As we look back on the Detroit Lions' playoff history, it's impossible not to notice a glaring absence: a Super Bowl victory. Despite their lack of a championship, the Lions have had some memorable playoff wins over the years, especially in the Super Bowl era. From thrilling comebacks to dominant performances, let's take a closer look at some of the Lions' most memorable playoff victories.
The 1982 Wild Card Round: Lions 31, Cowboys 27
The 1982 season was a strike-shortened one, but it didn't stop the Lions from making the playoffs for the first time in eight years. In the wild card round, they faced off against the Dallas Cowboys, who had won the NFC East with a 6-3 record. The Lions jumped out to a 21-3 lead, but the Cowboys stormed back to take a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter. That's when quarterback Gary Danielson led a game-winning touchdown drive, capped off by a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Freddie Scott with just 16 seconds left on the clock. It was the Lions' first playoff win in 25 years.
The 1991 Divisional Round: Lions 38, Cowboys 6
Nine years later, the Lions found themselves facing the Cowboys again in the divisional round. This time, they were the underdogs against a Dallas team that had just won back-to-back Super Bowls. But the Lions dominated from start to finish, with quarterback Erik Kramer throwing three touchdown passes and running back Barry Sanders rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown. The defense also came up big, intercepting Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman three times. It was a statement win for the Lions, and it remains their most lopsided playoff victory to date.
The 1991 NFC Championship Game: Lions 10, Redskins 41
Unfortunately, the Lions' magical playoff run came to an end the following week against the Washington Redskins. The Lions were no match for the Redskins, who jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The game was a stark reminder that, as good as the Lions were, they still had a ways to go before they could compete with the NFL's elite teams.
The 1993 Wild Card Round: Lions 28, Packers 24
After missing the playoffs in 1992, the Lions returned in 1993 as a wild card team. Their opponent in the first round? None other than their division rival, the Green Bay Packers. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Packers taking a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter. But the Lions rallied, with quarterback Dave Krieg throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Willie Green with just 16 seconds left on the clock. It was a thrilling win for the Lions, and it set the stage for what would be a memorable playoff run.
The 1993 Wild Card Round: Lions 38, Falcons 28
In the divisional round, the Lions faced off against the Atlanta Falcons, who had gone 9-7 in the regular season. Once again, the game was a shootout, with the two teams combining for 66 points. But the Lions got the better of the Falcons, with Krieg throwing two touchdown passes and Sanders rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns. The win set up a showdown with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
The 1993 NFC Championship Game: Lions 10, 49ers 38
Unfortunately for the Lions, their playoff run came to a crashing halt against the 49ers. San Francisco was simply too much for the Lions to handle, with quarterback Steve Young throwing six touchdown passes and the defense intercepting Krieg twice. The game was a humbling reminder that, while the Lions had made great strides, they still had work to do if they wanted to compete with the NFL's best teams.
While the Lions have yet to win a Super Bowl, they have had their fair share of memorable playoff victories. From the thrilling comeback against the Cowboys in 1982 to the dominant performance against the Cowboys in 1991, the Lions have given their fans plenty to cheer about over the years. And while the road to a championship may still be long, there's no doubt that the Lions will continue to fight and claw their way towards the ultimate prize.
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