The Detroit Lions have a storied yet tumultuous history in the NFL, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by stretches of mediocrity. The team, founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans before relocating to Detroit in 1934, has had a number of successful seasons, but also a number of forgettable ones. Despite this, the Lions’ history is filled with remarkable records, individual achievements, and thrilling moments.
The franchise has undergone many changes over the years, from coaching shifts to roster changes, all while trying to capture the elusive NFL Championship. The team’s most notable players, including Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and others, have left an indelible mark on the league. But where does the 2024 season rank in this storied history? Let’s examine the best records and seasons in Detroit Lions history and see where this year fits into the grand narrative.
The Detroit Lions’ Best Seasons and Records in History
1. 1950s: Dominance and NFL Championships
The 1950s was the golden age for the Detroit Lions. The team experienced its greatest success in the 1950s under head coach Buddy Parker, winning three NFL championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957. The Lions’ dominance during this era was epitomized by the incredible leadership of players such as quarterback Bobby Layne, running back Doak Walker, and wide receiver Yale Lary.
- 1952 Season: The Lions finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and went on to win the NFL Championship by defeating the Cleveland Browns, 17-7. This was the team’s first championship win in over a decade and marked the beginning of their successful run.
- 1953 Season: With a 10-2 regular-season record, the Lions again took home the NFL Championship by defeating the Browns in a rematch, this time by a decisive score of 17-16. This was Detroit’s second consecutive championship.
- 1957 Season: The Lions clinched their third NFL title of the decade by defeating the Browns 59-14 in the championship game. The Lions’ offense was explosive that year, and the team was led by the stellar play of Bobby Layne, who was known for his clutch performances.
This era set a high bar for future Lions teams and remains the peak of their history.
2. 1991: The Last Playoff Glory
After decades of mediocrity, the Lions’ most recent sustained success came in the early 1990s under head coach Wayne Fontes. The 1991 season was a high point for the franchise and remains one of the most beloved seasons for Lions fans. It was a year of near greatness, and while it didn’t end with a Super Bowl victory, it was one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history.
- 1991 Season: The Lions finished with a 12-4 record, their best regular-season record since the 1950s. Behind the play of future Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, the Lions’ offense was explosive. The team’s defense, led by linebacker Chris Spielman, was also formidable. The Lions earned a trip to the NFC Championship Game but ultimately fell to the Washington Redskins 41-10. Despite the defeat, the 1991 season was a major success for the franchise, and it remains the last time the Lions reached the NFC Championship Game.
The 1991 season was a time when the team seemed on the cusp of greatness, and had they been able to put together a Super Bowl run, it would likely have been the high point in Lions history. However, it remains a memorable campaign for its excitement and the performances of some of the franchise’s best players.
3. 2000s: The Megatron Era
While the Lions experienced some dark years in the 2000s, the 2010s also featured one of the best players in NFL history: wide receiver Calvin Johnson, aka “Megatron.” Johnson’s dominance in the receiving game redefined what it meant to be a top-tier wide receiver. His 2012 season remains one of the best in NFL history.
- 2011-2012 Seasons: The Lions experienced their first playoff berth since 1999 in 2011, finishing with a 10-6 record. Johnson posted 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns, while the Lions’ offense became one of the league’s most dangerous units. In 2012, Johnson went on to set an NFL record for receiving yards in a season with 1,964 yards, a mark that still stands to this day. Though the Lions finished the season 4-12, Johnson’s individual performances earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game.
Though the Lions did not win a playoff game or claim any championships during the Megatron era, the team enjoyed significant individual success thanks to Johnson’s unique abilities and impact on games.
4. 2014: A Strong Defensive Season
In 2014, the Lions put together one of their best defensive seasons in modern history under head coach Jim Caldwell. The team finished with an 11-5 record and made the playoffs, but once again failed to advance past the first round.
- 2014 Season: The Lions’ defense, led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and linebacker DeAndre Levy, was the team’s standout unit. They finished the season ranked second in the NFL in total defense. The offense, though inconsistent, featured quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had some strong performances. The team’s playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round remains a controversial one, as many believed the Lions had a legitimate shot at making a deeper playoff run.
Although the 2014 season was a strong one, it ultimately ended in disappointment for the Lions, who had hoped to finally break through in the postseason.
The 2024 Season: Where Does It Rank?
The 2024 season represents a period of optimism and potential for the Detroit Lions. After years of rebuilding, the team seems to have turned a corner with the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. With a solid mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the Lions are emerging as a contender in the NFC.
- 2024 Outlook and Performance: As of early 2024, the Lions have been performing at a high level. With quarterback Jared Goff playing arguably the best football of his career and a dynamic offense led by the strong running back tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ offense has been efficient and explosive. The defense, though not without its struggles, has shown significant improvement under the guidance of coordinator Aaron Glenn, with players like Aidan Hutchinson emerging as stars.
The 2024 season also holds historical significance because the Lions are looking to break a long playoff drought, with hopes of securing their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. The team has a strong chance of clinching a playoff berth and could make a deep run in the postseason.
While it’s too early to determine whether the 2024 season will culminate in a Super Bowl appearance, the team’s performance thus far is among the best in recent memory. Given their strong regular-season record and the emerging talent on both sides of the ball, the 2024 season has the potential to be a landmark campaign in Lions history.
However, it’s important to note that the Lions’ history is fraught with hope that has often been dashed by injury, underperformance, or simply bad luck. As of now, it’s difficult to definitively say whether 2024 will rank alongside the franchise’s best seasons or be remembered as a missed opportunity. But there’s no doubt that the optimism surrounding this season places it among the top campaigns in recent years.
