As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the 2013 Detroit Lions roster, it's worth taking a look back at the players who made up this team and how they fared on the field. The Lions had a mixed season that year, finishing with a 7-9 record and missing the playoffs. However, there were some standout performers who helped keep the team competitive. In this article, we'll break down the key players on the 2013 Lions roster and assess their impact.
The Offense: Stars and Struggles
Quarterback
The most important position on any NFL team is the quarterback, and the Lions had a solid option in Matthew Stafford in 2013. Stafford threw for over 4,600 yards and 29 touchdowns, but he also had 19 interceptions. While these turnovers were a concern, Stafford's arm talent and ability to make plays downfield kept the Lions in many games. Backup quarterback Shaun Hill only saw limited action, throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Stafford.
Running Back
The Lions had a two-headed monster in the backfield in 2013, with Reggie Bush and Joique Bell splitting carries. Bush had a strong season, rushing for 1,006 yards and catching 54 passes for another 506 yards. He also scored six touchdowns. Bell was a valuable complement to Bush, rushing for 650 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 53 receptions for 547 yards. Overall, the Lions had a productive and versatile running game in 2013.
The Defense: A Mix of Talent and Inconsistency
Defensive Line
The Lions had one of the best defensive lines in the NFL in 2013, anchored by superstar defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh was dominant, recording 5.5 sacks and 49 tackles. He was joined on the line by Nick Fairley, who had a solid season with six sacks and 35 tackles. The Lions also had a strong pass-rusher in defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who had eight sacks as a rookie. Overall, the defensive line was a strength for the Lions.
Linebacker
The Lions had a mixed bag at the linebacker position in 2013. DeAndre Levy was a standout, leading the team with 119 tackles and six interceptions. Stephen Tulloch was also productive, with 93 tackles and three sacks. However, the rest of the linebackers struggled to make an impact. The Lions had hoped that rookie Ezekiel Ansah would provide some pass-rushing help, but he only recorded two sacks on the season.
Special Teams: A Bright Spot
Kicker and Punter
The Lions had a reliable kicking game in 2013, with veteran David Akers making 19 of 24 field goals and all 37 extra points. Punter Sam Martin was also a bright spot, averaging 47.2 yards per punt and landing 21 inside the 20-yard line. The Lions' special teams units were generally solid, with good coverage and return units.
Conclusion
The 2013 Detroit Lions roster was a mixed bag, with some standout performers and some inconsistent play. While the team ultimately fell short of the playoffs, there were some bright spots, such as the strong play of the defensive line and the productive running game. As we look back on this team 10 years later, it's clear that the Lions had some talented players, but were ultimately unable to put it all together on the field.
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