2004 Detroit Lions season

Offseason

Coaching changes

After a bottom tier defensive performance the season prior, the Lions fired defensive coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer and hired former Chicago Bears head coach Dick Jauron as their new defensive coordinator. Also from Chicago, the Lions brought in Larry Brooks as their defensive line coach.

Free agency

Early in March, the Lions released running back James Stewart, former first-round pick defensive tackle Luther Elliss, wide receiver Bill Schroeder, and veteran cornerback Corey Harris. Detroit released more players prior to the regular season, including tight end Mikhael Ricks, wide receiver David Kircus, running back Avon Cobourne, and fullback Stephen Trejo.

The Lions re-signed defensive end James Hall and restructured franchise all-time sack leader Robert Porcher's despite the latter contemplating retirement. They also resigned running back Shawn Bryson, offensive guard David Loverne, quarterback Mike McMahon, wide receiver and return man Reggie Swinton, wide receiver Scotty Anderson, and linebacker Donté Curry. The Lions also re-signed kicker and franchise all-time leading scorer Jason Hanson to a four-year deal.

The Lions signed offensive lineman Damien Woody, cornerback Fernando Bryant, and quarterback Rick Mirer. Late into the season, the lions also signed offensive lineman Sean Bubin from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.

Draft

Detroit drafted two players in the first round: wide receiver Roy Williams and running back Kevin Jones. Williams would record 3,884 receiving yards and 29 receiving touchdowns before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. Jones would record 3,067 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns in his four seasons with the Lions. Detroit's second round selection, Teddy Lehman, spent four seasons with the Lions and recorded 2 interceptions, 148 combined tackles, and a sack. Their third round selection, Keith Smith, spent five seasons with Detroit, recording 4 interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 159 combined tackles. Linebacker Alex Lewis, their fifth round pick, spent his entire five year career with the Lions, recording one interception, two sacks, and 177 combined tackles. Sixth-round pick offensive tackle Kelly Butler played only 16 games, all in 2005.{{NFL team draft start

Personnel

Staff

• Owner and chairman – William Clay Ford Sr.

• Vice chairman – William Clay Ford Jr.

• President and chief executive officer – Matt Millen

• Executive vice president and chief operating officer – Tom Lewand

• Senior vice president of football administration/legal affairs – Martin Mayhew

• Director of pro personnel – Sheldon White

• Director of college scouting – Scott McEwen

• Assistant director of pro personnel – Charlie Sanders

• College scouting coordinator – Russ Bolinger

• Head coach – Steve Mariucci

• Assistant to the head coach – Kevin Lartigue

• Offensive coordinator – Sherman Lewis

• Quarterbacks – Greg Olson

• Running backs – Tom Rathman

• Wide receivers – Kevin Higgins

• Tight ends – Andy Sugarman

• Offensive line – Pat Morris

• Assistant offensive line/tight ends – Sean Kugler

• Defensive coordinator – Dick Jauron

• Defensive line – Larry Brooks

• Linebackers – Richard Smith

• Defensive backs – George Catavolos

• Defensive assistant – Johnny Holland

• Defensive assistant – Don Clemons

• Special teams coordinator – Chuck Priefer

• Assistant special teams – Stan Kwan

• Strength and conditioning – Jason Arapoff

• Strength and conditioning – Malcolm Blacken

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Mondray Gee

Final roster

Preseason

Detroit started their preseason by hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Lions forced a fumble and scored on a Harrington pass to FitzSimmons to take an early 7–0 lead. The Steelers failed to get on the board when a Jeff Reed 54-yard field goal attempt came up short. After a Lions punt, the Steelers scored on a Ben Roethlisberger pass to Antwaan Randle El to tie the game. Detroit responded with a Hanson 46-yard field goal to go halftime up 10–7. They extended their lead early in the third with a Olandis Gary 1-yard touchdown. The Steelers responded with a 26-yard touchdown pass before Detroit extended their lead once again with a Chris Snyder 50-yard field goal and an Avon Cobourne 7-yard touchdown to go up 27–14. The Steelers responded with a 22-yard rushing touchdown, but wouldn't be able to score again as the Lions won 27–21. For their second preseason game, the Lions traveled to face the Cleveland Browns. The Lions opened up the game with a Harrington 10-yard touchdown off the back of a Jeff Garcia fumble. The Browns responded with two Lee Suggs touchdown runs to go up 14–7 into halftime. The Lions looked to cut the deficit with a Chris Snyder 38-yard field goal, but he missed it wide right. But Snyder hit on a 21-yard field goal to bring the score to 14–10 heading into the fourth. A late Browns field goal and a turnover on downs solidified the 10–14 loss.

The Lions stayed in the AFC North, heading to the Baltimore Ravens for their third preseason game. Detroit opened up the scoring with a Hanson 43-yard field goal before Baltimore tied it with their own 41-yard field goal. Another Hanson field goal put the Lions up 6–3 going into halftime. The Ravens took the first play of the second half 84-yards for the score to take the 10–6 lead. Another Baltimore touchdown would hand the Lions a 6–17 loss. In their final game of the preseason, the Lions hosted the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo took up half the first quarter with a touchdown drive, which the Lions responded with a Hanson 39-yard field goal and their own long touchdown drive to go up 10–7. A Buffalo field goal responded to by a Lions field goal set the score at 13–10 heading to halftime. Buffalo took the lead on a 4-yard touchdown run. With 1:09 left in the game and set up with good field position by a 43-yard Swinton return, the Lions scored a game-winning 26-yard touchdown to win 20–17.

