Night, the Lions are the league's only winless team.

Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals[]

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 28 7 7

42

Lions 7 0 0 10

17

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 60,816
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (Fox): Justin Kutcher, Daryl Johnston and Holly Sonders
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Theo Riddick pass from Matthew Stafford for 6 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:48. Lions 7–0.

Second quarter

  • ARI - Darren Fells pass from Carson Palmer for 14 yards Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:26. Tied 7–7.
  • ARI - David Johnson 4 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:05. Cardinals 14–7.
  • ARI - David Johnson 2 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 99 yards, 2:25. Cardinals 21–7.
  • ARI - John Brown 18 yard pass from Carson Palmer. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 22 yards, 0:47. Cardinals 28–7.

Third quarter

  • ARI - Larry Fitzgerald pass from Carson Palmer for 2 yards. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 3:47. Cardinals 35–7.

Fourth quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 40 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 2:13. Cardinals 35–10.
  • ARI - Andre Ellington 63 yard rush. Chandler Catanzaro kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:31. Cardinals 42–10.
  • DET - Lance Moore pass from Dan Orlovsky for 13 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 3:50. Cardinals 42–17.

Top passers

  • ARI – Carson Palmer - 11/14, 161 yards, 3 TDs
  • DET – Dan Orlovsky - 21/38, 1 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – Chris Johnson - 11 carries, 103 yards
  • DET – Zach Zenner - 10 carries, 30 yards

Top receivers

  • ARI – John Brown - 4 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Golden Tate - 8 receptions, 74 yards

Top tacklers

  • ARI – Jerraud Powers - 10 tackles, 2 assists
  • DET – James Ihedigbo - 5 tackles, 1 assist

The highlight of the game was when Calvin Johnson caught his 671st pass with the Lions, breaking Herman Moore's franchise record. Inconsistent play by Matthew Stafford, including throwing 3 interceptions, forced him to the sidelines for the game's remainder. With the blowout loss, the Lions remained winless at 0–5.

This marks the first time the Lions have started a season 0–5 since 2008 (when they went 0-16).

Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears[]

Week Six: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bears 3 10 3 18

34

Lions 7 14 3 10

37

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Lance Moore pass from Matthew Stafford for 20 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:31. Lions 7–0.
  • CHI - Robbie Gould 27 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:41. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

  • CHI - Jeremy Langford 1 yard rush. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:51. Bears 10–7.
  • DET - Timothy Wright pass from Matthew Stafford for 8 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:31. Lions 14–10.
  • CHI - Robbie Gould 23 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:27. Lions 14–13.
  • DET - Golden Tate pass from Matthew Stafford for 2 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 3:57. Lions 21–13.

Third quarter

  • CHI - Robbie Gould 38 yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:30. Lions 21–16.
  • DET - Matt Prater 39 yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 4:07. Lions 24–16.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI - Alshon Jeffery pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:31. Lions 24–23.
  • CHI - Matt Forte 2 yard rush. Matt Forte pass from Jay Cutler two-point conversion is good. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:09: Bears 31–24.
  • DET - Matt Prater 32 yard field goal. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:04. Bears 31–27.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson pass from Matthew Stafford for 6 yards. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:02. Lions 34–31.
  • CHI - Robbie Gould 29 yard field goal. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:21. Tied 34–34.

Overtime

  • DET - Matt Prater 27 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:54. Lions 37–24.

Top passers

  • CHI – Jay Cutler - 26/41, 353 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 27/42, 405 yards, 4 TDs

Top rushers

  • CHI – Matt Forte - 24 carries, 69 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 14 carries, 48 yards

Top receivers

  • CHI – Alshon Jeffery - 8 receptions, 147 yards
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 166 yards

Top tacklers

  • CHI – Kyle Fuller - 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • DET – Stephen Tulloch - 9 tackles, 4 assists

With an overtime victory over the visiting Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions are no longer winless, improving to 1–5. A 57-yard bomb from Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson with under three minutes to play in overtime set up Matt Prater for the game-winning 27-yard field goal.

