2003 Detroit Lions season

2003 Detroit Lions season
Owner	William Clay Ford Sr.
General manager	Matt Millen
Head coach	Steve Mariucci
Home field	Ford Field
Results
Record	5–11
Division place	4th NFC North
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	CB Dré Bly
AP All-Pros	CB Dré Bly (2nd team)
Uniform
← 2002 Lions seasons 2004 →

The 2003 season was the Detroit Lions' 74th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 70th as the Detroit Lions, and their first under head coach Steve Mariucci. The team improved upon their 3–13 record from the previous season but missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive season, suffering a losing season and finishing last in their division for the third straight season.

The Lions selected Charles Rogers with the second overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft and brought in a number of defensive free agents, including cornerback Dré Bly on a five-year deal. However, injuries to the defense would hinder the Lions as they finished with the 25th ranked defense in points allowed. The offense didn't fare any better as they finished 26th in points scored. The run game finished 32nd in yards while the pass game finished 24th in yards. The Lions failed to win more than 5 games, nor did they win a single road game for the third consecutive season.

After the 2002 season, general manager Matt Millen said that head coach Marty Mornhinweg would return in 2003 despite compiling a 5–27 record.^[1] However, Mornhinweg was fired 27 days later. The team hired former San Francisco 49ers head coach Steve Mariucci to a five-year, $25 million contract. Mariccui was fired after the 49ers loss in the postseason; he compiled a 57–39 record with the team and two division titles.^[2] The hiring process drew allegations that the team violated NFL's policy of considering at least one minority candidate.^[3] The league investigated and fined general manager Matt Millen $200,000 for "failing to interview a minority head coaching candidate". Owner William Clay Ford Sr. said that Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was "singling out the Lions" and that he had "lost a lot of respect for [him]."^[4]

Offensive coordinator and running backs coach Maurice Carthon was hired by the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions hired Sherman Lewis as their offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, while hiring Bobby Williams as their running backs coach.^[5] They also fired wide receivers coach Larry Kirksey and linebackers coach Glenn Pires.^[6]

The Lions bolstered their defense by signing linebackers Earl Holmes and Wali Rainer, defensive lineman Dan Wilkinson, and cornerbacks Dré Bly and Otis Smith. After losing linebacker Chris Claiborne, the Lions signed Rainer and Holmes, signing to one-year and three-year contracts respectively, with Holmes coming in as a seven-year veteran and signed a three-year contract.^[7][8] Wilkinson was signed after starting tackle Luther Elliss suffered a torn pectoral.^[9] Bly signed a five-year, $24.5 million deal and was rated as the best corner in free agency.^[10] They lost cornerback Todd Lyght to retirement and brought back linebacker Brian Williams and defensive tackle Jared DeVries on a one-year and three-year deal respectively.^[11][12][13]

Adding to their offense, they signed wide receiver Shawn Jefferson to a one-year deal.^[14] They also signed fullback Cory Schlesinger to a two-year extension and brought in running back Shawn Bryson on a one-year deal.^[15][16] Tight end Mikhael Ricks was re-signed to a three-year deal.^[17]

The Lions released wide receivers Germane Crowell and former Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard.^[18] Following a 2-day team minicamp, the Lions released wide receiver Jacquez Green and quarterback Jonathan Beasley.^[19]

With the second overall selection, the Lions chose wide receiver Charles Rogers. Rogers was a fan favorite in Michigan and set school records for receiving yards and touchdowns for Michigan State. He also got endorsements from Pepsi and EA Sports prior to his selection.^[20] However, Rogers career was marred by injuries and suspensions, leading to him only playing three years in the league. Their second round pick, linebacker Boss Bailey, played for the Lions until 2007 and produced 7.0 sacks and thirteen passes defended.^[21] Third round selection defensive end Cory Redding became a five-year starter for the Lions and, once he moved to defensive tackle, became the highest paid defensive tackle in the league in 2007.^[22] He would be traded away following the 2008 season.^[23] Running back Artose Pinner, the Lions' fourth round selection, accumulated 915 total yards and 5 total touchdowns over his three seasons with Detroit.^[24] Defensive back Terrence Holt, who eventually moved to free safety in 2005, racked up eight interceptions in his four years with the Lions.^[25]

