The Detroit Lions have always been an integral part of American football history. The team has had its fair share of ups and downs, but one season that will always be remembered by football enthusiasts is the 1979 Detroit Lions roster. This team was a force to be reckoned with and its players left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we will take a closer look at this legendary roster and explore the players who made it one of the greatest in NFL history.
The Beginning of the Season
The 1979 season started off on a high note for the Detroit Lions. The team won its first two games against the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers, respectively. The Lions’ offense was led by quarterback Gary Danielson, who threw for over 2,800 yards that season. The team’s defense was equally impressive, led by defensive tackle Doug English and linebacker Ed O’Neil. The Lions were looking strong and the fans were full of optimism.
Offensive Prowess
The Lions’ offense was a force to be reckoned with in 1979. The team had a number of talented players, including running back Billy Sims, who was a rookie that season. Sims rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Rookie of the Year award. Wide receiver Freddie Scott was another standout player, catching 53 passes for over 1,000 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns. The Lions’ offensive line was also a critical component of the team’s success that season. Players like center Amos Fowler and tackle Keith Dorney provided excellent protection for Danielson and opened up running lanes for Sims.
Defensive Dominance
The Lions’ defense was equally impressive in 1979. The team allowed just 272 points that season, which was the fewest in the NFC. Defensive tackle Doug English was a standout player, recording 11 sacks and earning a spot on the Pro Bowl team. Linebacker Ed O’Neil was also a key player on defense, recording 130 tackles and earning All-Pro honors. The Lions’ secondary was strong as well, with players like safety James Hunter and cornerback James Hunter providing excellent coverage.
The Middle of the Season
The Lions continued their winning ways throughout the middle of the 1979 season. The team won five of its next six games, including a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions’ offense continued to dominate, with Sims rushing for over 100 yards in four of those six games. The defense was equally impressive, allowing just 13 points to the Chicago Bears in one game and shutting out the Baltimore Colts in another.
Team Chemistry
One of the keys to the Lions’ success in 1979 was their team chemistry. The players on the roster were a tight-knit group who genuinely enjoyed playing together. Head coach Monte Clark fostered this chemistry by emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie. The players were committed to each other and to winning, which helped them to overcome any obstacles they faced throughout the season.
The End of the Season
The Lions’ winning ways continued through the end of the 1979 season. The team won its last two games against the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers, respectively, to finish the season with a 2-game lead in the NFC Central division. The Lions’ offense and defense continued to dominate, with Sims rushing for over 100 yards in both of those games and the defense allowing just 17 points total. The team was riding high heading into the playoffs.
The Playoffs
The Lions’ success in the regular season earned them a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the divisional round, the team faced the Philadelphia Eagles. The game was a hard-fought battle, but the Lions ultimately came out on top, winning 38-27. Sims had another standout game, rushing for 143 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns. The Lions’ defense was also impressive, intercepting Eagles’ quarterback Ron Jaworski twice.
The Conclusion
The 1979 Detroit Lions roster will always be remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history. This team was a force to be reckoned with on both offense and defense, and its players left an indelible mark on the sport. The team’s chemistry and commitment to each other were critical components of its success. Although the Lions ultimately fell short in the NFC Championship game that year, the 1979 season will always be remembered as a special one for the team and its fans.
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