Regular season

Overview

The Lions started their season 4–2 before suffering a 5-game losing streak and ending their season 6–10, missing the playoffs. They suffered their fourth straight losing season and finished third in the NFC North. The offense, led by offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis, was 24th in both points and yards. The passing game, headed by three-year starter Joey Harrington, was 23rd in passing yards and 20th in passing touchdowns. Harrington passed for 3,047 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions; his 3,047 passing yards and 19 passing touchdowns would be career highs. The run game was led by rookie Kevin Jones who finished with 1,133 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, becoming just the third Lion since Billy Sims and Barry Sanders to rush for over 1,000 yards in their rookie season. The run game finished 19th in rushing yards but 30th in rushing touchdowns. The defense, led by first-year defensive coordinator and former Chicago Bears head coach Dick Jauron, finished 18th in points allowed and 22nd in yards allowed. Cornerback Dré Bly lead the team in interceptions with four, including a pick-6, while defensive end James Hall led the team in sacks with 11½ and linebacker Earl Holmes led the team in combined tackles with 111. Kicker Jason Hanson went 24/28 on field goal attempts and 28/28 on extra point attempts while punter Nick Harris averaged 40.9 yards per punt.

Detroit's second-round selection in 2003, linebacker Boss Bailey, would miss the entirety of the 2004 season after an injury in practice revealed torn cartilage. Bailey went on the active roster towards the end of the season, but was placed back on injured reserve after Bailey said the injury was "holding [him] back mentally." Wide receiver Charles Rogers, whom the Lions selected second overall in 2003, broke his collarbone during the Lions' season opener against the Chicago Bears and was lost for the season. Cornerback Dré Bly would injure his knee in the same game and wouldn't return until Week 6. Detroit also lost running back Paul Smith for the season, placing him on injured reserve. In Week 3, rookie running back Kevin Jones suffered a high-ankle sprain which sidelined him for the Week 5 game against Atlanta and lost cornerback Rod Babers for the season with a broken collarbone. On the second-half opening kickoff during the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Colts, return specialist Eddie Drummond fractured his shoulder blade, keeping him out for the rest of the season. Robert Porcher, who had forgone retirement in the offseason to return to Detroit, chose to retire after not suiting up for a single Detroit game. Porcher retired with 95½ sacks with the team, the franchise leader.

Schedule

In addition to their regular games with NFC North divisional rivals, the Lions played teams from the NFC East and AFC South according to the NFL's schedule rotation, and also played games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals, who had finished fourth in their respective divisions in 2003.

Game summaries

All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.

Week 1: at Chicago Bears

First quarter

• CHI – Thomas Jones 2-yard rush (Paul Edinger kick good), 7:38. ''Chicago 7–0 '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:25.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal, 0:16. ''Chicago 7–3 '''Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:09.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Bracy Walker 92-yard blocked field goal return (Jason Hanson kick good), 12:17. Detroit 10–7.
• DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 7:37. ''Detroit 13–7 '''Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:28.''''' Fourth quarter
• CHI – Thomas Jones 2-yard rush (Paul Edinger kick good), 12:40. ''Chicago 14–13 '''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:28.'''''
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 4-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:54. ''Detroit 20–14 '''Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:46.'''''
• CHI – Nick Harris out of bounds in endzone, 1:53. Detroit 20–16. Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 14/26, 187 yards, TD, INT
• CHI – Rex Grossman – 16/35, 227 yards, 2 INT Top receivers
• DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 69 yards
• CHI – David Terrell – 5 receptions, 126 yards Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 15 rushes, 36 yards
• CHI – Thomas Jones – 21 rushes, 67 yards, 2 TD

To begin their season, the Lions traveled to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The two teams punted on their opening drives before the Bears scored on a Thomas Jones 2-yard run. Following two punts, the Lions got a takeaway when a Rex Grossman deep-shot for Daryl Jones was intercepted by André Goodman. After four more punts, the Lions got on the board with a Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal to put the score at 7–3 Bears heading into halftime.

The Lions punted on the first drive of the second half before the Bears looked to extend their lead with a Paul Edinger 27-yard field goal. On the attempt, the ball was blocked by Shaun Rogers and recovered by Bracy Walker and returned 92-yards for the touchdown. On the first play of Chicago's responding drive, Desmond Clark's fumbled a reception from Grossman which was recovered by Donté Curry. The turnover was followed by another turnover when Harrington was intercepted by Mike Green. This was followed by yet another turnover when James Hall strip-sacked Grossman which was recovered by Rogers. The Lions finally capitalized when Hanson scored from 21-yards out to bring their lead to 13–7. Both teams punted before a long Chicago drive was capped by another Jones 2-yard touchdown run to put the Bears ahead 14–13. The Lions quickly responded with a two-minute drive, scoring when Harrington found Az-Zahir Hakim for the 4-yard touchdown. After a Bears punt, the Lions burned nearly five minutes off the clock to give the Bears the ball back with four minutes left. The Bears went three-and-out, and punted, pinning the Lions at their own 8. The Lions, unable to move the ball, chose to take a safety instead of punting out of their own endzone. The Bears returned the ball 37 yards and moved it across mid-field. Grossman moved the Bears into the redzone and down to the Lions 12, but threw an interception to Walker, sealing the 20–16 win on the road for the Lions. This win snapped a 24-game road game losing streak, an NFL record.

