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Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Schedule - NFL 2012

Overview of the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are the hard luck story of the NFL. The Lions were successful in their early years winning the NFL Championship in 1935, 1952, 1953 and 1957. However, since that time they have had little success, qualifying for the playoffs on just ten occasions. The lowest point for the franchise came in 2008, when they didn't win a single game. They have improved since that time and last season made the playoffs for the first in the 21st century.

Statistics Overview of the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions entered the NFL in 1930. The franchise is based in Downtown Detroit and plays its home matches at Ford Field. The Lions have never won or played in a Super Bowl. They have won the NFC, five times all before the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. They have been division champions just four times and have not won the NFC North since the divisional realignment in 2002. They have appeared in the playoffs on fifteen occasions and have a record of 7-11. The franchises regular season record is 506-599-32. The Minnesota Vikings are their biggest rivals.

Conference: NFC
Established: 1929
Stadium: Ford Field (2002- present)
Super Bowl Championships: 0
Conference Championships: 5 (1935, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957)
Division Championships: 4 (1935, 1983, 1991, 1993)
Playoff Appearances:: 15 (1935, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2011)
Overall Record: 506-599-32
Playoff Record: 7-11
Biggest Rivals: Minnesota Vikings
Head Coach: Jim Schwartz
Legenday Players: Bobby Layne, Barry Sanders, Herman Moore

Detroit Lions: Star Players for 2012

Quarterback: Matt Stafford

Matt Stafford was the number one draft pick of the 2009 NFL draft. He was immediately made starter of the Lions team and the side generally struggled throughout the season. Stafford's breakout performance came against the Cleveland Browns, when he led the Lions to a dramatic 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns, throwing five touchdown passes including the match winner, which he threw after separating his shoulder. Injury ended Stafford's 2009 season prematurely and did the same in 2010, playing just three games. Stafford was heavily praised for his comeback in 2011. He led the Detroit Lions to the playoffs, their first appearance since 1999, and NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. After a full season behind him, Stafford is set to entrench himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL.

Offensive Star: Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. The wide receiver has delivered on his potential in the last two seasons and has become the best receiver in the NFL. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowler, two-time All Pro Selection and led the NFL in receiving yards in 2011. Johnson was sensational in 2001 reaching a career high 1,681 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Johnson is the most feared receiver in the NFL and faces double and triple team coverage on a weekly basis. He is the Lions most important player as his presence frees up other receivers and takes the pressure off Stafford. Johnson signed a $132 Million contract with the Lions in the off season, making him the highest paid receiver in the league.

Defensive Star: Ndamukong Suh

Controversial defensive tackle was the second player selected in the 2010 NFL draft. After a decorated College Football career Suh stormed onto the NFL scene in 2010. Suh had more sacks than any other defensive tackle in the NFL and record an interception and fumble recovery. Suh was selected for the NFC Pro Bowl team and NFL All- Pro as well as being awarded the NFL Rookie of the Year Award and NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year. Suh's 2011 season was plagued by disciplinary problems and was suspended for two games after stomping on the arm of Evan Dietrich-Smith. If Suh can control his discipline he will develop into one of the most feared defenders in the NFL.

Head Coach: Jim Schwartz

Jim Schwartz began his NFL coaching career as a scout for the Cleveland Browns in 1993. He joined the Tennessee Titans and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2001. Schwartz served in this role for eight years before being signed as Detroit Lions head coach in 2009. Schwartz had the difficult job of rebuilding a franchise that did not win a single game the year before he took over. The Lions have improved each season under Schwartz and he led them to their first playoff appearance since 1999 last season.