The Detroit Lions have been a staple of the NFL for over 80 years, and their 1998 season is one that many fans still hold dear. It was a season that saw the Lions come together as a team and make a strong push towards the playoffs. In this article, we'll take a look back at the Detroit Lions schedule of 1998 and see how they fared against their opponents.
Before we dive into the schedule, it's important to understand the context of the 1998 season. The Lions were coming off of a disappointing 5-11 season in 1997, and there was a sense of urgency to turn things around. Head coach Bobby Ross was in his second year with the team and was tasked with getting the Lions back on track. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Lions were poised for a breakout season.
The Early Season
The Lions started the season off with a bang, winning their first two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears. Quarterback Charlie Batch was efficient in these games, throwing for a combined 375 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Barry Sanders was also a force to be reckoned with, rushing for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.
However, the Lions hit a bit of a rough patch in the middle of the season. They lost three out of four games, including a heartbreaker against the Minnesota Vikings where they lost in overtime. Despite this, the Lions were still in the thick of things in the NFC Central division.
The Second Half of the Season
The second half of the season is where the Lions really hit their stride. They won five out of their last seven games, including a key victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. The Lions defense was particularly impressive during this stretch, holding opponents to an average of just 13 points per game.
The Lions' offense continued to hum along as well. Charlie Batch finished the season with 2,178 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, while Barry Sanders rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Herman Moore also had a standout season, catching 104 passes for 1,293 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Playoffs
Thanks to their strong finish, the Lions earned a wild card spot in the playoffs. They faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round and emerged victorious with a 20-10 win. Unfortunately, their playoff run was cut short in the second round when they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Denver Broncos.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions schedule of 1998 was one that fans still look back on fondly. It was a season that saw the team come together and make a strong push towards the playoffs. While they ultimately fell short of their ultimate goal, it was a season that gave Lions fans hope for the future.
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