Week 2: vs. Houston Texans

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 6:56. ''Detroit 7–0 '''Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 5:13.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 34-yard field goal, 1:06. ''Detroit 7–3 '''Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:50.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Roy Williams 31-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 6:38. ''Detroit 14–3 '''Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 4:04.'''''
• HOU – Andre Johnson 54-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick good), 2:31. ''Detroit 14–10 '''Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 4:07.'''''
• DET – Eddie Drummond 99-yard kickoff return (Jason Hanson kick good), 2:16. Detroit 21–10. Fourth quarter
• HOU – Corey Bradford 27-yard pass from David Carr (David Carr–Jabar Gaffney pass failed), 12:20. ''Detroit 21–16 '''Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:56.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 14-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 4:41. ''Detroit 28–16 '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:39.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 23/34, 313 yards, 2 TD, INT
• DET – Joey Harrington – 18/25, 176 yards, 3 TD, INT Top receivers
• HOU – Domanick Williams – 11 receptions, 95 yards
• DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 73 yards Top rushers
• HOU – Domanick Williams – 25 rushes, 78 yards
• DET – Kevin Jones – 12 rushes, 57 yards

Detroit ended the first drive of the second half with a Harrington interception to Aaron Glenn, but got the ball right back when Domanick Williams fumbled on a pass from Carr. The Lions took that turnover 79-yards and scored on a Harrington pass to Roy Williams to go up 14–3. The Texans responded with a Carr long 54-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson. However, the Lions immediately responded when Eddie Drummond took the ensuing kickoff 99-yards for the score, putting the Lions ahead 21–10 heading into the fourth. The Texans looked to pull within three when Carr found Corey Bradford on the 27-yard touchdown pass, but the ensuing 2-point conversion failed, keeping the score at 21–16. The Lions extended their lead on a Harrington pass to Roy Williams to seal the 28–16 victory and rise to 2–0.

Week 3: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• PHI – Donovan McNabb 1-yard rush (David Akers kick good), 2:08. ''Philadelphia 7–0 '''Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 4:34.'''''
• PHI – Terrell Owens 29-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick good), 1:28. ''Philadelphia 14–0 '''Drive: 1 play, 29 yards, 0:06.''''' Second quarter
• PHI – Mike Bartrum 1-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick good), 5:59. ''Philadelphia 21–0 '''Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 7:35.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 12-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 0:20. ''Philadelphia 21–7 '''Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:07.''''' Third quarter
• PHI – David Akers 26-yard field goal, 9:41. ''Philadelphia 24–7 '''Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:19.'''''
• PHI – David Akers 47-yard field goal, 6:42. ''Philadelphia 27–7 '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:13.''''' Fourth quarter
• PHI – David Akers 39-yard field goal, 10:22. ''Philadelphia 30–7 '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:06.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 29-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Joey Harrington–Tai Streets pass failed), 8:34. ''Philadelphia 30–13 '''Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:48.''''' Top passers
• PHI – Donovan McNabb – 29/42, 356 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Joey Harrington – 21/38, 199 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• PHI – Terrell Owens – 6 receptions, 107 yards, TD
• DET – Roy Williams – 9 receptions, 135 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• PHI – Brian Westbrook – 13 rushes, 44 yards
• DET – Shawn Bryson – 5 rushes, 43 yards

The Eagles extended their lead with a David Akers 26-yard field goal and, after a Lions punt, a 47-yard field goal. After a turnover on downs, the Lions got the ball back on a fumble recovery. However, they went three-and-out, and the Eagles got another field goal, this time from 39-yards out, to go up 30–7. The Lions scored on a Harrington pass to Roy Williams to pull within 17. After another turnover on downs, the Lions sealed their 30–13 loss.

Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• ATL – Warrick Dunn 2-yard rush (Jay Feely kick good), 6:26. ''Atlanta 7–0 '''Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:21.'''''
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 39-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:20. ''Tied 7–7 '''Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 3:06.'''''
• DET – Artose Pinner 1-yard rush (Jason Hanson kick good), 1:57. ''Detroit 14–7 '''Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:10.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 0:23. ''Detroit 17–7 '''Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 3:01.''''' Fourth quarter
• ATL – Jay Feely 27-yard field goal, 11:23. ''Detroit 17–10 '''Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:00.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 16/24, 146 yards, TD
• ATL – Michael Vick – 18/29, 196 yards, INT Top receivers
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 3 receptions, 64 yards, TD
• ATL – Peerless Price – 5 receptions, 84 yards Top rushers
• DET – Artose Pinner – 23 rushes, 68 yards, TD
• ATL – Warrick Dunn – 18 rushes, 44 yards, TD

The Lions punted on the first drive of the second half before getting the ball right back when Vick was strip-sacked by James Hall. The Lions failed to capitalize, however, when Jason Hanson missed a 48-yard field goal. After a Falcons punt, the Lions looked to give the ball right back on a punt. However, return man Allen Rossum muffed the catch, turning it over to Detroit. The Lions cashed in on the turnover with a Hanson 23-yard field goal. The Falcons responded with a Jay Feely 27-yard field goal to pull within a touchdown at 17–10. The Lions punted on a three-and-out before forcing the Falcons to punt with 5:47 left in the game. Detroit drained the rest of the clock out to seal the 17–10 victory and first place in the NFC North.

Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers

First quarter

• GB – Donald Driver 7-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick good), 6:48. ''Green Bay 7–0 '''Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:13.'''''
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 28-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:47. ''Tied 7–7 '''Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 3:01.''''' Second quarter
• GB – Tony Fisher 13-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick good), 9:10. ''Green Bay 14–7 '''Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 2:52.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 4:41. ''Green Bay 14–10 '''Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 2:21.'''''
• GB – Ryan Longwell 50-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Green Bay 17–10 '''Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 1:47.''''' Third quarter
• GB – Darren Sharper 36-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick good), 10:52. Green Bay 24–10.
• GB – Najeh Davenport 13-yard rush (Ryan Longwell kick good), 3:28. ''Green Bay 31–10 '''Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:18.''''' Fourth quarter
• GB – Donald Driver 20-yard pass from Ahman Green (Ryan Longwell kick good), 10:01. ''Green Bay 38–10 '''Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 6:13.''''' Top passers
• GB – Brett Favre – 25/38, 257 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Joey Harrington – 12/23, 101 yards, TD, INT Top receivers
• GB – Donald Driver – 9 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 4 receptions, 49 yards, TD Top rushers
• GB – Ahman Green – 21 rushes, 81 yards
• DET – Joey Harrington – 4 rushes, 12 yards

The Packers punted on the opening drive of the half before an errant Harrington pass was intercepted by Darren Sharper and returned 36 yards for the touchdown. The Lions proceeded to turn it over on downs despite an Eddie Drummond 58-yard kickoff return. On the following drive, the Packers marched down the field before a 13-yard touchdown run from Najeh Davenport put the Packers up 31–10. The Lions punted before the Packers extended their lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from their running back, Ahman Green, to seal the 38–10 loss for the Lions.

