Detroit Lion football history is riddled with teams in perfect position to secure a wildcard spot, only to blow it by losing in the final two weeks of the season. Just ask Bobby Ross about Christmas Eve, 2000. Paul Edinger’s 54-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the season knocked the Lions out of playoff contention. As every Lions fan who suffered through is aware, the Wayne Fontes era is also full of “almosts” and “should’ve beens”.

Undoubtedly many pessimists nationwide are expecting the same this year. And to be quite honest, who can blame them? Stigmas exist for a reason, and this team hasn’t done much since the 1950s to prove otherwise. This is a great opportunity for the 2011 Lions, the Jim Schwartz Lions, to prove what we all know to be true.

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Bobby Ross took the Chargers to a Super Bowl before leading, and ultimately leaving, the Lions. (Source: YardBarker.com)

In 10 days we will be talking about the 2010-11 Detroit Lions hitting the training camp practice field for the first time. 10 doesn’t seem like a large number when the word “days” is behind it but it starts looking a whole lot bigger when followed by the word “years”. Yes, it has been 10 years since the Lions finished the season with a winning record.

Clear your mind of the Matt Millen Era and think back to the 2000 season. Ah yes, a 9-7 record looks like an oasis from the desert we currently find ourselves. The devastation that ensued makes what should have been viewed as a mediocre to tumultuous year desirable.

The season got off to a fine start, the Lions hit the bye week with a 4-2 record including an opening week win at New Orleans with Stoney Case filling in for Charlie Batch. They came out of the bye week with another win, this time beating the Buccaneers behind James Stewart’s three touchdown day. Although their record sat at 5-2, it was really just the beginning of the end. (more after the jump) (more…)