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2001 Detroit Lions season

NFL team season

Field	Value
team	Detroit Lions
year	2001
record	2–14
division_place	5th NFC Central
coach	Marty Mornhinweg
off_coach	Maurice Carthon
def_coach	Vince Tobin
general manager	Matt Millen
owner	William Clay Ford Sr.
stadium	Pontiac Silverdome
playoffs	Did not qualify
uniform	NFC-Throwback-Uniform-DET.PNG
pro_bowlers	DE Robert Porcher
AP All-pros	None
shortnavlink	Lions seasons

| AP All-pros = None The 2001 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 72nd season in the National Football League (NFL). Marty Mornhinweg was named the 21st head coach in franchise history on January 21, 2001, after owner William Clay Ford Sr. controversially fired 2000 interim coach Gary Moeller.

The season began with much optimism, with the Lions hoping to improve on their 9–7 record from 2000; however, the Lions were extremely disappointing and had the worst start to an NFL season since the 1986 Indianapolis Colts began 0–13. They were widely believed to be likely to suffer the NFL’s first 0–16 season before they defeated the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to that, they had lost an NFL record nine consecutive games by eight points or less.

Seven seasons later, the Lions went 0–16 after a week 17 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

This was the final season that the Lions played at the Pontiac Silverdome before moving to Ford Field the following season, as well as the final season for the NFC Central Division, which would dissolve following the NFL's realignment in 2002, although all NFC Central teams except the Tampa Bay Buccaneers formed the new NFC North Division.

The Lions closed the Silverdome by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 15–10 in the regular season finale. Coincidentally, the Cowboys defeated the Lions 36–10 in the first regular season game at the Silverdome (then known as Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium) in 1975.

This would also be the first season under new general manager Matt Millen, as he would be the team's general manager for the next six seasons and first 3 games of the 2008 season. This would start a stage of futility for the Lions, as they would fail to post a winning record with Millen as general manager.

Offseason

Additions		Subtractions
QB Ty Detmer (Browns)
G Matt Joyce (Cardinals)
TE Pete Mitchell (Giants)
G Brendan Stai (Jaguars)
CB Todd Lyght (Rams)
CB Robert Bailey (Ravens)

NFL draft

Main article: 2001 NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

Player	Position	College
Neo Aoga	Quarterback	Azusa Pacific
Brad Bohn	Kicker	Utah State
Matt Childers	Defensive end	USC
Eugene Clinton	Safety	Mississippi State
Keith Cottrell	Punter	Florida State
Will Cuthbert	Tackle	Alabama
Versie Gaddis	Wide receiver	Indiana
Dennis Gibbs	Cornerback	Idaho
Toby Golliday	Defensive tackle	Mississippi State
Anthony Herron	Defensive end	Iowa
Chidi Iwuoma	Cornerback	California
Khary Jackson	Tight end	Oklahoma State
Ligarius Jennings	Cornerback	Tennessee State
Sly Johnson	Wide receiver	Miami (OH)
Loran Kaiser	Defensive tackle	Nebraska
Dustin Kroeker	Tackle	Cal Poly
Josh Lovelady	Guard	Houston
Donald Malloy	Safety	New Mexico State
Rich Mazza	Guard	Rutgers
Andre Offing	Linebacker	East Carolina
Jonathan Ordway	Cornerback	Boston College
Darnell Robinson	Linebacker	Oregon State
Wayne Rogers	Linebacker	Houston
Stephen Trejo	Fullback	Arizona State
Eric Wilson	Defensive tackle	Michigan

Staff

Owner and chairman – William Clay Ford Sr.
Vice chairman – William Clay Ford Jr.
President and chief executive officer – Matt Millen
Vice president of stadium development and salary cap – Tom Lewand
Senior director of football administration/staff counsel – Martin Mayhew
Executive director of player personnel – Bill Tobin
Director of pro personnel – Sheldon White
Director of college scouting – Russ Bolinger
Assistant director of pro personnel – Charlie Sanders
Head coach – Marty Mornhinweg
Offensive coordinator/running backs – Maurice Carthon
Quarterbacks – Kevin Higgins
Wide receivers – Larry Kirksey
Tight ends – Sean Kugler
Offensive line – Carl Mauck
Offensive assistant/quality control – Mike McHugh
Defensive coordinator – Vince Tobin
Defensive line – Bill Young
Assistant defensive line/pass rush specialist – Charles Haley
Linebackers – Glenn Pires
Defensive backs – Richard Selcer
Defensive assistant/quality control – Don Clemons
Special teams – Chuck Priefer
Strength and conditioning – Jason Arapoff
Assistant strength and conditioning – Malcolm Blacken

