| 2007 Detroit Lions season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | William Clay Ford Sr. |
| General manager | Matt Millen |
| Head coach | Rod Marinelli |
| Home stadium | Ford Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 7–9 |
| Division place | 3rdNFC North |
| Playoffs | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | None |
| Uniform | |
 | |
The2007Detroit Lions season was the 78th season for the team in theNational Football League (NFL). After achieving a 6–2 record at the halfway mark, the Lions lost seven of their last eight games. They finished with a 7–9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season. After the 6–2 start, the Lions would go 5–47 in their next 52 games, including a 19-game losing streak between Week 17 of 2007 and Week 2 of2009, which resulted in the first-everwinless 16-game season in2008. The Lions improved upon their 3–13 record in2006 but failed to make the playoffs once again, extending their postseason drought to eight years. The 7–9 record was nonetheless the best record the Lions had in any season under general managerMatt Millen.
The 422 pass completions that Detroit surrendered in 2007 is an NFL record.[1] The 70.1% completion percentage against the Lions defense was the worst in league history until it was broken bythe Indianapolis Colts in 2011.[2]
After beating theChicago Bears, 16–7, atSoldier Field on October 28, the Lions would lose an NFL-record 26 road games in a row, and go 0–8 on the road in each of the following two seasons.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Calvin Johnson | Wide Receiver | Georgia Tech |
| 2 | 43 | Drew Stanton | Quarterback | Michigan State |
| 2 | 58 | Ikaika Alama-Francis | Defensive End | Hawaii |
| 2 | 61 | Gerald Alexander | Safety | Boise State |
| 4 | 105 | A.J. Davis | Cornerback | North Carolina State |
| 4 | 117 | Manuel Ramirez | Guard | Texas Tech |
| 5 | 158 | Johnny Baldwin | Linebacker | Alabama A&M |
| 7 | 255 | Ramzee Robinson | Cornerback | Alabama |
| Detroit Lions 2007 coaching staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches Strength and conditioning
| |||||
| NFC North | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (2)Green Bay Packers | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4–2 | 9–3 | 435 | 291 | W1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 6–6 | 365 | 311 | L2 |
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 4–8 | 346 | 444 | L1 |
| Chicago Bears | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 4–8 | 334 | 348 | W2 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 36 |
| Raiders | 0 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 21 |
atMcAfee Coliseum,Oakland, California
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| {{{road}}} | {{{R1}}} | {{{R2}}} | 0 |
| {{{home}}} | {{{H1}}} | {{{H2}}} | 0 |
atMcAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California
The Lions began their 2007 campaign on the road in an interconference game againstthe Oakland Raiders. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit got off to a fast start in the second quarter. QBJon Kitna completed a 13-yard TD pass to WRRoy Williams and kickerJason Hanson connected on a 46-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Lions increased its lead with Kitna completing a 16-yard TD pass to rookie WRCalvin Johnson. The Raiders, however, started to catch up with QBJosh McCown completing a 4-yard TD pass to WRRonald Curry along with RBLaMont Jordan getting a 12-yard TD run. In a wild fourth quarter, Hanson gave Detroit a 46-yard field goal, yet the Raiders took the lead with McCown's 7-yard TD pass to FBJustin Griffith. The Lions hung on to take the lead with Kitna's 32-yard TD pass to WR/PRShaun McDonald, Hanson kicking a 23-yard field goal, and wrapping it up with RBTatum Bell getting a 14-yard TD run.
With the win, Detroit began its season at 1–0.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
Following their road win over the Raiders, the Lions played their Week 2 home opener against their NFC North rivalMinnesota Vikings for the lead in the division. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit pounced first with QBJon Kitna completing a 9-yard TD pass to WRRoy Williams. The Vikings tied the game with QBTarvaris Jackson getting a 1-yard TD run. The Lions took the lead prior to halftime with kickerJason Hanson's 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, when Kitna was temporarily out with a concussion, QBJ. T. O'Sullivan came in and completed a 7-yard TD pass toCalvin Johnson to increase Detroit's lead. Minnesota, however, tied the game up with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 32-yard field goal and DERay Edwards returning a fumble 9 yards for a touchdown. After both teams failed to score in the fourth quarter, the Vikings got the ball to begin overtime. The Lions forced a fumble nine plays into their drive and eventually got the win with Hanson's 37-yard field goal.
With the win, Detroit improved its record to 2–0.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Eagles | 21 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 56 |
atLincoln Financial Field,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Following their impressive divisional home win over the Vikings, the Lions flew toLincoln Financial Field for an intraconference fight with the throwback-cladPhiladelphia Eagles.