Week 7: at New York Giants

First quarter

• DET – Roy Williams 18-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:25. ''Detroit 7–0 '''Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:35.'''''
• NYG – Tiki Barber 62-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Steve Christie kick good), 0:16. ''Tied 7–7 '''Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 2:22.''''' Second quarter
• NYG – Steve Christie 19-yard field goal, 7:07. ''New York 10–7 '''Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:22.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Kevin Jones 2-yard rush (Jason Hanson kick good), 9:34. ''Detroit 14–10 '''Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:51.''''' Fourth quarter
• NYG – Steve Christie 25-yard field goal, 8:18. ''Detroit 14–13 '''Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 7:50.'''''
• DET – Reggie Swinton 2-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 2:52. ''Detroit 21–13 '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:26.'''''
• DET – Artose Pinner 8-yard rush (Jason Hanson kick good), 1:46. ''Detroit 28–13 '''Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 0:25.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 18/22, 230 yards, 2 TD
• NYG – Kurt Warner – 23/34, 270 yards, TD, INT Top receivers
• DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 67 yards, TD
• NYG – Tiki Barber – 7 receptions, 102 yards, TD Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 13 rushes, 65 yards, TD
• NYG – Tiki Barber – 22 rushes, 70 yards

The Giants punted on the first drive of the second half before the Lions cashed in a touchdown from Kevin Jones to take the lead 14–10. After two punts, the Giants lurched downfield on a 14-play drive to score on a Christie 25-yard field goal to pull within 1. The Lions stretched their lead with a Harrington 2-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Swinton to go up 21–13. After Warner threw three straight incompletions to turn the ball over on downs with 2:11 left the game, Artose Pinner scored the dagger 8-yard touchdown run to seal the 28–13 victory for Detroit and a 4–2 record.

Week 8: at Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

• DET – Kevin Jones 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 11:02. ''Detroit 7–0 '''Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:58.'''''
• DAL – Jason Witten 17-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Billy Cundiff kick good), 1:07. ''Tied 7–7 '''Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:55.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Dré Bly 55-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick good), 8:18. Detroit 14–7.
• DAL – Keyshawn Johnson 26-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Billy Cundiff kick good), 1:54. ''Tied 14–14 '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:24.''''' Third quarter
• DAL – Vinny Testaverde 3-yard rush (Billy Cundiff kick good), 14:37. ''Dallas 21–14 '''Drive: 1 play, 46 yards, 0:23.''''' Fourth quarter
• DAL – Billy Cundiff 40-yard field goal, 6:59. ''Dallas 24–14 '''Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 4:42.'''''
• DET – David Kircus 50-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:29. ''Dallas 24–21 '''Drive: 3 plays, 78 yards, 1:30.'''''
• DAL – Keyshawn Johnson 38-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Billy Cundiff kick good), 1:54. ''Dallas 31–21 '''Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:35.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 19/32, 255 yards, 2 TD, INT
• DAL – Vinny Testaverde – 19/24, 235 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT Top receivers
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 4 receptions, 90 yards
• DAL – Jason Witten – 9 receptions, 84 yards, TD Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 11 rushes, 36 yards
• DAL – Eddie George – 31 rushes, 99 yards

On the first play of the second half, a flea flicker by Testaverde fell short, but a 43-yard defensive pass interference penalty from cornerback Chris Cash put the Cowboys at the Lions' 3-yard line. It took one play to score when Testaverde ran it in from 3 yards out to go up 21–14. The Lions took their responding drive into Dallas territory, but came up short and were forced to punt. A Dallas drive heading into Detroit territory was stopped short when Bly ran in front of Testaverde endzone shot, intercepting it and bringing it back 30 yards to Detroit's 28. Despite bringing it to Dallas' 34, the Lions punted. After forcing Dallas to punt, the Lions again entered Dallas territory, but a Harrington sack on fourth-and-one turned the ball back over to the Cowboys. The Cowboys extended their lead with a Billy Cundiff 40-yard field goal. The Lions quickly responded when Harrington found David Kircus on a curl route for the 50-yard touchdown pass to pull within a field goal. However, a long Testaverde pass found Johnson for the 38-yard touchdown pass. Harrington would throw an interception on the first play of the next drive to seal their 31–21 loss.

Week 9: vs. Washington Redskins

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• WAS – Ola Kimrin 24-yard field goal, 4:35. ''Washington 3–0 '''Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 6:10.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal, 0:03. ''Tied 3–3 '''Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 0:40.''''' Third quarter
• WAS – Laveranues Coles 15-yard pass from Clinton Portis (Ola Kimrin kick good), 10:25. ''Washington 10–3 '''Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 4:35.'''''
• WAS – Walt Harris 13-yard blocked punt return (Ola Kimrin kick good), 4:32. Washington 17–3. Fourth quarter
• DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 2:08. ''Washington 17–10 '''Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 2:19.''''' Top passers
• WAS – Mark Brunell – 6/17, 58 yards
• DET – Joey Harrington – 26/52, 269 yards, TD, INT Top receivers
• WAS – Laveranues Coles – 4 receptions, 46 yards, TD
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 7 receptions, 120 yards Top rushers
• WAS – Clinton Portis – 34 rushes, 147 yards
• DET – Shawn Bryson – 6 rushes, 21 yards

