Photo: The Detroit Lions celebrate their division win
With just two games left in the 2023 NFL regular season, the Detroit Lions have secured a spot in the playoffs as division champions. This is an incredible achievement for the Lions, as it marks their first division win since 1993 and their first-ever NFC North championship.
The Glory of '93
The Lions' previous division title was won in the NFC Central, a five-team division that included the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and recount the triumphs of the '93 Lions.
The 1993 Detroit Lions
Photo: Detroit Lions coach Wayne Fontes embraces QB Erik Kramer after a victory
Despite facing multiple quarterback changes and a significant knee injury to their star player Barry Sanders, the 1993 Lions clinched the division with a 10-6 record. The team showcased resilience and determination despite their challenges, making their victory even more remarkable.
The Lions began the season with an impressive 7-2 start, establishing themselves as strong contenders. One of their most memorable games during this period was a thrilling come-from-behind win against the Vikings on a Halloween edition of Sunday Night Football. Trailing by 14 points entering the fourth quarter, the Lions orchestrated a stunning 17-point rally to secure a 30-27 victory. This extraordinary comeback included a 93-yard touchdown pass from Rodney Peete to Herman Moore and a game-winning 1-yard touchdown run by Derrick Moore.
Barry Sanders, the backbone of the Lions' offense, had an outstanding start to the season, leading the race for the rushing title. However, in a series of unfortunate events, the Lions' winning streak came to an end, and Sanders suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Photo: Barry Sanders at a Lions minicamp in 1993
Despite the absence of Sanders, the Lions managed to regain their footing under the guidance of quarterback Erik Kramer. They finished the regular season with a 3-1 record, securing their division title with a convincing 30-20 victory against the Packers in Week 18. Eric Lynch stepped up in Sanders' absence, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense intercepted Brett Favre four times and forced a fumble.
The Playoff Heartbreak
Photo: Green Bay Packers
The Lions' reward for their division win was a playoff matchup against the Packers. With Sanders back in action, the team was eager to make a splash in the postseason. However, fate had a different plan.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Lions squandered a 17-7 lead and fell to the Packers in a devastating 28-24 defeat. The loss came on the heels of a last-second touchdown by Green Bay's Sterling Sharpe, who exploited a defensive breakdown. Despite outgaining the Packers by a substantial margin and Sanders' outstanding performance of 169 rushing yards, the Lions couldn't hold on to secure the win.
Looking Ahead
While the '93 Lions' playoff journey ended prematurely, their division win remains a testament to the team's resilience and spirit. As the current Lions embark on their playoff journey, they can draw inspiration from the triumphs of their predecessors.
Caption: The Detroit Lions celebrate their division win
Let us celebrate this historic achievement for the Detroit Lions and hope that it paves the way for more success in the future. The team has proven that they have what it takes to conquer their division, and now it's time to chase even greater glory on the playoff stage.