In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Eagles RBBrian Westbrook ran 25 yards for a TD. The Lions tied the game on aKevin Jones 2-yard TD run, but Philadelphia regained the lead with a Westbrook 5 yard TD run, along with QBDonovan McNabb's 68-yard TD pass to WRKevin Curtis. In the second quarter, the points bonanza continued as McNabb and Curtis hooked up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass and a 43-yard TD pass to increase the Eagles' lead. Detroit responded with QBJon Kitna completing TD passes of 11 yards to WRShaun McDonald and 91 yards to WRRoy Williams. Philadelphia capped the half with McNabb completing a 43-yard TD pass to Westbrook.
In the second half, the Eagles took control as RBCorrell Buckhalter ran 1 yard for a TD run in the third quarter and RBTony Hunt ran for a 1-yard TD in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, the Lions fell to 2–1.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bears | 0 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 27 |
| Lions | 3 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 37 |
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Eagles, the Lions went home for an NFC North duel with the defending NFC championChicago Bears. In the first quarter, Detroit drew first blood with kickerJason Hanson nailing a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Bears took the lead with QBBrian Griese (Rex Grossman was benched prior to the game) completing a 15-yard TD pass to WRMuhsin Muhammad for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with kickerRobbie Gould getting a 49-yard and a 41-yard field goal.
Afterwards, a high-flying fourth quarter began with QBJon Kitna completing a 4-yard TD pass to WRShaun McDonald, along with DBKeith Smith returning an interception 64 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lions the lead. However, the Bears regained the lead with WR/KR/PRDevin Hester returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Detroit retook the lead with Kitna completing a 15-yard TD pass to WRTroy Edwards, along with RB Kevin Jones getting a 5-yard TD pass. Chicago came close with Griese completing a 1-yard TD pass to WRBernard Berrian. Afterwards, the Lions sealed their impressive victory with TECasey Fitzsimmons returning an onside kick 41 yards for a touchdown.
The Lions’ 34 points was the most fourth quarter points in NFL history. There was a combined total of 48 points in the fourth quarter, also an NFL record.
With their wild win, the Lions improved to 3–1.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Redskins | 0 | 14 | 2 | 18 | 34 |
atFedExField,Landover, Maryland
Coming off of their surprising home win over the Bears, the Lions flew toFedExField for a Week 5 intraconference duel withthe Washington Redskins. Heading into the game, Detroit had never won a game against the Redskins in Washington, D.C. (0–20)
After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions trailed as in the second quarter when Redskins QBJason Campbell completed a 7-yard TD pass to TEChris Cooley, followed by FBMike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kickerJason Hanson getting a 39-yard field goal. However, Washington came right back with DEAndre Carter sacking Lions QBJon Kitna in the endzone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins sealed Detroit's fate with Campbell completing an 8-yard TD pass to Sellers, kickerShaun Suisham nailing a 28-yard field goal, and CBCarlos Rogers returning an interception 61 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, not only did the Lions fall to 3–2 heading into their bye week, but lessened their record to 0–21 against the Redskins in Washington, D.C.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
| Lions | 10 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 23 |
Coming off their bye week, the Lions were at home and wearing their alternate uniforms for a Week 7 duel withthe Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kickerJason Hanson getting a 34-yard field goal, along with RBKevin Jones getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers got on the board with QBJeff Garcia completing a 5-yard TD pass to WRIke Hilliard. Afterwards, the Lions ended the half with Hanson kicking a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit increased its lead with Hanson nailing a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Lions increased its lead with WRCalvin Johnson getting a 32-yard TD run. Afterwards, Tampa Bay worked on a comeback as Garcia completed a 4-yard TD pass to WRMaurice Stovall. Later, the Buccaneers recovered their onside kick and eventually turn it into kickerMatt Bryant's 48-yard field goal. But Detroit erased the Buccaneers' hopes of recovering another onside kick.
With the win, the Lions improved to 4–2, and also surpassed their 2006 win total.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 0 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
| Bears | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Coming off an impressive home win over the Buccaneers, the Lions flew toSoldier Field for Round 2 of their NFC North duel withthe Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first quarter, Detroit jumped into the lead with kickerJason Hanson getting a 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Lions increased its lead with RBKevin Jones getting a 4-yard TD run, while Hanson nailed a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears threatened Detroit's lead as QBBrian Griese completed a 20-yard TD pass to TEGreg Olsen for the only score of the period. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Lions held on to win as Hanson got a 20-yard field goal.