The Redskins marched downfield with the help of two back-to-back 21-yard Clinton Portis rushes before Portis threw a touchdown pass to Laveranues Coles to go up 10–3. Both teams punted on their next two plays, before the Lions looked to punt it away again after being stopped on 3rd and 2. However, the punt by Nick Harris was blocked by Taylor Jacobs, recovered by Walt Harris and brought back 13 yards for the touchdown. The Lions punted on their next drive before a Kimrin 51-yard field goal attempt came up short. After two more punts, the Lions looked poised to put points on the board when they moved into Washington territory. Getting down to Washingtons' 18, the Lions got backed up due to an offensive holding call. On 4th and 18 from Washingtons' 28, Harrington threw an interception to Fred Smoot, turning the ball over with 6:25 to play. After Washington failed to capitalize, the Lions moved within one score after a Harrington pass to Az-Zahir Hakim went for 33 yards which helped them score on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Cory Schlesinger. Washington couldn't seal the deal and punted with 1:36 left. Pinned inside their own 2-yard line, the Lions converted a 4th and 4 and moved down to their 43-yard line with 0:06 left. However, the last play fell short, sealing the 10–17 loss as the Lions fell to 4–4.

Week 10: at Jacksonville Jaguars

First quarter

• JAX – LaBrandon Toefield 12-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick good), 8:18. ''Jacksonville 7–0 '''Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 4:00.''''' Second quarter
• JAX – Josh Scobee 31-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Jacksonville 10–0 '''Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 3:40.''''' Third quarter
• JAX – Greg Jones 1-yard rush (Josh Scobee kick good), 5:49. ''Jacksonville 17–0 '''Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 9:11.''''' Fourth quarter
• DET – Eddie Drummond 55-yard punt return (Jason Hanson kick good), 13:07. Jacksonville 17–7.
• DET – Jason Hanson 21-yard field goal, 6:30. ''Jacksonville 17–10 '''Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:16.'''''
• DET – Eddie Drummond 83-yard punt return (Jason Hanson kick good), 0:46. Tied 17–17. Overtime
• JAX – Jimmy Smith 36-yard pass from David Garrard, 9:32. ''Jacksonville 23–17 '''Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:28.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 11/33, 121 yards, INT
• JAX – David Garrard – 19/36, 198 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• DET – Roy Williams – 2 receptions, 64 yards
• JAX – Jimmy Smith – 7 receptions, 109 yards, TD Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 81 yards
• JAX – Fred Taylor – 23 rushes, 144 yards

The Jags took the opening drive of the second half 80 yards over 15 plays to score on a Greg Jones 1-yard rush. After three punts, the Lions looked to get the ball back after a defensive stop on 3rd and 1. On the punt return, Eddie Drummond took it 55-yards for the touchdown, putting the Lions on the board. After a turnover on downs in Detroit territory, Detroit, following a big 46-yard Roy Williams reception, made it a 1-score game after a Hanson 21-yard field goal. After three punts, the Lions failed to capitalize on a drive starting at Jacksonville's 38, turning it over on downs. With 1:22 left in the game, the Jaguars couldn't get a game-sealing first down. On the punt, Eddie Drummond caught it at his own 17-yard line, returning it 83-yards for the game-tying punt return touchdown, forcing overtime tied 17–17.

Jacksonville won the overtime coin toss and took the ball starting at their own 24-yard line. The Jags converted two third downs, moving into Detroit territory with chunk plays. On 3rd and 8 from Detroit's 36, Garrard found receiver Jimmy Smith who ran it 36 yards for the game-winning touchdown, pushing the Lions below .500 at 4–5.

Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

• DET – Eddie Drummond 92-yard kickoff return (Jason Hanson kick good), 14:48. Detroit 7–0.
• MIN – Jermaine Wiggins 8-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick good), 13:18. ''Tied 7–7 '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:30.'''''
• DET – Stephen Alexander 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:53. ''Detroit 14–7 '''Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 7:25.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 3:33. ''Detroit 17–7 '''Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:27.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Onterrio Smith tackled in end zone by Cory Redding for a safety, 9:29. Detroit 19–7. Fourth quarter
• MIN – Nate Burleson 6-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Nate Burleson pass from Daunte Culpepper), 14:17. ''Detroit 19–15 '''Drive: 17 plays, 78 yards, 8:11.'''''
• MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard rush (Morten Andersen kick good), 5:27. Minnesota 22–19. Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 12/19, 91 yards, TD, INT
• MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/32, 233 yards, 2 TD, INT Top receivers
• DET – Stephen Alexander – 4 receptions, 27 yards, TD
• MIN – Kelly Campbell – 1 reception, 61 yards Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 100 yards
• MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 11 rushes, 35 yards

After a Minnesota punt, Detroit punter Nick Harris booted a punt that pinned Minnesota inside the 2-yard line. This paid off when a run by Onterrio Smith was stuffed by Cory Redding, resulting in a safety to give the Lions a 19–7 lead. The Lions punted after getting the ball, and the Vikings took 8:11 off the clock with a 17 play, 78 yard drive ending with a Culpepper pass to Nate Burleson. The two-point conversion to put the Vikings within 2 failed, putting the score at 19–15. The Lions failed to gain any traction as they punted again. The Vikings took the lead when Moe Williams punched it in for 6, giving them a 22–19 advantage. On their responding drive, the Lions punted, which was followed by a Vikings punt inside the two-minute warning. With 1:49 left in the game, Harrington threw an interception on the first play of their final drive, falling 22–19.

Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• IND – Brandon Stokley 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick good), 10:16. ''Indianapolis 7–0 '''Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 4:44.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 20-yard field goal, 7:16. ''Indianapolis 7–3 '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:00.'''''
• IND – Brandon Stokley 12-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick blocked by Shaun Rogers), 4:20. ''Indianapolis 13–3 '''Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:56.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 34-yard kick good, 0:49. ''Indianapolis 13–6 '''Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:31.''''' Second quarter
• IND – Brandon Stokley 25-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick good), 2:20. ''Indianapolis 20–6 '''Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 1:59.'''''
• IND – Marvin Harrison 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick good), 0:50. ''Indianapolis 27–6 '''Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 1:01.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 32-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Indianapolis 27–9 '''Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 0:50.''''' Third quarter
• IND – Marvin Harrison 10-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick good), 9:18. ''Indianapolis 34–9 '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:23.'''''
• IND – Marvin Harrison 5-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick good), 2:11. ''Indianapolis 41–9 '''Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:16.''''' Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays Top passers
• IND – Peyton Manning – 23/28, 236 yards, 6 TD
• DET – Joey Harrington – 14/23, 156 yards Top receivers
• IND – Marvin Harrison – 12 receptions, 127 yards, 3 TD
• DET – Stephen Alexander – 5 receptions, 58 yards Top rushers
• IND – Edgerrin James – 23 rushes, 105 yards
• DET – Kevin Jones – 12 rushes, 99 yards

The Lions were held to a three-and-out to open the second half before Manning threw his fifth touchdown pass with a second touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison. After the Lions punted, their defense held the Colts to punt. On the punt return, Reggie Swinton fumbled, turning it back over to the Colts. The Colts scored on Manning's sixth touchdown pass, and his third to Marvin Harrison. The Lions benched Harrington as the Colts pulled Manning, and the game would end with a 9–41 blowout defeat for Detroit.

Week 13: vs. Arizona Cardinals

First quarter

• ARI – Neil Rackers 42-yard field goal, 11:09. ''Arizona 3–0 '''Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:38.'''''
• DET – Tai Streets 17-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:05. ''Detroit 7–3 '''Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:16.''''' Second quarter
• ARI – Neil Rackers 33-yard field goal, 14:13. ''Detroit 7–6 '''Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:52.'''''
• DET – Kevin Jones 2-yard rush (Jason Hanson kick good), 8:13. ''Detroit 14–6 '''Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:28.'''''
• ARI – Freddie Jones 33-yard pass from John Navarre (John Navarree pass to Larry Fitzgerald failed), 3:40. ''Detroit 14–12 '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:33.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 7:32. ''Detroit 17–12 '''Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:35.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal, 3:17. ''Detroit 20–12 '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:26.''''' Fourth quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 10:00. ''Detroit 23–12 '''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:51.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 5:13. ''Detroit 26–12 '''Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 2:47.''''' Top passers
• ARI – John Navarre – 18/40, 168 yards, TD, 4 INT
• DET – Joey Harrington – 15/27, 196 yards, TD, INT Top receivers
• ARI – Anquan Boldin – 3 receptions, 54 yards, TD
• DET – Roy Williams – 4 receptions, 76 yards Top rushers
• ARI – Larry Croom – 18 rushes, 49 yards
• DET – Kevin Jones – 26 rushes, 196 yards, TD

Three punts began the second half before the Lions kicked a 45-yard field goal to go up 17–12. The Cardinals attempted to respond, but a Navarre pass was intercepted by Teddy Lehman. The Lions didn't capitalize, and punted. However, they would get the ball right back as Bly intercepted a pass from Navarre, which set them up at Arizona's 11. The Lions would kick a 22-yard field goal. On the third straight drive, Navarre was intercepted, this time by Keith Smith. The Lions would kick another field goal to go up 23–12. On the fifth play of their next drive, a Navarre pass bounced off the helmet of Kalimba Edwards and fell into the hands of James Hall. The Lions kicked a 36-yard field goal to set the final score at 26–12 and break their five-game losing streak.

Week 14: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

• DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 7:15. ''Detroit 3–0 '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:35.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Kevin Jones 24-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 14:20. ''Detroit 10–0 '''Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:12.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 0:57. ''Detroit 13–0 '''Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:18.''''' Third quarter
• GNB – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 10:36. ''Detroit 13–3 '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:24.'''''
• GNB – Donald Driver 23-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick good), 3:10. ''Detroit 13–10 '''Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 5:05.''''' Fourth quarter
• GNB – Ryan Longwell 28-yard field goal, 10:46. ''Tied 13–13 '''Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 0:59.'''''
• GNB – Ryan Longwell 23-yard field goal, 0:02. ''Green Bay 16–13 '''Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 3:25.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 5/22, 47 yards
• GNB – Brett Favre – 19/36, 188 yards, TD Top receivers
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 5 receptions, 20 yards
• GNB – Donald Driver – 4 receptions, 87 yards, TD Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 33 rushes, 156 yards, TD
• GNB – Ahman Green – 23 rushes, 76 yards In Week 14, the Lions traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers. Both teams punted on their opening possessions. On their second drive, the Lions, helped by a 27-yard defensive pass interference call, kicked a 31-yard field goal to go up 3–0. After three straight punts, the Lions got the ball on Green Bay's 48-yard line. After gaining a first down, Kevin Jones took the ball 24-yards for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10–0. After another three punts, the Lions took the ball into the two-minute warning. They brought the ball down to Green Bay's 18 to kick a 36-yard field goal, bringing the halftime score to a 13–0 shutout.

On the opening possession of the half, the Packers took their drive 9 plays and 63 yards to get on the board with a Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal. After a Detroit punt, the Packers looked to score on a 79-yard pass from Brett Favre to Ahman Green, but an offensive holding penalty brought it back. They would eventually score on a Favre pass to Donald Driver to pull within 3. Another three punts set the Packers up at their own 46. They would take 59 seconds to convert on a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 13 apiece. The Lions had two possessions to score, but they punted on both, including a punt with 3:33 left. The Packers would drain 3:25 off the clock on their last drive to kick a game-winning 23-yard field goal, putting the final score at 13–16.

