The Detroit Lions had a tough season in 2000, finishing with a record of 9-7. While they didn't make the playoffs that year, they did have some standout moments and players that deserve recognition. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Lions' record in 2000 and what led to their success and struggles throughout the season.
The Lions' 2000 Season Overview
The Lions' 2000 season got off to a rocky start with a 28-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins in their season opener. However, they quickly rebounded with a three-game winning streak against the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They would go on to win six of their next ten games, including a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Chicago Bears in week 17.
Despite finishing with a winning record, the Lions missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers. It was a disappointing end to the season, but there were still plenty of positives to take away from their performance.
The Standout Players of 2000
Charlie Batch
Quarterback Charlie Batch had a solid season in 2000, throwing for 2,598 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had a passer rating of 80.0 and only threw 12 interceptions. While he wasn't a Pro Bowl selection that year, he was a reliable leader for the Lions offense.
Johnnie Morton
Wide receiver Johnnie Morton was one of the most consistent players on the Lions' roster in 2000. He caught 77 passes for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl that year, marking the second time in his career he received the honor.
The Struggles of 2000
The Defense
One of the biggest struggles for the Lions in 2000 was their defense. They allowed an average of 23.6 points per game, which ranked 25th in the league. They also gave up an average of 365.6 yards per game, which ranked 27th in the league. While they had some standout players on defense, such as Robert Porcher and Kurt Schulz, the unit as a whole struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses.
Special Teams
The Lions' special teams also had their fair share of struggles in 2000. They allowed two punt return touchdowns and one kickoff return touchdown throughout the season. They also missed four extra point attempts and four field goal attempts, which ultimately cost them some close games.
The Legacy of the 2000 Season
While the Lions' 2000 season wasn't their best, it still holds a place in the team's history. It was the last season they played at the Pontiac Silverdome before moving to Ford Field. It was also the final season of head coach Bobby Ross' tenure with the team. While there were certainly some struggles throughout the season, the Lions showed resilience and fought until the very end.
Looking Ahead
As the Lions continue to strive for success in the NFL, it's important to remember the lessons learned from past seasons. The 2000 season may not have resulted in a playoff berth, but it still holds value in the team's history. With a new era of Lions football underway, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this team.
In Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' record in 2000 was a mixed bag of successes and struggles. While they finished with a winning record, they missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers. However, there were still standout performances from players like Charlie Batch and Johnnie Morton. The defense and special teams had their struggles, but the team fought until the end. As the Lions continue to move forward, it's important to remember the lessons learned from past seasons and strive for success in the future.
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