Every Thanksgiving, since the tradition began in 1934, the Detroit Lions have taken to the field, making their game against the Green Bay Packers an integral part of the American holiday. However, their recent record on this hallowed ground leaves much to be desired. Let's delve into the Detroit Lions' last ten Thanksgiving games, a stretch that began with a resounding victory and ended with a conspicuous skid.
Spanning from 2011 to 2020, this decade-long journey has seen highs and lows, with the Lions managing to sting their rivals and delight their fans only three times. But before we dive into the game-by-game analysis, let's set the stage with some key statistics.
Lions' Thanksgiving Record: 2011-2020
The Lions have played 10 games on Thanksgiving during this period, with a winning percentage of just 30%. They've scored an average of 23.2 points per game and conceded an average of 26.8 points. Their passing offense has been more prolific than their rushing game, with an average net yards per pass attempt of 7.7 compared to 4.0 per rushing attempt.
Now, let's explore the ebb and flow of the last decade's Thanksgiving games, starting with the 2011 season.
2011: The Last Super Bowl Hope
The Lions entered the 2011 season with high expectations, riding the wave of a promising 2010 campaign. Their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Packers, however, ended in a disappointing 27-15 loss. Despite mustering 409 total yards, Detroit's offense couldn't convert their opportunities into touchdowns, settling for fields goals instead.
The game marked the beginning of a four-game skid against Green Bay that would extend into the following year, casting a shadow over the Lions' season and dampening their Super Bowl aspirations.
2012: The Thanks-for-Nothing Game
The 2012 Thanksgiving Day game was a forgettable affair for Lions fans. Despite taking an early 14-0 lead, Detroit fell apart, losing 27-15 to their divisional rivals. The game encapsulated the Lions' inconsistency and inability to close out games, a theme that would become all too familiar in the coming years.
This marked the end of Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson's dominant era, as the duo would never again form the same dynamic duo they once were, leading to their eventual departure from the team.
2013-2020: A Decade of Disappointment
The remainder of the decade was a tumultuous ride for Detroit fans, with the Lions struggling to replicate the success of their mid-2010s peak. The Thanksgiving games of this era were no different, with the Lions managing just one win in eight attempts.
2018: A Rare Thanksgiving Treat
After eight years of Thanksgiving Day frustration, the Lions finally found success against the Bears in 2018. Led by Matthew Stafford, who threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, Detroit overcame a slow start to win 23-16. The victory was a welcome respite for fans, but it was not enough to salvage a dismal season.
The game also marked the end of Jim Caldwell's tenure as head coach, as the Lions failed to build on the promise that the 2016 campaign had held, culminating in a 3-12-1 record in 2018.
2019 and 2020: The continuity question
The Lions' Thanksgiving games in 2019 and 2020 provided slim pickings for their fans. Both years saw the Lions enter the game with interim head coaches after the first-year tenures of Jim Bob Cooter and Patricia ended poorly. The games resulted in losses by margins of 20 and 34 points, respectively.
Under new head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions will be looking to change their Thanksgiving fortunes in 2021. The new regime will face an uphill battle, as the Packers show no signs of slowing down, but the opportunity to create a new legacy on Thanksgiving Day is there for the taking.
Looking Ahead: A New Hope?
The Lions' recent Thanksgiving Day record is nothing short of dismal, with just three wins in ten years. But with a new head coach and optimism in the air, the future looks brighter than it has in years. As the Lions ready themselves for another Thanksgiving tilt against the Packers, fans will be eagerly hoping for a repeat of the rare victory of 2018, and perhaps even the start of a new Turkey Day tradition.