Week 7: vs. Minnesota Vikings[]

Week Seven: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Vikings 3 12 10 3

28

Lions 14 3 0 2

19

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 60,231
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Calvin Johnson 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:50. Lions 7–0.
  • MIN - Blair Walsh 37 yard field goal is good. Drive: 15 plays, 63 yards, 7:23. Lions 7–3.
  • DET - Eric Ebron 7 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:23. Lions 14–3.

Second quarter

  • MIN - Blair Walsh 53 yard field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:13. Lions 14–6.
  • DET - Matt Prater 52 yard field goal is good. Drive: 6 plays, 8 yards, 2:53. Lions 17–6.
  • MIN - Kyle Rudolph 1 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh kick is no good. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:14. Lions 17–12.
  • MIN - Blair Walsh 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 1:13. Lions 17–15.

Third quarter

  • MIN - Stefon Diggs 36 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Blair Walsh Kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:41. Vikings 22–17.
  • MIN - Blair Walsh 35 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:07. Vikings 25–17.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN - Blair Walsh 22 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:57. Vikings 28–17.
  • DET - Vikings punter Jeff Locke steps out of bounds in end zone for a Lions safety. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 0:57. Vikings 28–19.

Top passers

  • MIN – Teddy Bridgewater - 25/35, 316 yards, 2 TDs
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 18/26, 256 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

  • MIN – Adrian Peterson - 19 carries, 98 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 43 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Stefon Diggs - 6 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Eric Ebron - 5 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

  • MIN – Harrison Smith - 5 tackles, 4 assists
  • DET – Josh Bynes - 5 tackles, 2 assists

Despite leading 17–15 at halftime, the Lions only managed to score 2 more points the rest of the game on an intentional safety taken by the Vikings in the closing seconds, losing 28–19 and dropping to 1–6. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was hit 13 times and sacked 7 times. The next day, the Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn and assistant offensive line coach Terry Heffernan. Quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter will take over as offensive coordinator, tight ends coach Ron Prince takes over for Washburn, and special teams assistant Devin Fitzsimmons takes over as the new tight ends coach.[50]

Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs[]

See also: NFL International Series
Week Eight: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 3 0 0 7

10

Chiefs 7 17 7 14

45

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. GMT/9:30 a.m. EST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 83,624
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 35 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:51. Lions 3–0.
  • KC - De'Anthony Thomas 10 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:02. Chiefs 7–3.

Second quarter

  • KC - Alex Smith 12 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:47. Chiefs 14–3.
  • KC - Cairo Santos 33 yard field goal is good. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:42. Chiefs 17–3.
  • KC - Charcandrick West 8 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:53. Chiefs 24–3.

Third quarter

  • KC - Travis Kelce 2 yard pass from Alex Smith. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 6:07. Chiefs 31–3.

Fourth quarter

  • KC - Jeremy Maclin 17 yard pass from Alex Smith. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:46. Chiefs 38–3.
  • DET - Lance Moore 21 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:50. Chiefs 38–10.
  • KC - Spencer Ware 4 yard run. Cairo Santos kick is good. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:41. Chiefs 45–10.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/36, 217 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
  • KC – Alex Smith - 18/26, 145 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

  • DET – Joique Bell - 7 carries, 56 yards
  • KC – Charcandrick West - 20 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD

Top receivers

  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 5 receptions, 85 yards
  • KC – Travis Kelce - 6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

  • DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles
  • KC – Derrick Johnson - 5 tackles, 1 sack

After the blowout overseas loss, the Lions entered their bye week at 1–7, the NFL's worst record so far this season. Despite the changeover in offensive coaches, Matthew Stafford was sacked six more times. On November 5, the Lions fired President Tom Lewand and General Manager Martin Mayhew. Former vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White will serve as the team's interim general manager.[1]

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers[]

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 0 3 6 9

18

Packers 3 0 0 13

16

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter

  • GB - Mason Crosby 44 yard field goal is good. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 4:54. Packers 3–0.

