Thomas Hall

Detroit Lions Historian. Author by day, super fan by night. In May 2023 published The Detroit Lions: Decades of New Beginnings.🦁

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have met twice a year since the early 1930s. A total of 193 games, and the Packers hold the series lead with a record of 108-78-7. Lions have been much more successful at home than away. At home they’re 48-44-3; away they’re 30-64-4.

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Today’s Arizona Cardinals were one of the founding members of the NFL back in 1920. They were the Chicago Cardinals (1920-59), then moved to St Louis (1960-87), and AZ (1988-). Lions and Cards have met 70 times and the Lions lead 36-28-6. Lions are 5-0-1 in the last six games.

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

The Lions have not fared well against the Carolina Panthers over the years. Their only road win was in 1999 which was the first time the teams played. Since then, Detroit has lost six straight in Charlotte. Their overall record against the Panthers is 4-8; at home they are 3-2.

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Since 1938, when the Commanders began playing in Washington, the Detroit Lions’ record against them is 11-31, for a win rate of 26%. The good news is that the Lions have fared much better since 2000, posting a 7-4 record, 6-2 at home. #DetLionsHistory #nfl #OnePride

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

What a game. That was the Lions’ biggest regular season win in years. Congrats to a great team!

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Many tears are being shed in the Detroit Lions Nation tonight. The loss to the 49ers was heartbreaking. Indoor teams are now 0-14 in NFC & AFC Conference Championship games played outdoors. #DetLionsHistory

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Despite the obstacles the Lions face against SF, I believe they can win. The old look Lions would lose this game, but the new look Lions are different. They can win outdoors on the road. Remember last season’s finale against GB? That game showed just how much grit this team has!

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

One obstacle the Lions face on Sunday is the indoor team problem. Indoor teams have trouble winning outdoors, especially in late round playoff games. In fact, no indoor team has ever won an NFC or AFC Championship Game played outdoors. The record is 0-13. #nfl #DetLionsHistory

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

The Lions’ 1983 playoff loss to SF was a watershed event in the DET/SF series. Prior to 1983, the Lions led 25-21-1. Since then, the Lions’ record against SF has been 3-18. #DetLionsHistory

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Sunday’s contest between the Lions and 49ers will be their 3rd playoff meeting. Lions defeated SF in 1957 on the way to their last NFL Championship. In 1983, SF won 24-23 when Detroit’s placekicker Eddie Murray famously missed wide right with seconds left in the game.

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

The Lions did it! What a great day! The last time they won 2 postseason games was 1957, the year of their last Championship. Incidentally, their first playoff game that season was a 31-27 win over the 49ers in San Francisco. #DetLionsHistory #nfl

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Lions/Bucs series has been close to even over the years. Lions lead 32-29. Lions defeated Bucs in Tampa back in October, 20-6. This will be 2nd playoff game between the teams. In 1997, Lions lost wild card game in Tampa, 10-20. #DetLionsHistory #nfl

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

They did it! Lions win! A great day for Lions fans everywhere.
#DetLionsHistory

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Detroit Lions’ playoff record since their last Championship in 1957 is 1-12. However, only 2 of those games were at home: the 1991 victory over Dallas and the 1993 loss to GB. Lions 1-1 at home, 0-11 on road. Let’s raise that home record to 2-1. #DetLionsHistory #nfl

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Lions and Rams have met 87 times and Rams lead 45-41-1. The lone playoff game was in 1952 which the Lions won 31-21. The victory sent the Lions to the NFL Championship Game where they defeated the Browns to win their first of three NFL titles during the 1950s. #DetLionsHistory

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Lions and Cowboys have met 30 times since 1960. Dallas leads 18-12-0 and has won the last 5. Lions’ greatest moment ever against Cowboys was the 38-6 victory in the divisional playoff game at the end of the 1991 season. Go Lions! This a a huge game. #DetLionsHistory #OnePride

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

What a fabulous day! Lions win their 4th division title since 1967, and will host a playoff game. A great way to celebrate the holiday season! #DetLionsHistory #OnePride #NFL

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Minnesota Vikings have given the Detroit Lions fits for decades. The teams have met 123 times, and the Lions are 41-80-2 for a win rate of 34%. Last year, the Vikings’ come-from-behind victory in MN cost the Lions a trip to the playoffs. Hoping for better in 2023! #onepride #nfl

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Another Lions/Broncos note: in 1967 they played a preseason game in Denver which was the first ever meeting between NFL & AFL opponents. Lions’ Hall of Famer Alex Karras said he’d walk home if the Lions lost. Lions did lose, 13-7. Karras took the team flight back to Detroit.

[Thomas Hall @DETLionsHistory]

Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos have met 14 times since 1971. Broncos lead series 9-5-0 and have won the last 3. The two teams met in the Lions’ final outdoor home game on Thanksgiving Day, 1974 at Tiger Stadium (Lions lost 27-31). #OnePride #DetLionsHistory #nfl