Detroit Lions season in review: Best and Worst of 2017

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Breakout Players

Best: Marvin Jones

In his second season wearing Honolulu Blue, Jones set new career highs in receiving yards (1,101), yards per catch (18.0) and was one off his high in touchdowns (9). He also put together the second best mixtape of any Lions player this year, behind Kenny Golladay. Marvin’s highlight reel catches against the Bears and at New Orleans are right up there with any of Calvin Johnson’s top plays.

Worst: Ameer Abdullah

Coming back from an injury plagued 2016, Abdullah was expected to break the 100-yard game drought at the very least, and possibly contend for a 1,000 yard season. With just over 500 yards, 3.3 yards per carry, no runs of 40+ yards (and no 100 yard game), Abdullah is likely out of chances to prove he’s the Lions’ feature back moving forward.

Ten Minute Stretches

Best: Late 3rd/Early 4th quarter @ New Orleans

Remember when the Lions were about to pull off the greatest comeback in NFL history? After falling behind 45-10 early in the second half, Stafford and company staged a wildly entertaining comeback. Four consecutive touchdowns got them within one score.

With two passing touchdowns, a Jamal Agnew punt return, a pick six in the end zone, and plenty of time left, it appeared that a once in a lifetime fan experience was in the realm of possibility. Unfortunately that bubble burst late in the 4th, but it was an incredible rally all the same.

Worst: First quarter vs Arizona

It’s interesting that the Lions’ best 10 minute stretch ended in a loss, but their worst 10 minute stretch ended in a win. Stafford’s first pass of the year was an 80 yard pick-six. Two drives later, he took a sack near his own goal line, then was called for intentional grounding, also near his goal line.

Then, a botched punt in the end zone nearly led to a safety and handed the ball back to Arizona deep in the red zone. Somehow, Detroit only trailed 10-0 after that comedy of errors. They played much better the rest of the way in Week 1 and pulled out a 35-23 win.

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