Second quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 49 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:33. Tied 3–3.

Third quarter

  • DET - Brandon Pettigrew pass from Matthew Stafford for 2 yards. Matt Prater kick is no good. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 1:27. Lions 9–3.

Fourth quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:39. Lions 12–3.
  • GB - Richard Rodgers pass from Aaron Rodgers for 4 yards. Mason Crosby kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 4:05. Lions 12–10.
  • DET - Lance Moore pass from Matthew Stafford for 4 yards. Matt Prater kick is no good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:58. Lions 18–10.
  • GB - Justin Perillo pass from Aaron Rodgers for 11 yards. Two point conversion attempt is no good. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:25. Lions 18–16.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 24/38, 242 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers - 35/61, 333 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

  • DET – Joique Bell - 14 carries, 17 yards
  • GB – James Starks - 15 carries, 42 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 81 yards
  • GB – Davante Adams - 10 receptions, 79 yards

Top tacklers

  • DET – Isa Abdul-Quddus - 8 tackles
  • GB – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - 9 tackles, 2 assists

The 1–7 Lions withstood a late rally to earn an upset win over the 6–2 Packers. This was the first Lions win over Green Bay in Wisconsin since 1991.[51] Ameer Abdullah set up the Lions first touchdown when he returned a kickoff 104 yards, and was stopped at the one-yard line. This tied the record set by Percy Harvin in 2011 for the longest non-scoring play in NFL history.[52]

Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders[]

Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Raiders 0 0 13 0

13

Lions 6 3 0 9

18

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 60,202
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 29 yard field goal is good. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:06. Lions 3–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 41 yard field goal is good. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:30. Lions 6–0.

Second quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 51 yard field goal is good. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 2:38. Lions 9–0.

Third quarter

  • OAK - Latavius Murray 1 yard rush. Sabastian Janikowski kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:36. Lions 9–7.
  • OAK - Sebastian Janikowski 48 yard field goal is good. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:55. Raiders 10–9.
  • OAK - Sebastian Janikowski 56 yard field goal is good. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:06. Raiders 13–9.

Fourth quarter

  • DET - Matthew Stafford 5 yard rush. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:11. Lions 16–13.
  • DET - Donald Penn of Raiders tackled in end zone for safety. 2 plays, -8 yards, 0:30. Lions 18–13.

Top passers

  • OAK – Derek Carr - 13/25, 169 yards
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/35, 282 yards

Top rushers

  • OAK – Latavius Murray - 13 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 12 carries, 44 yards

Top receivers

  • OAK – Seth Roberts - 2 receptions, 54 yards
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 5 receptions 88 yards

Top tacklers

  • OAK – Khalil Mack - 8 tackles
  • DET – Quandre Diggs - 5 tackles, 1 assist

The 18–13 win over the visiting Raiders gave the Lions their first back–to–back victories of the season. The Lions became the first team in NFL history to score exactly 18 points in consecutive games.[53]

Week 12: vs. Philadelphia Eagles[]

Thanksgiving Day game

Week Twelve: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Eagles 0 7 0 7

14

Lions 7 17 14 7

45

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: November 26
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,445
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • PHI – Brent Celek 2-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Caleb Sturgis kick), 14:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:50.
  • DET – Golden Tate 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:58. Lions 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:27.
  • DET – Matt Prater 48-yard field goal, 5:04. Lions 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:21.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 25-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 0:17. Lions 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:56.

Third quarter

  • DET – Calvin Johnson 4-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:13. Lions 31–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:51.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 5:10. Lions 38–7. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:28.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Joique Bell 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 10:45. Lions 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:36.
  • PHI – Jordan Matthews 24-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:02. Lions 45–14. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:07.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • PHI – Jordan Matthews – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD
  • DET – Calvin Johnson – 8 receptions, 93 yards, 3 TD

Top tacklers

  • PHI – Walter Thurmond III - 6 tackles, 3 assists
  • DET – Tahir Whitehead - 4 tackles, 2 assists

Celebrating their 76th Thanksgiving Day game, the Lions routed the Eagles for their third consecutive win. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdown passes, three of them to Calvin Johnson. Having lost at Ford Field for the first time, the Eagles dropped to 6–1 when playing on Thanksgiving.

Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers[]

Week Thirteen: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Packers 0 0 14 13

27

Lions 17 0 3 3

23

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

  • DET – Matt Prater 51-yard field goal, 8:53. Lions 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:04.
  • DET – Eric Ebron 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:53. Lions 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:53.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 17-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 1:08. Lions 17–0. Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:06.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • DET – Matt Prater 34-yard field goal, 8:58. Lions 20-0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:06.
  • GB – Randall Cobb fumble recovery in DET end zone (Mason Crosby kick), 5:53. Lions 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:10.
  • GB – Davante Adams 8-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:12. Lions 20–14. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:31.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Matt Prater 42-yard field goal, 7:11. Lions 23-14. Drive: 13 plays, 34 yards, 6:29.
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers 17-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 3:12. Lions 23–21. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:02.
  • GB – Richard Rodgers 61-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (rush failed), 0:00. Packers 27–23. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 0:23.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Top tacklers

Despite the Lions leading the entire game, the Packers won the game after the official clock expired when a controversial facemask penalty against Devin Taylor gave them one extra untimed play. On that play, Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers for the winning touchdown. The play was later dubbed the "Miracle in Motown".

Week 14: at St. Louis Rams[]

Week Fourteen: Detroit Lions at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 0 0 7 7

14

Rams 0 7 7 7

21

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 51,202
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • STL – Todd Gurley 15-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:25. Rams 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:33.
  • DET – Golden Tate 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 2:07. Rams 21–14. Drive: 14 plays, 86 yards, 4:13.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Top tacklers

After a scoreless first quarter against the Rams in St. Louis, the Lions' attempt at a comeback in the second half fell short. The ninth loss guaranteed a losing season, the team's third in the last four years, and officially eliminated the Lions from playoff contention.

Week 15: at New Orleans Saints[]

Week Fifteen: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 7 14 7 7

35

Saints 3 0 7 17

27

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,017
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Golden Tate 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:34. Lions 7–0.
  • NO - Kai Forbath 45 yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:45. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

  • DET - Michael Burton 4 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:54. Lions 14–3.
  • DET - Golden Tate 5 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:38. Lions 21–3.

Third quarter

  • DET - Ameer Abdullah 15 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:10. Lions 28–3.
  • NO - Brandin Cooks 27 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:28. Lions 28–10.

Fourth quarter

  • NO - Kai Forbath 22 yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:19. Lions 28–13.
  • NO - Marques Colston 11 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:41. Lions 28–20.
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:42. Lions 35–20.
  • NO - Benjamin Watson 1 yard pass from Drew Brees. Kai Forbath kick is good. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 3:29. Lions 35–27.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 22/25, 254 yards, 3 TDs
  • NO – Drew Brees - 34/52, 341 yards, 3 TDs

Top rushers

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 9 carries, 77 yards
  • NO – Tim Hightower - 13 carries, 54 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Eric Ebron - 4 receptions, 79 yards
  • NO – Brandin Cooks - 10 receptions, 124 yards

Top tacklers

  • DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 2 assists
  • NO – Kenny Vaccaro - 7 tackles

The Lions defeated the Saints 35–27, as Matthew Stafford posted a single-game career high in passer rating (148.6), and broke Jon Kitna's single-game franchise record with an 88.0 completion percentage (22-for-25).[54] It was the team's first road win over the Saints since 2005.

Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers[]

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
49ers 7 10 0 0

17

Lions 3 17 3 9

32

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 61,313
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • SF - Vance McDonald 1 yard pass from Blaine Gabbert. Phil Dawson kick is good. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:36. 49ers 7–0.
  • DET - Matt Prater 36 yard field goal is good. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:05. Lions 7–3.