Week 15: vs. Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

• DET – Jason Hanson 32-yard field goal, 8:34. ''Detroit 3–0 '''Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 6:26.'''''
• MIN – Nate Burleson 36-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick good), 1:58. ''Minnesota 7–3 '''Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 6:36.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Randy Moss 82-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick good), 9:53. ''Minnesota 14–3 '''Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:11.'''''
• DET – Kevin Jones 16-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 3:21. ''Minnesota 14–10 '''Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 6:32.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 0:30. ''Minnesota 14–13 '''Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:26.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• MIN – Nate Burleson 37-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Morten Andersen kick good), 8:44. ''Minnesota 21–13 '''Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:55.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 9-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Joey Harrington–Tai Streets pass good), 6:11. ''Tied 21–21 '''Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:33.'''''
• MIN – Moe Williams 11-yard run (Morten Andersen kick good), 1:37. ''Minnesota 28–21 '''Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:34.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Kick aborted), 0:08. ''Minnesota 28–27 '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 1:29.''''' Top passers
• MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 25/35, 404 yards, 3 TD, INT
• DET – Joey Harrington – 25/44, 361 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top receivers
• MIN – Nate Burleson – 5 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 4 receptions, 108 yards Top rushers
• MIN – Michael Bennett – 13 rushes, 51 yards
• DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 79 yards, TD In Week 15, the Lions hosted the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions won the opening toss, elected to receive, and drove downfield 58 yards to kick a 32-yard field goal. The Vikings responded with an 85-yard drive, capped off by a Daunte Culpepper 36-yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson. After three punts moved them into the second quarter, the Vikings began their drive at their own 32. A sack by Cory Redding set the Vikings up with a 3rd and 24. On that play, Culpepper found Randy Moss who housed it for an 82-yard touchdown. The Lions responded with a touchdown drive of their own after 5 straight Kevin Jones carries put them in the endzone. After the Vikings were forced to punt, the Lions kicked a 23-yard field goal to set the halftime score at 13–14.

After a Minnesota punt to begin the second half, the Lions gave the ball back with a Harrington interception. Minnesota then gave it right back with a Culpepper interception by Brock Marion. However, a third turnover, this time from a Kevin Jones fumble, put Minnesota at their own 29. After three punts, Harrington threw his second interception of the game in Minnesota territory. Minnesota capitalized with a Culpepper 37-yard pass to Burleson to take the 8-point lead at 21–13. The Lions would respond, driving 82-yards in 6 plays capped off by a Harrington 9-yard touchdown pass to Roy Williams. On their two-point conversion attempt, a Harrington pass to Tai Streets fell incomplete. However, a defensive holding penalty gave the Lions another try. They would convert with another Harrington–Streets pass to tie the game at 21 apiece. Minnesota took 4:34 off the clock on their next drive when they scored with a Moe Williams 11-yard rush. Down 7 with 1:47 left in the game, the Lions began their next drive at their own 20. They got into Minnesota territory with a 15-yard pass from Harrington to Streets, spiking the ball with 0:35 left on the clock. They got down to Minnesota's 15 with a 23-yard reception from Az-Zahir Hakim, where they would stop the clock with 19 seconds left. After a defensive pass interference call put them at Minnesota's 1, the Lions scored with a Roy Williams 1-yard touchdown reception. With just an extra point to tie the game, the snap from rookie Don Muhlbach was low, bouncing off the turf to the holder who was tackled by a Minnesota defender, effectively sealing the 27–28 loss for the Lions as they fell to 5–9.

Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears

First quarter

• DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 3:06. ''Detroit 3–0 '''Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:22.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Kevin Jones 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick good), 11:30. ''Detroit 10–0 '''Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:35.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 39-yard field goal, 5:50. ''Detroit 13–0 '''Drive: 8 plays, 21 yards, 4:02.'''''
• DET – Jason Hanson 34-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Detroit 16–0 '''Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 1:27.''''' Third quarter
• CHI – Lance Briggs 38-yard interception return (Chad Hutchinson–Desmond Clark pass failed), 3:40. Detroit 16–6. Fourth quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal, 11:29. ''Detroit 19–6 '''Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:41.'''''
• CHI – Jason McKie 15-yard pass from Chad Hutchinson (Paul Edinger kick good), 7:04. ''Detroit 19–13 '''Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:25.''''' Top passers
• CHI – Chad Hutchinson – 20/35, 114 yards, TD
• DET – Joey Harrington – 15/30, 166 yards, INT Top receivers
• CHI – Thomas Jones – 4 receptions, 34 yards
• DET – Reggie Swinton – 2 receptions, 42 yards Top rushers
• CHI – Thomas Jones – 22 rushes, 109 yards
• DET – Kevin Jones – 25 rushes, 123 yards, TD

The Bears fumbled on their opening possession, but the Lions couldn't capitalize and punted. After three more punts, the Bears got on the board after a throw under pressure from Harrington was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Lance Briggs; the two-point conversion fell short. After trading punts, the Lions extended their lead with a Hanson 40-yard field goal. The Bears would respond with a Chris Hutchinson 15-yard touchdown pass to Jason McKie to pull the Bears within 6 at 19–13. After a Lions punt, the Bears turned the ball over on downs with 1:17 left, sealing the win for the Lions.

