SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions: Most impressive home openers at Ford Field

By Payne Schanski

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 11: The Detroit Lions take the field prior to the start of the game agains the against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on December 11, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 11: The Detroit Lions take the field prior to the start of the game agains the against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on December 11, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Impressive Home Openers

2014 vs Giants (W 35-14)– “Matthew Stafford was at his best when improvising–and that alone may be a sign of improvement”– AP game recap

What was impressive: 

There was one big question leading into 2014.

Could this clearly talented team bounce back from the massive disappointment the year before?

On Monday Night Football, new coach Jim Caldwell showcased a slimmer/quicker Matthew Stafford and a suddenly suffocating defense.

Stafford passed for 346 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing nifty footwork on both passing touchdowns.

He later froze the Giants’ D with a juke near the goal line to add a rushing TD as well.

Rest of the season: 

The offensive firepower was never again this convincing, but the rush defense remained superb. Lions finished 11-5, their best season since 1991.

Home/Lions News