Oct 10, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; A Monday Night Football sign before the game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Monday Night Football

This countdown ends where the Lions season truly took flight. With so many important free agent signings, games, drives, and moments, it is difficult to decide which one truly is the “best” of the season. It is also inevitable that great moments will be omitted, such as the Harbaugh handshake, or Calvin Johnson serving up slice after slice of humble pie to Cris Carter. For this season however, and for this life-long Lions fan, nothing comes close to the excitement or the atmosphere throughout Detroit for Monday Night Football.

This moment tops the list for several reasons.  Detroit entered the season surrounded by hype that was, to many, undeserved and unearned. A four game winning streak to open the season only added to the excitement, and fueled the national media fire. At the same time, many doubters argued that nothing had yet been proven, as they questioned the Lions strength of schedule. The week five matchup with the Bears brought several opportunities for Detroit. First, it offered the chance to measure themselves against a proven team, who had won NFC North the previous season, and were the favorites of many once again. Second, Monday Night Football offered the opportunity to showcase the talent of a young, up and coming team on national television; something that the Lions only experienced on Thanksgiving Day in recent years. (more…)

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…)

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Moment Number 4: Humanizing Tebow

The name “Tim Tebow” will forever be etched into football lore, despite the fact that he is a mediocre quarterback at best. “Tebow-mania” is a direct result of ESPN’s love affair with the polarizing quarterback, combined with the nation’s religious fanatics ironically idolizing him and refusing to see him as anything less than a deity.

In spite of Tebow’s flaws, the Denver Broncos found a way to win week after week, largely due to a strong running game, an over-achieving defense, and a clutch kicker (let’s not forget Marion Barber as well). As Tebow-mania swept the nation, and the likes of ESPN’s Skip Bayless began applying every double standard possible to excuse the quarterback’s poor play, it became impossible not to thank the heavens that the Detroit Lions did not contribute to the madness.

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