Second quarter

  • DET - TJ Jones 29 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:39. Lions 10–7.
  • SF - Torrey Smith 16 yard pass from Blaine Gabbert. Phil Dawson kick is good. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 2:49. 49ers 14–10.
  • DET - Joique Bell 1 yard run. Matt Prater kick. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03. Lions 17–14.
  • SF - Phil Dawson 40 yd field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 2:06. Tied 17–17.
  • DET - Matt Prater 38 yard field goal is good. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 0:35. Lions 20–17.

Third quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 37 yard field goal is good. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:35. Lions 23–17.

Fourth quarter

  • DET - Calvin Johnson 1 yd pass from Matthew Stafford. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:27. Lions 29–17.
  • DET - Matt Prater 34 yard field goal is good. Drive: 9 plays, 24 yards, 3:43. Lions 32–17.

Top passers

  • SF – Blaine Gabbert - 22/33, 225 yards, 2 TDs
  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 29/37, 301 yards, 2 TDs

Top rushers

  • SF – DuJuan Harris - 11 carries, 73 yards
  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 8 carries, 39 yards

Top receivers

  • SF – Vance McDonald - 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD
  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD

Top tacklers

  • SF – NaVorro Bowman - 8 tackles, 2 assists, .5 sack
  • DET – Darius Slay - 6 tackles

After multiple lead changes and a close halftime score, the Lions pulled away and won their last home game of the season, keeping the 49ers scoreless for the entire second half. Theo Riddick caught 7 passes for 63 yards, giving him 668 receiving yards on the season, a Lions franchise record for a running back.[55]

Week 17: at Chicago Bears[]

Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 7 3 7 7

24

Bears 0 0 10 10

20

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 31 °F (−1 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 61,177
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Molly McGrath
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • DET - Timothy Wright 9 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:46. Lions 7–0.

Second quarter

  • DET - Matt Prater 59 yard field goal. Drive: 3 plays, -2 yards, 0:11. Lions 10–0.

Third quarter

  • CHI - Robbie Gould 49 yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:57. Lions 10–3.
  • CHI - Joshua Bellamy 34 yard pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 1:22. Tied 10–10.
  • DET - Calvin Johnson 36 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:21. Lions 17–10.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI - Matt Forte 23 yard pass from Jay Cutler. Robbie Gould kick is good. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:47. Tied 17–17.
  • DET - Eric Ebron 1 yard pass from Matthew Stafford. Matt Prater kick is good. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:34. Lions 24–17.
  • CHI - Robbie Gould 34 yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:07. Lions 24–20.

Top passers

  • DET – Matthew Stafford - 28/39, 298 yards, 3 TDs
  • CHI – Jay Cutler - 17/23, 245 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs

Top rushers

  • DET – Ameer Abdullah - 10 carries, 44 yards
  • CHI – Matt Forte - 17 carries, 76 yards

Top receivers

  • DET – Calvin Johnson - 10 receptions, 137 yards
  • CHI – Marc Mariani - 6 receptions, 80 yards

Top tacklers

  • DET – Stephen Tulloch - 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • CHI – John Timu - 8 tackles

The Lions completed a season sweep of their division rival Chicago Bears with a 24–20 win. The loss sunk the Bears to last place in the NFC North, with the Lions finishing third. Matthew Stafford completed 28 of 39 passes, giving him a season completion percentage of 67.2, the best for a quarterback in franchise history. Theo Riddick caught 4 passes for 29 yards, giving him season totals of 80 receptions and 697 yards, both franchise records for a running back. The Lions finished the season with three players catching 80 passes or more – Golden Tate (90), Calvin Johnson (88) and Riddick (80) – a first for any Lions team. Matt Prater kicked a 59-yard field goal in the game, the longest in Lions franchise history and the longest ever kicked at Soldier Field.[56]

Standings[]

Division[]

Template:2015 NFC North standings

Conference[]

Template:2015 NFC standings

Coaching staff[]