Detroit's defense was a huge part of this victory, as they intercepted Griese four times, including three times in the endzone.
With their first season-sweep over Chicago since 2004, the Lions improved to 5–2. As a result of their winless 2008 and 2–14 2009 seasons, this became the Lions’ last win on the road until Week 15 of the 2010 season. This also remained their most recent win over a division rival until Week 14 of the 2010 season when the Lions beat the Packers.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Lions | 3 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 44 |
Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Bears, the Lions went home for a Week 9 interconference duel withthe Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, Detroit attacked first with kickerJason Hanson getting a 43-yard field goal for the first score of the game. In the second quarter, the Lions increased their lead with Hanson kicking a 53-yard field goal and QBJon Kitna completing a 15-yard TD pass to WRMike Furrey. Detroit ended the half with Hanson kicking a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Lions continued their domination as DEDewayne White returned a fumble 3 yards for a touchdown and Kitna completed a 49-yard TD pass to WRShaun McDonald. In the fourth quarter, Detroit sealed Denver's doom with NTShaun Rogers returning an interception 66 yards for a touchdown and RBT. J. Duckett scoring on a 3-yard TD run. The Broncos avoided getting shut out as QBPatrick Ramsey completed a 2-yard TD pass to WRBrandon Stokley.
With the win, the Lions improved to 6–2 for the first time since 1999.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Cardinals | 3 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
atUniversity of Phoenix Stadium,Glendale, Arizona
Coming off their blowout home win over the Broncos, the Lions flew to theUniversity of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 10 duel withthe Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RBKevin Jones getting a 4-yard TD run. The Cardinals responded with kickerNeil Rackers nailing a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Lions trailed as Arizona QBKurt Warner completed a 1-yard TD pass to WRLarry Fitzgerald, while back-up QBTim Rattay completed a 2-yard TD pass to TELeonard Pope.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead with Warner completing a 16-yard TD pass to Pope. Detroit responded with QBJon Kitna completing a 7-yard TD pass to WRRoy Williams. In the fourth quarter, Arizona sealed the win with Warner hooking up with Fitzgerald again on a 20-yard TD pass. The Lions' last score for the game was another 7-yard TD pass from Kitna to Williams.
Along with committing 5 out the game's 9 turnovers, the Lions' rushing attack was held to an embarrassing −18 yards (the fewest in one game since 1946).
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6–3. This defeat marked the beginning of a stretch through week 13 of 2010 in which they went 5–47, which at the time was the worst 52-game stretch in NFL history. This mark has since been passed bythe Cleveland Browns, who went 4–48 from2014 to2017.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giants | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
Hoping to rebound from their tough road loss to the Cardinals, the Lions went home for a Week 11 intraconference duel withthe New York Giants. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Giants kickerLawrence Tynes managed to get a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Lions continued to trail as QBEli Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to RBBrandon Jacobs as the only score.
In the third quarter, Detroit managed to get on the board with kickerJason Hanson getting a 42-yard field goal, but New York responded with Tynes kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth period, the Giants increased their lead with Tynes nailing a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QBJon Kitna completed a 35-yard TD pass to WRCalvin Johnson, but New York managed to hold on for the win.
With the loss, Detroit fell to 6–4.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 0 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 37 |
| Lions | 6 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 26 |
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Lions stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving divisional duel withthe Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, Detroit took the early lead as kickerJason Hanson got a 47-yard and a 41-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, the Packers took the lead as QBBrett Favre completed an 11-yard TD pass to WRGreg Jennings, along with RBRyan Grant getting a 5-yard TD run. The Lions tried to respond as Hanson kicked a 45-yard field goal, yet Green Bay answered with kickerMason Crosby getting a 20-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Packers increased their lead with Favre completing a 4-yard TD pass to Jennings. Detroit continued to try to come back as Hanson kicked a 52-yard FG, yet Green Bay was one step ahead as Favre completed a 3-yard TD pass to WRRuvell Martin. In the fourth quarter, the Packers added to their lead with Crosby kicking a 20-yard field goal. The Lions tried to mount a comeback as QBJon Kitna completed a 6-yard TD pass to rookie WRCalvin Johnson, along with RBKevin Jones getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Green Bay sealed the win with Crosby nailing a 26-yard field goal.