Roster

James Stewart

Regular season

Schedule

Detroit Lions	year=2001	border=2}}"	Week	Detroit Lions	year=2001
September 9	at [Green Bay Packers](2001-green-bay-packers-season)	L 6–28	0–1	Lambeau Field	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109090gnb.htm)
September 23	at [Cleveland Browns](2001-cleveland-browns-season)	L 14–24	0–2	Cleveland Browns Stadium	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200109230cle.htm)
	[St. Louis Rams](2001-st-louis-rams-season)	L 0–35	0–3	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110080det.htm)
October 14	at [Minnesota Vikings](2001-minnesota-vikings-season)	L 26–31	0–4	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110140min.htm)
October 21	[Tennessee Titans](2001-tennessee-titans-season)	L 24–27	0–5	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110210det.htm)
October 28	[Cincinnati Bengals](2001-cincinnati-bengals-season)	L 27–31	0–6	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200110280det.htm)
November 4	at [San Francisco 49ers](2001-san-francisco-49ers-season)	L 13–21	0–7	3Com Park	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sfo.htm)
November 11	[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](2001-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)	L 17–20	0–8	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111110det.htm)
November 18	at [Arizona Cardinals](2001-arizona-cardinals-season)	L 38–45	0–9	Sun Devil Stadium	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111180crd.htm)
November 22	[Green Bay Packers](2001-green-bay-packers-season)	L 27–29	0–10	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111220det.htm)
December 2	at [Chicago Bears](2001-chicago-bears-season)	L 10–13	0–11	Soldier Field	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112020chi.htm)
December 9	at [Tampa Bay Buccaneers](2001-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)	L 12–15	0–12	Raymond James Stadium	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112090tam.htm)
December 16	[Minnesota Vikings](2001-minnesota-vikings-season)	W 27–24	1–12	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112160det.htm)
December 23	at [Pittsburgh Steelers](2001-pittsburgh-steelers-season)	L 14–47	1–13	Heinz Field	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112230pit.htm)
December 30	[Chicago Bears](2001-chicago-bears-season)	L 0–24	1–14	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112300det.htm)
January 6	[Dallas Cowboys](2001-dallas-cowboys-season)	W 15–10	2–14	Pontiac Silverdome	[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201060det.htm)
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

GB – Ahman Green 31-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 12:27. ''Packers 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:36.'''''
GB – Bill Schroeder 23-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 6:08. ''Packers 14–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:46.'''''
GB – Ahman Green 83-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:29. ''Packers 21–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 83 yards, 0:14.'''''
DET – Jason Hanson 49-yard field goal, 2:12. ''Packers 21–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:17.''''' Second quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 39-yard field goal, 4:06. ''Packers 21–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 4:49.''''' Third quarter
GB – Bubba Franks 1-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:54. ''Packers 28–6. '''Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:47.''''' Fourth quarter
No scoring plays Top passers
DET – Charlie Batch – 20/39, 276 yards, 2 INT
GB – Brett Favre – 22/28, 260 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 13 rushes, 39 yards
GB – Ahman Green – 17 rushes, 157 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
DET – Johnnie Morton – 5 receptions, 111 yards
GB – Bill Schroeder – 4 receptions, 104 yards, TD

Week 2: at Cleveland Browns

First quarter

CLE – Kevin Johnson 4-yard pass from Tim Couch (Phil Dawson kick), 8:55. ''Browns 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 2:50.''''' Second quarter
CLE – Shaun O'Hara 2-yard pass from Tim Couch (Phil Dawson kick), 13:21. ''Browns 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 3:36.''''' Third quarter
CLE – Phil Dawson 33-yard field goal, 11:36. ''Browns 17–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:49.'''''
DET – Terry Fair 26-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 7:26. Browns 17–7.
CLE – Quincy Morgan 34-yard pass from Tim Couch (Phil Dawson kick), 4:25. ''Browns 24–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 34 yards, 0:07.''''' Fourth quarter
DET – Johnnie Morton 14-yard pass from Ty Detmer (Jason Hanson kick), 11:25. ''Browns 24–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:13.''''' Top passers
DET – Ty Detmer – 22/42, 212 yards, TD, 7 INT
CLE – Tim Couch – 12/20, 138 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 17 rushes, 71 yards
CLE – James Jackson – 31 rushes, 124 yards Top receivers
DET – Johnnie Morton – 6 receptions, 100 yards, TD
CLE – Quincy Morgan – 2 receptions, 38 yards, TD Quarterback Ty Detmer made his first start for the Lions, ending the game with seven interceptions. Despite this, the Lions' defense kept the game somewhat close, picking off Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch twice, including a 26-yard pick six by cornerback Terry Fair.

Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams

First quarter

STL – Az-Zahir Hakim 15-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:30. ''Rams 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35.''''' Second quarter
STL – Torry Holt 36-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 13:31. ''Rams 14–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 1:57.'''''
STL – Dré Bly 93-yard interception return (Jeff Wilkins kick), 3:04. Rams 21–0. Third quarter
No scoring plays Fourth quarter
STL – Ernie Conwell 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:14. ''Rams 28–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:53.'''''
STL – Marshall Faulk 7-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 4:32. ''Rams 35–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:54.''''' Top passers
STL – Kurt Warner – 29/37, 291 yards, 3 TD
DET – Ty Detmer – 15/18, 149 yards, INT Top rushers
STL – Marshall Faulk – 14 rushes, 71 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 13 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers
STL – Marshall Faulk – 9 receptions, 80 yards
DET – Germane Crowell – 5 receptions, 65 yards

Week 11: vs Green Bay Packers

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

;Top passers

GB – Brett Favre – 18/26, 252 yards, 2 TD
DET – Charlie Batch – 8/19, 118 yards, INT ;Top rushers
GB – Ahman Green – 22 rushes, 102 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 14 rushes, 102 yards ;Top receivers
GB – Antonio Freeman – 6 receptions, 89 yards, TD
DET – Johnnie Morton – 4 receptions, 67 yards

Week 14: vs Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

DET – Todd Lyght 59-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 6:18. Lions 7–0.
MIN – Tyrone Carter 46-yard fumble return (Gary Anderson kick), 2:11. Tied 7–7.
DET – Mike McMahon 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 0:55. ''Lions 14–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:16.''''' Second quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 9:06. ''Lions 17–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:30.'''''
DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Lions 20–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:48.''''' Third quarter
MIN – Gary Anderson 27-yard field goal, 12:23. ''Lions 20–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 2:37.'''''
MIN – Randy Moss 66-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 7:12. ''Lions 20–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 2:42.'''''
MIN – Randy Moss 13-yard pass from Todd Bouman (Gary Anderson kick), 1:51. ''Vikings 24–20. '''Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:39.''''' Fourth quarter
DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 10:36. ''Lions 27–24. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:15.''''' Top passers
MIN – Todd Bouman – 18/38, 243 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
DET – Mike McMahon – 15/28, 241 yards Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 10 rushes, 40 yards
DET – James "Little Man" Stewart – 20 rushes, 91 yards Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 7 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD
DET – Johnnie Morton – 4 receptions, 74 yards

Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

;Top passers

DET – Mike McMahon – 12/28, 118 yards, 2 TD, INT
PIT – Kordell Stewart – 17/26, 226 yards, 3 TD ;Top rushers
DET – Lamont Warren – 9 rushes, 48 yards
PIT – Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala – 26 rushes, 126 yards ;Top receivers
DET – Bert Emanuel – 3 receptions, 35 yards
PIT – Hines Ward – 7 receptions, 67 yards, TD

Week 17: vs Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

;Top passers

DAL – Quincy Carter – 11/26, 158 yards, INT
DET – Ty Detmer – 24/40, 242 yards, 2 TD ;Top rushers
DAL – Emmitt Smith – 18 rushes, 77 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 13 rushes, 69 yards ;Top receivers
DAL – Joey Galloway – 3 receptions, 58 yards
DET – Johnnie Morton – 8 receptions, 86 yards, TD

Standings

Notes

References

NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, {{ISBN. 0-7611-2480-2, p.117
"[https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/sports/nfl-roundup-mornhinweg-hired-to-coach-the-lions.html Mornhinweg Hired To Coach the Lions]." New York Times, January 25, 2001. Retrieved on July 14, 2009.
“Infamy Awaits the Lions” in ''[[The Free Lance Star]]'', Sunday December 16, 2001; p. C11
"Bloomberg Politics - Bloomberg".
"2001 Detroit Lions Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
"2001 Detroit Lions Media Guide".
"2001 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players".

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