2015 Detroit Lions staff
Front office
  • Owner/Chairman – Martha Firestone Ford
  • Vice Chairman – William Clay Ford, Jr.
  • President – Rod Wood
  • COO - Allison Maki
  • General Manager – Sheldon White (interim)
  • Senior Personnel Executive – Brian Xanders
  • Senior Personnel Executive – Scott McEwen
  • Senior Vice President of Football Operations – Cedric Saunders
  • Director of College Scouting – Lance Newmark
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Rob Lohman

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator – Joe Lombardi (fired Oct 26, 2015)
  • Quarterbacks/Interim Offensive Coordinator – Jim Bob Cooter
  • Running Backs – Curtis Modkins
  • Wide Receivers – Robert Prince
  • Interim Tight Ends – Devin Fitzsimmons
  • Offensive Line – Jeremiah Washburn (fired Oct 26, 2015)
  • Assistant Offensive Line – Ryan Silverfield
  • Offensive Assistant/Research & Analysis – Evan Rothstein
 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Joe Marciano

Strength and conditioning

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

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Twentyman, Tim (November 5, 2015). "Lions announce organizational changes". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-announce-organizational-changes/acd16811-e1bb-48b4-9997-f9f00486d61b. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Martha Firestone Ford names Rod Wood team president". Detroit Lions. November 19, 2015. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Martha-Firestone-Ford-names-Rod-Wood-team-president/90fe23b4-ac0d-4ef1-adc1-0ad5ee18167e. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  3. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 27, 2015). "Lions sign Don Muhlbach to one-year deal". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-Don-Muhlbach-to-one-year-deal/414e33cd-84e4-4346-ba92-fef2850a1570. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  4. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign quarterback Dan Orlovsky". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-re-sign-quarterback-Dan-Orlovsky/84c01eb7-f1b3-47a4-a3ea-881a93cdf0ff. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  5. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 2, 2015). "Lions re-sign defensive end Darryl Tapp". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-re-sign-defensive-end-Darryl-Tapp/d0e1a4c5-487d-4d75-b833-0943a9631431. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  6. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign kicker Matt Prater to three-year deal". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-kicker-Matt-Prater-to-three-year-deal/3725611a-ef65-40fb-b060-96c9ba3cd4b1. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  7. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 6, 2015). "Lions sign QB Kellen Moore to two-year deal". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-QB-Kellen-Moore-to-two-year-deal/38e012fc-6468-43a2-9fff-10e7f4c934e0. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  8. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 10, 2015). "Lions re-sign linebacker Josh Bynes". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-re-sign-linebacker-Josh-Bynes/31b211c0-2781-4f19-9ff5-354cdda7848a. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  9. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 11, 2015). "Lions re-sign safety Isa-Abdul Quddus". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-re-sign-safety-Isa-Abdul-Quddus/d9b34bc8-74f9-4209-bee9-ef11f14ce03e. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  10. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 18, 2015). "Lions re-sign cornerback Rashean Mathis". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/REPORT-Lions-re-sign-cornerback-Rashean-Mathis/98c87e88-60ca-433f-839f-f540ff2a032a. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  11. ↑ Wilkening, Mike (April 20, 2015). "Lions WR Jeremy Ross, six other ERFAs re-sign on Monday". NBC Sports. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/20/lions-wr-jeremy-ross-six-other-erfas-re-sign-on-monday/. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  12. ↑ Sessler, Marc (August 5, 2015). "Lions, DeAndre Levy agree to 4-year $33.7M extension". NFL.com. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000506761/article/lions-deandre-levy-agree-to-4year-337m-extension. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  13. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 27, 2015). "Lions sign pass rusher Phillip Hunt". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-pass-rusher-Phillip-Hunt/3b57a031-ee9a-4e35-8a4e-b0c07231f4c6. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  14. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (March 12, 2015). "Lions sign defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-defensive-tackle-Tyrunn-Walker/fdcd7319-e439-426b-a514-0065d6eb8280. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  15. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 3, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback Josh Wilson". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-cornerback-Josh-Wilson/e3b95c27-5d38-4a49-b82d-813a95ae7bfc. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  16. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 7, 2015). "Lions sign linebacker Brandon Copeland". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-linebacker-Brandon-Copeland/fa1b1467-d70b-45bf-aa97-5492b9b41398. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  17. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 7, 2015). "Lions sign 12 undrafted free agents". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-12-undrafted-free-agents/46d1b6cb-6206-4764-b72e-0eed436d3929. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  18. ↑ Twentyman, Tim; O'Hara, Mike (May 7, 2015). "Five draft picks sign rookie contracts". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Five-draft-picks-sign-rookie-contracts/c8e840b7-e641-43d8-a160-7eacca806818. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  19. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 11, 2015). "Lions sign three tryout players". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-three-tryout-players/23f1b07c-f17f-4d84-813a-c5faaef4a5c2. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
  20. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign tryout RB Desmond Martin". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-tryout-RB-Desmond-Martin/0a3b155d-f4b3-433c-a388-c806ed915fc4. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  21. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Lions sign veteran WR Lance Moore". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-veteran-WR-Lance-Moore/f2748027-31db-4708-ac91-782a0cc1cfc3. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  22. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign two veteran players". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-two-veteran-players/2fa7bea4-0cfa-400e-8e20-3854addd8c53. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  23. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 13, 2015). "Lions sign second-round pick Ameer Abdullah". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-second-round-pick-Ameer-Abdullah/f0980b6b-6491-4e6d-9b40-07f42c50c7a9. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Yuille, Sean (June 10, 2015). "Lions sign David Ausberry, release Nathan Lindsey". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/6/10/8760991/lions-sign-david-ausberry-release-nathan-lindsey. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  25. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (June 11, 2015). "Laken Tomlinson signs rookie deal". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Laken-Tomlinson-signs-rookie-deal/e7eb1194-17b1-4232-839e-1806563b0859. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  26. ↑ Meinke, Kyle (June 12, 2015). "Detroit Lions claim QB Garrett Gilbert from Patriots, release Anthony Boone". MLive.com. http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/06/report_detroit_lions_claim_qb.html. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  27. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (June 22, 2015). "Lions sign Taylor Mays". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-Taylor-Mays/30bf352f-e6a0-4ed7-8cc7-c8dd62a7a32f. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  28. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (July 28, 2015). "Lions sign cornerback R.J. Stanford". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-sign-cornerback-RJ-Stanford/53083b21-1406-4917-bdbe-d2f74f22fffd. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  29. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (August 4, 2015). "Lions sign Ethan Davis". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-sign-Ethan-Davis/1564d5dd-1729-4e9f-960f-1d7c2bab0fac. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  30. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (February 25, 2015). "Lions release Reggie Bush". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-release-Reggie-Bush/26cb5a13-9311-44ac-ade1-ae5e2e8d1b8d. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  31. ↑ Patra, Kevin (March 11, 2015). "Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins strike mega deal". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477761/article/ndamukong-suh-miami-dolphins-strike-mega-deal. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  32. ↑ O'Hara, Mike (March 12, 2015). "FB Jed Collins signs with Cowboys". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/FB-Jed-Collins-signs-with-Cowboys/737e9f1e-6eba-460c-b50e-7a73f790dcb1. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  33. ↑ Wesseling, Chris (March 13, 2015). "Nick Fairley leaves Detroit Lions for St. Louis Rams". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000478783/article/nick-fairley-leaves-detroit-lions-for-st-louis-rams. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  34. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 21, 2015). "Lions release guard Rodney Austin following arrest". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-release-guard-Rodney-Austin-following-arrest/a68007fc-5476-4fb6-a0f0-e1ab836d0002. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  35. ↑ Yuille, Sean (May 11, 2015). "Lions release WR Desmond Lawrence". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/5/11/8587379/lions-release-desmond-lawrence. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