Week 17: at Tennessee Titans

First quarter

• TEN – Keith Bulluck 39-yard defensive fumble return (Gary Anderson kick good), 10:00. Tennessee 7–0.
• DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, 3:16. ''Tennessee 7–3 '''Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:44.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Cory Schlesinger 21-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick good), 5:42. ''Detroit 10–7 '''Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:49.'''''
• TEN – Drew Bennett 32-yard pass from Billy Volek (Gary Anderson kick good), 1:06. ''Tennessee 14–10 '''Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 4:36.''''' Third quarter
• DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, 3:25. ''Tennessee 14–13 '''Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:22.'''''
• TEN – Antowain Smith 2-yard rush (Gary Anderson kick good), 1:00. ''Tennessee 21–13 '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:25.''''' Fourth quarter
• TEN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 10:25. ''Tennessee 24–13 '''8 plays, 46 yards, 3:45.'''''
• DET – Roy Williams 17-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Harrington–Williams pass failed), 4:11. ''Tennessee 24–19 '''Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 3:39.''''' Top passers
• DET – Joey Harrington – 33/49, 346 yards, 2 TD, INT
• TEN – Billy Volek – 16/28, 175 yards, TD Top receivers
• DET – Stephen Alexander – 6 receptions, 66 yards
• TEN – Ben Troupe – 4 receptions, 75 yards Top rushers
• DET – Kevin Jones – 19 rushes, 72 yards
• TEN – Antowain Smith – 21 rushes, 89 yards, TD

Three punts began the second half before the Lions kicked a 26-yard field goal to pull within one. The Titans, with help from an Antowain Smith 43-yard run, scored on a Smith 2-yard run to go up 8. The Lions would punt back to the Titans, who extended their lead with a 40-yard field goal from Gary Anderson. On the second play of their responding drive, Harrington threw an interception that was returned 43 yards to the Lions' 9. The Titans looked to capitalize on a 27-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Shaun Rogers. The Lions, starting on their own 18, drove downfield 82-yards to score on a 17-yard pass from Harrington to Roy Williams; the two point conversion fell short. The Titans were forced to punt on their next possession, giving the Lions the ball at their own 14 with 2:52 left. The Lions got into Tennessee territory at the two minute warning. They got down to Tennessee's 16 yard line, but three straight incompletions from Harrington sealed the 19–24 loss for the Lions, finalizing their record at 6–10.

Standings

Division

Conference

Notes

References

References

1. (2004-01-18). "Jauron hired as defensive coordinator". [[Associated Press]].
2. (2004-01-29). "Brooks hired as defensive line coach". [[Associated Press]].
3. (2004-03-02). "DT Elliss, RB Stewart, WR Schroeder cut". [[Associated Press]].
4. (2004-03-03). "Safety Corey Harris released". [[Associated Press]].
5. (2004-06-11). "Lions release tight end Ricks". [[Associated Press]].
6. (2004-09-05). "Lions cut receiver Kircus, five others". [[Associated Press]].
7. (2004-03-03). "Lions retain Porcher and Hall".
8. (2004-03-23). "Lions re-sign RB Bryson, sign G Loverne". [[Associated Press]].
9. (2004-03-31). "Backup QB Mike McMahon re-signs". [[Associated Press]].
10. (2004-04-19). "Lions re-sign WRs Anderson, Swinton". [[Associated Press]].
11. (2004-04-21). "LB Curry re-signs for one year". [[Associated Press]].
12. (2004-07-30). "Lions kicker Hanson signs new deal". [[Associated Press]].
13. (2004-03-05). "Lions sign OL Woody, CB Bryant".
14. (2004-12-17). "Lions sign rookie OL Bubin".
15. "Roy Williams Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College".
16. "Kevin Jones Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College".
17. "Keith Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College".
18. "Alex Lewis Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College".
19. "Kelly Butler Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College".
20. "Draft History-2000-2009".
21. "2004 Detroit Lions Media Guide".
22. (August 14, 2004). "2004 Preseason 1 Gamebook, Steelers at Lions".
23. (August 21, 2004). "2004 Preseason 2 Gamebook, Lions at Browns".
24. "2004 Preseason 4 Gamebook, Bills at Lions".
25. "Kevin Jones - Associate Head Coach / Chief of Staff / RB Coach - Football Coaches".
26. "2004 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees".
27. (2004-08-11). "LB Bailey will miss much of Lions' season". [[Associated Press]].
28. (2004-12-15). "Lions put LB Bailey on IR". [[Associated Press]].
29. (2004-09-12). "Lions WR Rogers breaks collarbone again". [[Associated Press]].
30. (2004-09-14). "Lions place Rogers on IR, promote Kircus". [[Associated Press]].
31. (2004-09-27). "Lions RB Jones out at least two weeks". [[Associated Press]].
32. (2004-11-26). "Lions KR-PR Drummond out for season". [[Associated Press]].
33. "Pre-1982 Sacks Added To Pro Football Reference".
34. "Detroit Lions Career Defensive Leaders".
35. (2004-11-01). "Lions career sack leader Porcher retires".
36. "Professional Football Researchers Association".
37. (September 12, 2004). "2004 Week 1 Gamebook, Lions at Bears".
38. (2004-09-12). "Lions snap road woes, top Bears 20-16". [[Associated Press]].
39. (September 19, 2004). "2004 Week 2 Gamebook, Texans at Lions".
40. (September 26, 2004). "2004 Week 3 Gamebook, Eagles at Lions".
41. (October 10, 2004). "2004 Week 5 Gamebook, Lions at Falcons".
42. "2004 Division Standings and Conference Standings".
43. (October 17, 2004). "2004 Week 6 Gamebook, Packers at Lions".
44. (October 24, 2004). "2004 Week 7 Gamebook, Lions at Giants".
45. (October 31, 2004). "2004 Week 8 Gamebook, Lions at Cowboys".
46. (November 14, 2004). "2004 Week 10 Gamebook, Lions at Jaguars".
47. (November 21, 2004). "2004 Week 11 Gamebook, Lions at Vikings".
48. (November 24, 2004). "2004 Week 12 Gamebook, Colts at Lions".
49. (December 5, 2004). "2004 Week 13 Gamebook, Cardinals at Lions".
50. (December 12, 2004). "2004 Week 14 Gamebook, Lions at Packers".
51. (December 19, 2004). "2004 Week 15 Gamebook, Vikings at Lions".
52. (December 26, 2004). "2004 Week 16 Gamebook, Bears at Lions".
53. (January 2, 2005). "2004 Week 17 Gamebook, Lions at Titans".