With their third-straight loss (along with their fourth-straight Thanksgiving loss), Detroit fell to 6–5. It would be the last time they would have a winning record at any point in a season until their opening day win over the Bucs in 2011.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Vikings | 7 | 28 | 7 | 0 | 42 |
atHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome,Minneapolis, Minnesota
Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the Lions flew to theHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 13 NFC North rematch withthe Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Vikings RBChester Taylor managed to get a 2-yard TD run. The Lions got on the board with kickerJason Hanson nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota replied with RBAdrian Peterson scoring a TD, but Detroit responded with QBJon Kitna completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE/FBCasey Fitzsimmons. However, the Vikings immediately began a pounding with WRAundrae Allison returning the kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, while QBTarvaris Jackson completed a 6-yard TD pass to WRBobby Wade, along with a 2-yard TD pass to WRSidney Rice. In the third quarter, Minnesota ended its day with Peterson getting a 13-yard TD run for the only score of the half.
With their fourth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6–6.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
| Lions | 10 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
Trying to end a four-game skid, the Lions went home for a Week 14 intraconference duel withthe Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Detroit struck first with RBT.J. Duckett getting a 32-yard TD run, while kickerJason Hanson getting a 19-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys got on the board with RBMarion Barber getting a 20-yard TD run. The Lions responded with Hanson nailing a 36-yard field goal, while RBKevin Jones getting a 2-yard TD run. Dallas ended the half with QBTony Romo completing an 8-yard TD pass to Barber.
In the third quarter, Detroit replied with Jones getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys came back and won with Barber getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Romo’s 16-yard TD pass to TEJason Witten.
With their fifth straight loss, the Lions fell to 6–7.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| Chargers | 27 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 51 |
atQualcomm Stadium,San Diego, California
Trying to snap a five-game slide, the Lions flew toQualcomm Stadium for a Week 15 interconference duel withthe San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Detroit trailed early as Chargers RBLaDainian Tomlinson managed to get a 6-yard TD run, kickerNate Kaeding getting a 22-yard field goal, and Tomlinson getting a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Lions' struggles continued as Kaeding kicked a 22-yard field goal and LBShaun Phillips returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. The Lions got on the board with QBJon Kitna completing a 9-yard TD pass to WRBrandon Middleton. San Diego ended the half with QBPhilip Rivers completing a 1-yard TD to TEBrandon Manumaleuna.
In the third quarter, the Chargers continued their domination as RBDarren Sproles managed to get a 1-yard TD run, while Kaeding nailed a 45-yard field goal. Detroit replied via Kitna's 17-yard TD pass to WRShaun McDonald. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed the win with Sproles getting an 11-yard TD run.
With their sixth-straight loss, the Lions fell to 6–8 and were eliminated from playoff contention the next day whenthe Minnesota Vikings defeatedthe Chicago Bears 20–13.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 0 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 20 |
| Lions | 9 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 25 |
Trying to halt a six-game losing streak, the Lions returned home to Ford Field for an interconference matchup withthe Kansas City Chiefs. Detroit got on the board early with a T.J. Duckett 11-yard TD run and a safety off a blockedDustin Colquitt punt. In the second quarter, the Lions opened up a 19–0 lead with aJason Hanson field goal and aParis Lenon interception return for a touchdown. Kansas City fought back with aJackie Battle 3-yard run and a 1-yard pass fromDamon Huard toJared Allen to make it 19–14, but the Lions’ Jason Hanson added two more field goals in the second half and the Chiefs could not convert a two-point conversion toTony Gonzalez in the 3rd after aDwayne Bowe receiving TD. Detroit held Kansas City off 25–20, ending their long skid.
With the win, the Lions improved to 7–8, 5–3 at home. This remained the Lions last regular-season victory until the third week of the 2009 season, when they would beatthe Washington Redskins 19–14 after nineteen consecutive losses including all sixteen games in 2008.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Packers | 14 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 34 |
atLambeau Field,Green Bay, Wisconsin
Looking for their first win in the state of Wisconsin since 1991, the Lions headed to Lambeau Field for their second game of the year againstBrett Favre andthe Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, after a Jason Hanson FG,Ryan Grant andKoren Robinson both scored touchdowns to make it 14–3 Green Bay. In the second quarter,Bubba Franks caught a 4-yard pass from Brett Favre to make it 21–3, butShaun McDonald scored on a 30-yard pass fromJon Kitna to make it 21–10 at halftime. The teams exchanged field goals to start the third quarter, but on 4th and 2,Craig Nall foundRuvell Martin for a 32-yard score, putting the Packers up 31–13, icing the game. RookieMason Crosby added another FG in the fourth to seal up a 34–13 win for the Packers.
With the loss, Detroit closes out the season finishing 7–9.
