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The Top 5 Detroit Lions teams of the last 25 years

By Payne Schanski

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions slaps hands with teammate Ndamukong Suh #90 after a NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Ford Field on December 24, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions won 38-10. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions slaps hands with teammate Ndamukong Suh #90 after a NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Ford Field on December 24, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions won 38-10. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Elsa
Mandatory Credit: Elsa /

4. The 1997 Detroit Lions

Record: 6

After being left for dead around midseason, Bobby Ross’s first Lions team rallies for five wins in the final six games to finish 9-7

Achievements: 8

  • Playoff berth, earned with clutch showings in must win games each of the final two weeks
  • Thanksgiving win in dominating fashion, 55-20 over Chicago
  • Barry Sanders, with one of the greatest individual seasons by any player in the history of the sport
    • Named NFL co-MVP (sharing the award with Brett Favre)
    • Third player in NFL history to rush for 2,000+ yards in a season
    • 14 consecutive 100 yard games (and a 100 yard receiving game)
    • 2,358 yards from scrimmage, 2,053 rushing

Star Power: 8

  • RB Barry Sanders, at his very finest, the most exciting player in the league, probably ever. For those too young to have seen him play, YouTube this guy if you think I’m exaggerating
  • WR Herman Moore, first team All-Pro
  • There wasn’t anything close to a third star on this team, but Barry makes up the difference in this category

Entertainment Value: 8.5

  • The entertainment from this season was completely one-sided due to the work of one player: #20
    • Back-to-back 80 yard TD runs against Tampa Bay
    • 167 yards and 3 TDs on Thanksgiving
    • 216 yards and 2 TDs (including another 80 yarder) against the Colts
    • 164 yards in the second half against the Jets, reaching 2,000 for the season and dragging the team into the playoffs

Total Score: 30.5

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