The Detroit Lions' Record In The Last 50 Years: A Look Back At Their Triumphs And Struggles

What was the Detroit Lions' true* record last year? (part 2) from sidelionreport.com

The Detroit Lions, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL), have had a rollercoaster ride of success and failure over the last 50 years. From their glory days in the 1950s and 1960s to their more recent struggles, the Lions have been through it all. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Lions' record over the past five decades, including their highs and lows, and what the future may hold for this iconic team.

The Glory Days of the 1950s and 1960s

The Lions enjoyed their greatest period of success in the 1950s and 1960s, when they won three NFL championships and made six playoff appearances. Led by legendary players such as Bobby Layne, Doak Walker, and Joe Schmidt, the Lions were a dominant force in the league and one of the most feared teams in the NFL. In 1952, they won their first NFL championship in 17 years, a feat they repeated in 1953 and 1957. During this time, they also made appearances in the playoffs in 1954, 1958, and 1960. However, despite their success in the 1950s and 1960s, the Lions would struggle in the years that followed, experiencing a prolonged period of mediocrity and disappointment.

The Lean Years of the 1970s and 1980s

The 1970s and 1980s were a difficult period for the Lions, as they struggled to find success on the field. They made just two playoff appearances during this time, in 1970 and 1982, and failed to win a single playoff game. The team went through several coaching changes and quarterback controversies, and their fan base began to dwindle as the losses mounted. In the 1990s, the Lions experienced a brief resurgence, thanks in large part to the arrival of star running back Barry Sanders.

The Barry Sanders Era

Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, played for the Lions from 1989 to 1998. During this time, he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons, won four rushing titles, and was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times. Despite his individual success, however, the Lions were unable to win a championship during Sanders' tenure, making just six playoff appearances and winning only one playoff game.

The Modern Era

The 21st century has been a mixed bag for the Lions, with some seasons of promise and others of disappointment.

The Matt Millen Era

From 2001 to 2008, the Lions were led by general manager Matt Millen, who oversaw one of the worst stretches of football in NFL history. Under Millen's leadership, the team had just one winning season and made no playoff appearances. In fact, they became the first team in NFL history to finish with an 0-16 record, going winless in the 2008 season.

The Jim Caldwell Era

After the disastrous Millen era, the Lions brought in Jim Caldwell as head coach in 2014. Caldwell led the team to two playoff appearances in his four seasons at the helm, but was fired after the 2017 season due to a lack of playoff success.

The Future of the Detroit Lions

Despite their struggles over the last 50 years, there is reason for optimism for the Lions and their fans. The team has a talented young quarterback in Jared Goff, who they acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, and a new head coach in Dan Campbell, who brings a new energy and enthusiasm to the team. While success may not come overnight, there are signs that the Lions are headed in the right direction and could be poised for a resurgence in the coming years. In conclusion, the Detroit Lions have had a tumultuous last 50 years, with periods of greatness and periods of struggle. From their championship-winning teams of the 1950s and 1960s to their winless season in 2008, the Lions have been through it all. While their recent history has been marked by disappointment, there is hope for the future and the potential for the Lions to reclaim their place among the NFL's elite teams.