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Detroit played their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To begin the game, punter John Jett was able to pin the Steelers within their 2-yard line which paid off when Lions Barrett Green sacked Tommy Maddox in the endzone for the safety and early 2–0 lead. The Steelers tacked on two field goals before the Lions scored on a Joey Harrington pass to Scotty Anderson. Detroit extended their lead with a Mike McMahon rushing touchdown and a Cory Redding fumble recovery touchdown. The Steelers could only muster another touchdown before the Lions sealed the 26–13 win with a field goal.^[28][29] For their second game of the preseason, the Lions traveled to Paul Brown Stadium to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals. After three punts, the Bengals scored on three straight Neil Rackers field goals with the Lions adding their own field goal before the half with the Bengals up 9–3. The Bengals scored on a Carson Palmer touchdown pass to Jeremi Johnson before another Palmer pass, this time to T. J. Houshmandzadeh, put them up 23–3 heading into the fourth. The Lions tacked on another touchdown to reach the final score of 23–10.^[30]

For their third preseason game, the Lions hosted the Cleveland Browns. The Browns failed to capitalize on an early Harrington interception and punted. Detroit started the scoring off with a Hanson 23-yard field goal before the Browns responded with a 6-yard touchdown pass. After punting, the Lions got the ball back after the Browns fumbled and scored on a 4-yard touchdown pass to go up 10–7. The Browns tied it up with 30 seconds left on a 46-yard field goal, but the Lions scored their own field goal to put the halftime score at 13–10. The Lions blew the game wide open with a Hanson field goal and then two McMahon touchdown passes before the Browns responded with a Tim Couch touchdown pass to go into the fourth quarter with the score at 31–17. Detroit was able to score another touchdown to solidify the final score of 38–17.^[31] For their final preseason game, the Lions traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium to face off against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills opened up the scoring when they returned the first punt of the game 75 yards for the touchdown. They extended their lead with a 34-yard touchdown pass to go up 14–0 heading into the second quarter. The Lions got on the board when a Buffalo fumble at their own 4-yard line was recovered in the endzone for the score. They scored two Hanson field goals to end the first half down 14–13. Beginning the second half, the Lions scored a go-ahead 46-yard field goal. The Bills responded on an eleven minute touchdown drive to get to the final score of 22–16.^[32]

The Lions were plagued with injuries before the regular season began. In May, wide receiver Scotty Anderson was stabbed outside a nightclub alongside his brother.^[33] Starting defensive tackle Luther Elliss suffered a torn pectoral in July, although it wouldn't require surgery and he would be back on the field before the regular season started.^[34] Two rookies were injured; Charles Rogers dislocated his finger in training camp and required stitches and James Davis injured his ribs.^[35][36] Two starters were lost to season ending injuries: James Stewart and Chris Cash to shoulder and knee injuries respectively.^[36][37] After the regular season began, injuries still piled up. Charles Rogers broke his collarbone in practice on October 7, ending his rookie season.^[38] They also lost punter John Jett to a calf injury and signed Nick Harris.^[39] During the Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, André Goodman dislocated his shoulder and was out for the season.^[40] Dré Bly, Robert Porcher, Rod Babers, and Jimmy Wyrick also dealt with injuries. Victor Rogers and Chris Watson suffered back injuries and were put on injured reserve.^[41][42] During the Week 14 matchup against the San Diego Chargers, safety Corey Harris and long snapper Bradford Banta were lost for the season with a torn hamstring and broken collarbone respectively.^[43]

The Lions began their season 1–6 and finished 5–11, fourth in the NFC North and thirteenth in the NFC and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 14.^[44] The offense finished dead last in the league for yards and 26th in points scored. The passing game, led by second year quarterback and third overall pick Joey Harrington, had the fourth most attempts but finished 24th in passing yards. The rushing game was the league's worst; 32nd in both rushing attempts and yards, and 30th in rushing touchdowns. The defense finished 25th and 24th in points allowed and yards allowed respectively, with the passing defense finishing 28th and 29th in yards and touchdowns and the rushing defense finishing in the middle of the league at 15th in rushing yards allowed.^[45] The Lions broke an NFL record for the most consecutive road losses with 24, one more than the previous record holder Houston Oilers from 1981–84. They broke the record in their last road game of the season in a Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers.^[46] Individually, quarterback Harrington threw a career-high 22 interceptions in his 16 starts.^[47] Az-Zahir Hakim led the team in receiving yards with 449 and Shawn Bryson lead the team in rushing yards with 606. Cornerback Dré Bly, on the back of six interceptions, 15 passes defended, and 60 combined tackles, was named to the Pro Bowl and second team All-Pro, the only Lion to make either team.^[48]

In addition to their regular games with NFC North divisional rivals, the Lions played teams from the NFC West and AFC West according to the NFL's schedule rotation, and also played games against the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, who had finished fourth in their respective divisions in 2002.

