It was a whopping thirty years ago this week that the Detroit Lions won their last playoff game.

And if you think that's bad, when they did it in 1992, it had been 35 years since winning a playoff game.

So, using my Lions math, that means our next playoff win will be in 2027.

Yikes!

The Lions won 12 games during the regular season en route to winning the NFC Central Division, including six in a row heading into their playoff game Sunday, January 5 at the old Pontiac Silverdome.

It was a noisy atmosphere in Pontiac that Sunday afternoon, as the rejuvenated Dallas Cowboys marched into the Silverdome, fresh off a wildcard upset of the Chicago bears on the road.

The recently departed John Madden was their for the color commentary with Pat Summerall.

Rookie quarterback Troy Aikman was injured earlier in the season, and Steve Beurlein was under center that day. He was under pressure all afternoon, as the defense picked off three passes, with one returned for a touchdown.

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders led an offense that had suddenly found a passing game thanks to rookie receiver Herman Moore and journeyman quarterback Erik Kramer.

Sanders had several masterful runs that afternoon, including an amazing 47 yard touchdown late in the game to seal the deal.

Even the unheralded Kramer was masterful that afternoon, as he tossed three touchdown passes, two to Willie Green and one to Moore.

The coach for the Lions that season was Wayne Fontes, a guy whose only previous head coaching experience was at tiny Bay City Visitation high school inn 1966.

The party ended the following week, as the Lions, one win from their first ever Super Bowl, were soundly defeated by the Redskins in Washington, 41-10 in the NFC title game.

The Cowboys had three Hall of Famers on their offense that day -- Aikman, receiver Michael Irvin and running back Emmitt Smith, and still couldn't find the end zone, settling for two field goals by Ken Willis.

Michigan State and University of Michigan Heisman Trophy Winners and Finalists

 

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