The Detroit Lions have trailed in the fourth quarter of all 11 games this season.
For most teams, during most seasons, trailing in the fourth quarter of every game means an undesirable record. But not for the Lions, who—after trailing again on Thanksgiving Day—came back to beat the Minnesota Vikings on a Matt Prater field goal as time expired.
Detroit is now 7-4, with seven comebacks wins and a strong hold on the lead in the NFC North.
How uncommon has the Lions’ season been?
According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Lions became just the eighth team since 2008 to trail in the fourth quarter in all 11 games to start a season. While the Lions are 7-4 (.636 win percentage) in 2016, the other seven teams combined for a 4-73 record (.052).
Detroit never makes it look easy. But you can never count out Jim Caldwell’s bunch.
“Our group plays loose and aggressive. That’s kind of how we try to keep it,” Caldwell said, via ESPN. “You can’t play a ballgame uptight. They don’t get uptight, even at the end of ballgames. In tough situations that are fairly tough for the most part and can be a little bit uncomfortable, it does not bother them.”
The Lions have now won six of the last seven games, and with two victories over the Vikings, Detroit appears to be the strong favorite to win the NFC North.
They can thank a host of characters, from quarterback Matthew Stafford to cornerback Darius Slay. Everyone chips in to create a comeback.
Never in my life have I seen consistently one person every week win us a game, somehow, some way, some shape, some form,” tight end Eric Ebron said. “It’s impressive, man. It’s ridiculously impressive.”
The Lions don’t play again until Dec.4 against the New Orleans Saints. Expect another fourth quarter deficit for a team that has played an NFL record 11 straight games decided by seven points or less.
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