All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.^[49]

For their season and home opener, the Lions hosted the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions took the opening kickoff and stalled, punting. The Cardinals took their first drive 11 plays to reach the endzone on an Anquan Boldin pass from Jeff Blake. The Lions responded with a touchdown of their own from Joey Harrington to Charles Rogers to tie the game at 7 apiece. A short Cardinals punt left the Lions with great field position, which they capitalized on with a Harrington touchdown pass to Rogers to go up 14–7. The Cardinals responded with another long scoring drive when Freddie Jones brought in a 12-yard touchdown pass to put the score at 14–14 going into halftime.^[50]

The Cardinals took the second half kickoff and scored with a Blake 71-yard pass to Boldin. The Lions punted on the responding drive. The Lions defense held the Cardinals to a three-and-out. On the punt return, Eddie Drummond returned the punt 57-yards for the touchdown to tie the game again at 21–21. The Cardinals failed to respond and punted. The Lions were held to a three-and-out and punted. On the catch, Boldin muffed the ball and it was recovered by Donté Curry. The Lions capitalized with a Cory Schlesinger 8-yard pass from Harrington to give the Lions their first lead of the day at 28–21. The Cardinals responded with a field goal drive to bring them within 4 at 28–24. The Lions punted on their next drive. On the first play of the next Cardinals drive, Blake was strip sacked which was recovered by James Hall. The Lions once again capitalized with a Bill Schroeder 5-yard score. The Cardinals failed to respond when Blake threw an errant pass that was intercepted by Dré Bly and returned 48 yards for the touchdown to bring the Lions lead to 42–24. The Cardinals had two drives to score but punted on each, sealing the Lions' first win of the season.^[50]

For their first road game of the season, the Lions visited the Green Bay Packers. The Packers took the opening kickoff and scored on the third play with an Ahman Green 65-yard rushing touchdown. The Lions were held to a three-and-out before the Packers scored again on a Brett Favre pass to Tony Fisher. After three straight punts, the Lions scored on a Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal. The Packers responded with a 46-yard field goal from Ryan Longwell. After five more punts, Dré Bly nabbed an interception from Favre with 0:33 left in the first half. The Lions scored with a Hanson 52-yard field goal to end the first half.^[51]

The Lions opened the second half with the ball, but gave it away on a Harrington interception. The Packers were held to a three-and-out and punted, but got it right back when Harrington threw another interception. The Packers capitalized with a Favre pass to Robert Ferguson. Six drives with no scores preceded an Al Harris 56-yard interception return touchdown to put the Packers up 31–6. The Lions failed to score on their last two drives to solidify their 6–31 loss and dropped to 1–1.^[51]

In Week 3, the Lions hosted the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions took the opening kickoff and scored with a Shawn Bryson 5-yard run. The Vikings responded by driving down field and attempting a 37-yard field goal, but Aaron Elling missed it wide right. Both teams punted before the Lions began their next drive with great field position after an Eddie Drummond return. The Lions settled for a Jason Hanson 27-yard field goal, which was made to bring the Lions' lead to 10–0. After two punts, the Vikings ended the shutout with a Daunte Culpepper 14-yard rushing touchdown, which, after a bad snap on the extra point, brought the score to 10–6. Joey Harrington threw an interception on the next drive, and the Vikings capitalized by taking the lead with a Culpepper 2-yard rushing touchdown. On that touchdown, Culpepper was injured and ruled out. After a Lions punt, the Vikings extended their lead with an Elling field goal to bring the halftime score to 16–10.^[52]

The second half began with a Gus Frerotte interception which the Lions capitalized on with a 37-yard field goal to bring the score to 16–13. The Vikings responded with a Kelly Campbell 72-yard touchdown pass that put the score at 23–13. On their next five drives, the Lions failed to score as Harrington was intercepted twice, the team punted twice, and one turnover on downs as the Lions lost to drop to 1–2.^[52]

In Week 4, the Lions traveled to Mile High to face the Denver Broncos. Both teams punted on their opening possession. The Lions began their second drive by converting a third down with a Shawn Bryson run, before a big 28-yard Bryson run brought them into Denver territory. On the next play, Joey Harrington connected with Charles Rogers for a 33-yard touchdown to take the early lead. The Broncos responded with a 9 play, 80 yard drive that ended with a Jake Plummer 29-yard bomb to Ashley Lelie to tie the game at 7 apiece. The Lions went three-and-out before the Broncos scored on a Plummer pass to Shannon Sharpe to take a 14–7 lead. The Lions responded by converting a Jason Hanson 53-yard field goal to bring them within 4. The Broncos were poised to score before Plummer fumbled on Detroit's 13, turning it over to end the first half.^[53]

