Dec 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) high fives fans after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Ford Field. Detroit won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Christmas Eve Clincher

Christmas Eve is always a special day for many, but it was even more meaningful this year in Detroit. The Lions carried a 9-5 record into Ford Field for their final home game of the season. The matchup with the San Diego Chargers was a pivotal moment in the season, with the Lions being able to clinch a wildcard spot with a victory over a dangerous, under-achieving Charger team. The atmosphere was electric in Motown, with a late Saturday game falling on a national holiday. The stadium was sold out, once again, and expectations were sky high.

Many franchises have become accustomed to success. Many fan bases scoffed at the excitement throughout Detroit for simply the opportunity to advance to the post-season. What separates Detroit, and Lions fans, from those groups is their history. The Lions hadn’t sniffed the playoffs since January 8^th, 1999, when they fell to the Washington Redskins 27-13. The lack of a playoff history, combined with the fact that the franchise has only a single post-season victory since the beginning of the Super Bowl era, led to heightened levels of excitement. With a showdown at Lambeau looming in week 17, there was almost an “elimination game” type atmosphere throughout Ford Field. (more…)