It seems as if every NFL expert is hopping onto the Detroit Lions bandwagon. Following a 9-8 record last year, and an exciting style of play under firebrand coach Dan Campbell, the Lions are the “sleeper” team everyone seems to love.
But the games still have to be played, and nothing is guaranteed. Still, following what appears to be a banner haul at this year’s NFL Draft, the Lions seem to be poised to growl their way to many victories when the pro football season begins this fall.
Could the Lions long (and we mean looooong) playoff win drought end next season?
The Lions' last playoff victory came in 1992, more than 30 years ago. Many Lions fans weren’t even born the last time this franchise won in the postseason.
The ‘92 triumph highlighted the Lions' ability to rise to the occasion. It had an enduring impact on the franchise and its loyal fanbase. But, enough is enough…let’s win a NFL playoff game, am I right, Detroit fans?
The Playoff Drought
Do you want droughts? Detroit sports betting fans know about droughts.
Before their last playoff victory in 1992, the Detroit Lions endured a prolonged period of postseason futility, stretching back to 1957. For over three decades, the team and its fans longed for a taste of playoff success, enduring years of disappointment and near-misses. The 1991 season presented an opportunity to rewrite history, and the Lions seized it with vigor.
Wild Card Matchup vs. Cowboys
On January 5, 1992, the Detroit Lions faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card game. The game took place at the Pontiac Silverdome, the Lions' home turf. Led by head coach Wayne Fontes, the Lions had a talented roster that included notable players like running back Barry Sanders, quarterback Erik Kramer, and wide receiver Herman Moore.
The game started with a flurry of action as both teams exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter. However, the turning point came in the second quarter when Lions cornerback Melvin Jenkins intercepted a pass from Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, returning it for a touchdown. This play swung the momentum firmly in Detroit's favor, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for a historic victory to end a 35-year drought without a postseason win.
Several Lions players delivered standout performances that day. Sanders, known for his elusive running style, showcased his brilliance with explosive runs and crucial first downs. Quarterback Kramer demonstrated poise and accuracy, connecting with his receivers, including Moore, who made several pivotal catches. On the defensive side, Jenkins' interception and touchdown proved to be a game-changer, while the defensive line relentlessly pressured Troy Aikman, disrupting the Cowboys' passing game.
Lions Defence kept Cowbows away
As the game progressed, the Lions' defense continued to stifle the Cowboys' offense, limiting their scoring opportunities. The offense maintained their composure and effectively managed the clock, ensuring the victory was within their grasp. The final score read 38-6 in favor of the Detroit Lions, sealing their first playoff win in over three decades and propelling them into the divisional round.
It was more than just a win, it was an emphatic statement over Dallas. Many Lions fans felt that 1992 would be the year the team would finally get to the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately the Redskins dominated and defeated the Lions, 41-10, in a game Washington never trailed. It remains the closest Detroit has ever come to going to the big game.
Now, the franchise has spent nearly as long between playoff wins as they had in 1992. But, the current team feels like the group that could break that spell.
The Lions' last playoff victory left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fanbase. It was a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that the team had the potential to compete at the highest level. While the Lions have yet to replicate that success in subsequent postseason appearances, the memory of that victory serves as a reminder that history can be rewritten, and the team has the ability to overcome adversity.
Michael McKean is an experienced writer with a portfolio that includes work on the subjects of sport, gambling, travel and finance. With a background rooted in journalism, Michael first ventured into the professional writing world based in Switzerland, where he wrote for a number of language and travel sites and magazines before moving into the world of sports writing and gambling sites.
As an avid soccer fan, who follows everything from the Scottish lower leagues to the European elites, he has earned himself a solid reputation as a reliable football betting tipster and predictor. Outside of work, Michael has always gotten involved with grassroutes football everywhere he has worked and lived - UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil - and still isn’t shy when it comes to pulling the boots on himself. As well as soccer, he has also developed a love of North American sports, particularly ice hockey - a love which began in Switzerland and saw him venture across the pond to follow the NHL. Moving away from dry land, he’s also a keen longboard surfer and is happiest when writing with a view of the ocean.
