Season Recap - 2010 Detroit Lions

Final Record: 6-10

Finished: 3^rd Place in the NFC North

2011 Draft Position: 13^th

Preseason Ranking:   30
Preseason Letter of Misfortune:

When you've only managed to win nine games during the past three seasons, including an NFL record 0-16 run in 2008, it is hard to find something to be positive about. The long-time NFC North cellar dwellers have had little to smile about while the league has celebrated the Minnesota Vikings and their quarterback drama, the Green Bay Packers emergence as an elite team and even the Chicago Bears and their "will they be good or won't they" discussions.

For Detroit, the answer has recently been "they won't" and the Lions have done precious little to deny the arguments against them. 2010 shapes up as another difficult year for the Lions. Not only do they have six division games against strong opponents who love to kick them when they are down, they also have to play four games against the AFC East, another strong division. In those ten games, the Lions will be lucky to win two, despite the improvements to their defense and the increasing maturity of Mathew Stafford at quarterback.

The remaining six games of their schedule don't get any easier as they are matched up against the NFC East. Though not as strong as it has been in recent years, all the teams in the NFC East will give the Lions fits. Detroit rounds out their schedule with games against recent powerhouses St. Louis and Tampa Bay. Finally a bit of a breather for them.

All signs point to another dismal year in Detroit. But, hey, at least their uniforms look nice and they don't have to play outside when another bitter, Michigan winter hits town.

Week 1: Lost at Chicago Bears, 19-14

Ranked – 31

So close to a promising start to the season, but a "process" call and a shoulder injury short-circuit a season already on life support before any games were played.

Week 2: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles, 35-32

Ranked – 31

Two weeks, two losses, two almost wins. Don't almost win next week. WIN! I know it's a radical concept for the Lions, but Minnesota is ripe for the taking.

Week 3: Lost at Minnesota Vikings, 24-10

Ranked – 32

Against Chicago and Philadelphia you looked like you were so close to breaking through, but you laid an egg against Minnesota - a division rival you have typically played well against. Your ineptness on Sunday coupled with St. Louis' ability to win a game lands you in the Creative Misfortune cellar.

Week 4: Lost at Green Bay Packers, 28-26

Ranked – 32

Another tough division loss spells certain doom for the 2010 season. With 12 games left to play, Detroit's goal should be to get to the six win mark. At this point, it would have taken less time to rebuild Rome than to rebuild the Lions of the Millen era.

Week 5: Defeated the St. Louis Rams, 44-6

Ranked – 27

So this is what it feels like to win a game?

Week 6: Lost at New York Giants, 28-20

Ranked – 28

Too bad you can't play the Rams at home every week.

Week 7: BYE WEEK

Ranked – 29

Out of the bye week they face the surging Redskins.

Week 8: Defeated the Washington Redskins, 37-25

Ranked – 22

Detroit's playing well enough they actually might be worth watching on Thanksgiving for a change. They certainly have more going for them than the Cowboys at this point.

Week 9: Lost to New York Jets, 23-20

Ranked – 24

Despite the injuries and the heartbreaking, overtime loss, Detroit is showing no signs of quitting in 2010, by far their most successful campaign in recent memory. If only Suh could kick as well as he can tackle...

Week 10: Lost at Buffalo Bills, 14-12

Ranked – 31

The Lions will never arrive if they can't beat winless teams on the road.

Week 11: Lost at Dallas Cowboys, 35-19

Ranked – 29

One of these weeks Detroit will put it all together and actually win a game on the road. Even at 2-8 this is a much improved team.

Week 12: Lost to New England Patriots, 45-24

Ranked – 28

Another year, another Turkey Day drubbing. One of these days Detroit won't get crushed at home... or on the road... or when they play another NFL team...

Week 13: Lost to Chicago Bears, 24-20

Ranked – 28 (ROCKY WEEK!)

Well, ya see, Commissioner, we understand you're lookin' for sparrin' partners for the Green Bay Packers and we just want to let you know that we are very available.

Week 14: Defeated the Green Bay Packers, 7-3

Ranked – 28

What an unexpected victory over the Green Bay Packers! And now, instead of talking about a 19 game losing streak to division opponents, the Lions can proudly proclaim their 1-19 record over the last 20 games.

Week 15: Defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20

Ranked – 23
            Is there any possible streak of futility the Lions can snap this week when they play the Miami Dolphins?

Week 16: Defeated the Miami Dolphins, 34-27

Ranked - 21

            The Lions on a three-game winning streak? That hasn't happened in like... ever.

Week 17: Defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 20-13

Ranked – 22

Next week, season recaps continue with the 2010 St. Louis Rams…