Detroit Lions: Two “Terrell” argument for Calvin Johnson in Canton
A TALE OF TWO ERAS
In Johnson’s first four seasons, the Detroit Lions overall record broke down like this:
- 2007 – 7-9
- 2008 – 0-16
- 2009 – 2-14
- 2010 – 6-10
The overall record is 15 and 49 (.243 win percentage). In 2009, there was a light of hope in rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford. But Stafford only played in 13 games in his first two seasons, and the Detroit Lions struggled over that period.
Finally, in 2011, Detroit had a winning record and made the playoffs, as Stafford played in all 16 games. Here is the breakdown of the final five years for Calvin:
- 2011 – 10-6 (plus playoff loss to New Orleans Saints)
- 2012 – 4-12
- 2013 – 7-9
- 2014 – 11-5 (plus playoff loss to Dallas Cowboys)
- 2015 – 7-9
The overall record (without the two playoff losses) is 39 and 41 (.487 win percentage). The win percentage doubled in the last half of his career, and honestly, this just made the Detroit Lions respectable.
Should Calvin be kept out of the hall for not collecting rings like Davis? Or should his accomplishments on the field be all the more impressive considering the situation?
In the end, Calvin might not make it on the first ballot, but he will make it into the Hall of Fame at some point. Unlike Terrell Owens, Calvin will probably be very proud of this accomplishment, and will probably show humility in accepting the honor.
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There will be those that say Megatron’s career wasn’t long enough. But Johnson walked away at the top of his game and avoided being a shell of himself like Terrell Davis. Calvin dominated the game for nine years, and there was nothing opposing defenses could do to stop him.
If those two “Terrells” are in Canton, then make a nice big open space for Megatron.