  36. ↑ Yuille, Sean (May 12, 2015). "Lions release another undrafted free agent". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/5/12/8595013/lions-release-another-undrafted-free-agent. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  37. ↑ Rogers, Justin (May 13, 2015). "Detroit Lions free up a roster spot, release WR Skye Dawson". MLive.com. http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/detroit_lions_free_up_a_roster.html. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
  38. ↑ Yuille, Sean (June 3, 2015). "Lions release WR Erik Lora". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/6/3/8720869/lions-release-erik-lora. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  39. ↑ Yuille, Sean (June 12, 2015). "Lions swap out quarterbacks". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/6/12/8774651/lions-swap-out-quarterbacks. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  40. ↑ Yuille, Sean (June 17, 2015). "Lions release RB Rasheed Williams (again)". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/6/17/8796819/lions-release-rasheed-williams. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  41. ↑ Yuille, Sean (August 4, 2015). "Lions claim Jerel Worthy off waivers, release Jerrell Harris". prideofdetroit.com. http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/4/9097669/lions-claim-jerel-worthy-off-waivers-release-jerrell-harris. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  42. ↑ Meinke, Kyle (August 8, 2015). "Detroit Lions have open roster spot after waiving Ethan Davis". MLive.com. http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_have_open_roster_1.html. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Wesseling, Chris (March 10, 2015). "Lions acquire Haloti Ngata in trade with Ravens". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477783/article/lions-acquire-haloti-ngata-in-trade-with-ravens. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Patra, Kevin (April 15, 2015). "Lions trade George Johnson to Buccaneers". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000485460/article/lions-agree-to-trade-george-johnson-to-buccaneers. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
  45. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (August 2, 2015). "Lions trade Mohammed Seisay to Seattle". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-trade-Mohammed-Seisay-to-Seattle/aae26a99-9d15-4c3b-8bec-a7167fad99b3. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  46. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 30, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade back, draft guard Laken Tomlinson". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-trade-back-draft-guard-Laken-Tomlinson/553e17ba-1207-4f85-8873-0b59d38bee47. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  47. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 1, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft cornerback Alex Carter". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-trade-up-draft-cornerback-Alex-Carter/041ea319-69eb-4c75-bb4f-eb1a1f67b235. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  48. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (May 2, 2015). "Detroit Lions trade up, draft defensive tackle Gabe Wright". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-trade-up-draft-defensive-tackle-Gabe-Wright/244c1cbc-27ce-489a-ad7d-0303a2e98ebd. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  49. ↑ Booth, Tim (October 6, 2015). "Chancellor's big play allows Seattle to beat Detroit 13-10". http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20151005_DET@SEA. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
  50. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (October 26, 2015). "Lions reorganize offensive staff". Detroit Lions. http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-reorganize-offensive-staff/e43f2473-06f7-44ea-a574-a4f41c520bac. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  51. ↑ Hanzus, Dan (November 15, 2015). "Lions stun Packers, break long losing skid in Green Bay". NFL.com. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000580302/article/lions-stun-packers-break-long-losing-skid-in-green-bay. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  52. ↑ Rothstein, Michael (November 15, 2015). "Ameer Abdullah ties NFL record with 104-yard kickoff return vs. Packers". EPSN. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14137488/ameer-abdullah-detroit-lions-ties-nfl-record-104-yard-kickoff-return-vs-green-bay-packers. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Stafford's go-ahead TD run helps Lions beat Raiders". ESPN. November 22, 2015. http://espn.go.com/nfl/game?gameId=400791636. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  54. ↑ Wesseling, Chris (December 23, 2015). "Streaking Matthew Stafford leads Lions past Saints". NFL.com. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607081/article/streaking-matthew-stafford-leads-lions-past-saints. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Theo Riddick sets Lions franchise record for receiving yards by a RB". FoxSports.com. December 27, 2015. http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-lions-theo-riddick-receiving-yardage-record-by-running-back-season-122715. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Stafford, Johnson lead Lions over Bears 24-20". CBSsports.com. January 3, 2016. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20160103_DET@CHI. Retrieved January 4, 2016.

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