The Detroit Lions lost to the Green Bay Packers today, earning a place in history as the first 0-16 team ever.
For Detroit, it was both an embarrassing conclusion to the season and a fitting end of an era; in the eight years since Matt Millen took over the Lions' front office, they've been the worst team in the NFL. Millen is gone, but not forgotten.
For the most part, the loss to the Packers was typical of these Lions: Wide receiver Calvin Johnson played well, and the team had its chances, but at the end of the day Detroit just wasn't good enough to win.
Lions coach Rod Marinelli will probably be fired in the coming days, joining Millen in the NFL unemployment line. But Lions owner William Clay Ford has said he doesn't believe the team needs to make big changes in its front office. So while the Lions will probably win a game -- maybe even two! -- next season, Detroit can expect more futility in 2009.
Even if they do turn things around, though, 2008 will live in infamy.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
12-28-2008 @ 4:31PM
becarefulangel said...
First. :)
Anyway, the Lions should take this as a lesson and give their team a full revamp if they ever want to be successful.
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12-28-2008 @ 7:16PM
alan said...
Dude they suck. plain and simple. The end. They should be called the Detroit Losers next year. plain and simple. The end
12-28-2008 @ 4:54PM
Ron C. said...
The Lions will be lousy until the team ownership changes. As long as the Ford family is in charge, the team will continue it's disgraceful performance. Any team ownership that's so bad as to drive Barry Sanders into premature retirement should be disenfranchised!
12-28-2008 @ 4:40PM
Skippy said...
Send a blank contract to Scott Pioli and tell him to fill in his salary.
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12-28-2008 @ 4:55PM
JoefromDeroit said...
Why would William Clay Ford want to spend money on premium players. He has been getting by for years with having below par teams. He get's a top draft (from losing the previous year) and maybe a new coach, just enough to tease the loyal Lion fan's and with only one team from our state he makes money. I think being in business as long as he has, he can read a profit and lost statement better than most. I feel bad for the few on the team who have talent and played hard. GO LION'S
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12-28-2008 @ 5:07PM
Fishn' said...
The Lions are in worse shape than a first year expansion team. What has happened to Detroit should be the subject of a Congressional investigation.
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12-28-2008 @ 9:04PM
FRANKIE said...
WOW.........................................
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12-28-2008 @ 5:39PM
Ramjet said...
I con't believe no one has blamed the Bush administration for the Lions' woes!
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12-29-2008 @ 2:42AM
dave said...
Awesome post Ramjet. So true.......
12-28-2008 @ 5:42PM
Bob said...
Hey, I got mine already - The sweat shirt, I mean.
LIONS 2008
PERFECT SEASON!
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12-28-2008 @ 5:40PM
PAUL said...
A REAL LOSER, JUST LIKE THE CITY OF DETROIT, THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER, AND THE LIONS ARE IN THE RIGHT CITY, A PERFECT MATCH.
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12-28-2008 @ 6:45PM
He who rules all said...
Paul licks balls.
12-28-2008 @ 5:42PM
Dboy said...
As an animal lover, I am offended by Detroit because they are named the Lions. They just lied down and died all sixteen games. Loins are supposed to be the kings of the jungle. Someone please notify the World Wildlife Federation and or Greenpeace to get Detroit to change their team name.
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12-28-2008 @ 5:48PM
PAUL said...
IF YOU GOT YOUR SWEATSHIRT, I WANT ONE ALSO. I REALLY THINK THAT YOU ARE ON TO SOMETHING. AT LEAST THIS WILL BE A REAL WINNER.
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12-28-2008 @ 9:10PM
Road said...
The Lions can turn around. Look at the Falcons. Few teams could be as low as they were last December. They jumped to 11 wins this season and are in the Wild Card. The Lions can do the same with the right coach.
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12-28-2008 @ 5:59PM
Jim said...
Unless the Ford family sells the franchise, changing coaches and office staff is just like changing the crew on the Titanic.
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12-28-2008 @ 6:09PM
Tony said...
Just sad! They never draft a quarter back maybe this year they will. Can't blame the coach he was thrown into the fire
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12-28-2008 @ 6:50PM
Kirk said...
Having recently moved from MICHIGAN last Feb. to Va.. for a "JOB"..something that is very SCARCE in Michigan. Im glad that this state has ZERO professional sports teams. I do miss my DETROIT RED WINGS THOUGH...
Matt Millen...GONE!! ,Marinelli....OUT!! ..Now just get ride of the Bitch with a capitol "C" named Granholm and the state might be worth living in again...
OH!! Almost forgot....KILLPATRICK...hahaha..hope hes made a lot of nice new friends where he is.....
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12-29-2008 @ 6:45AM
wally said...
too many problems on the lions to blame one or two persons .....could be that the ownership needs to commit to winning and spend the money necessary to get the best possible coaching staff in place ......good place to start
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12-28-2008 @ 6:48PM
Jon said...
For you Ramjet........it's Bush's fault...LOL
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