Both teams punted twice before Denver scored on a Jason Elam 37-yard field goal to take the 17–10 lead. The Lions looked to tie it up when Harrington connected with Scotty Anderson who took it 43-yards for the score. However, Hanson missed the extra point, keeping it a one point game at 17–16. Both teams punted before the Broncos extended the lead with an Elam 41-yard field goal. Four straight incompletions ended the next Lions drive as they fell 16–20.^[53]

In Week 5, the Lions traveled to San Francisco to face the San Francisco 49ers. On the opening drive of the game, Joey Harrington threw an interception to Ahmed Plummer on the second play. The 49ers capitalized as Jeff Garcia connected with Terrell Owens for the 6-yard score. The Lions couldn't respond and punted on their next drive. The 49ers extended their lead with an Owen Pochman 48-yard field goal. After another Lions punt, Garcia found Aaron Walker for a 14-yard touchdown to go up 17–0. After both teams traded punts, the Lions got on the board with a Jason Hanson 28-yard field goal. After an interception by Dré Bly on the first play of the 49ers next drive, the Lions scored on a Mikhael Ricks 6-yard reception from Joey Harrington to put them within 7 as the half came to a close.^[54]

After five straight punts and an interception by Harrington, the 49ers capped off a 3-play scoring drive with a Garcia 1-yard rush. The Lions were able to respond with a scoring drive of their own after Olandis Gary scored on a 2-yard run to bring the Lions within 7 again. After two punts, the 49ers looked to seal the game with a Pochman 37-yard field goal, but he missed it wide left to keep the game within 7 points. The Lions next drive ended with a punt before the 49ers ran the rest of the clock out to seal the final score of 24–17, dropping the Lions to 1–4 and last in the NFC North.^[54][44]

In Week 7 after their bye, the Lions hosted the Dallas Cowboys. The game started with three punts. On the first play from scrimmage after a Lions punt, Dallas running back Troy Hambrick fumbled which was forced by Corey Harris and picked up by Dré Bly and brought back 67 yards for the score. The Cowboys recovered and answered with a Quincy Carter 20-yard pass to Terry Glenn to tie the game at 7 apiece. After a Lions punt, the Cowboys took the lead on another Carter pass to Glenn. After a Joey Harrington interception, the Cowboys took a 21–7 lead with the third straight Carter to Glenn touchdown pass. After trading punts, Harrington was intercepted by Mario Edwards which was brought back 27 yards for a pick-6. After that play, the Lions benched Harrington for Mike McMahon and the half came to a close.^[55]

The Cowboys began the second half with a Troy Hambrick 3-yard touchdown run to take a 35–7 lead. After a Lions punt, the Cowboys tacked on to the blowout with a Billy Cundiff 23-yard field goal. No more scoring would be seen as the Lions fell 38–7.^[55]

In Week 8, the Lions traveled to Soldier Field to play against division rival Chicago Bears. Both teams punted thrice to start the game before Joey Harrington threw a pick to Charles Tillman on the first play of Detroit's fourth drive. The Bears took advantage of the field position with a Chris Chandler 21-yard touchdown pass to Justin Gage. After three punts, the Bears tacked on a Paul Edinger field goal to take a 10–0 lead going into halftime.^[56]

The Bears would receive the ball to start the second half. On the kickoff return, Jerry Azumah returned it 89 yards for the touchdown. The Lions failed to respond when Harrington threw an interception to Azumah. Both teams traded punts before the Bears added to their lead with a Brock Forsey 8-yard rushing touchdown to go up 24–0. The Lions ended the shutout after Reggie Swinton returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for the score. They made it a two-score game with a Harrington pass to Az-Zahir Hakim two-point conversion. After two punts, the Bears looked to make it a three-score game with an Edinger 32-yard field goal. On the attempt, James Hall was able to block it to keep the Lions' comeback hopes alive. On the ensuing drive, the Lions were able to get down to the Bears' 3-yard line. On 4th and 2, Harrington was unable to connect with Hakim as they turned it over on downs. The Lions were able to get the ball back with 1:38 left in the game. They marched down the field and scored with a Harrington pass to Mikhael Ricks, and brought it to a one-score game with a Harrington two-point pass to Scotty Anderson. On the onside kick attempt, the kick was recovered by Lions' Bill Schroeder, but the kick did not travel the necessary 10 yards for recovery by the kicking team. This sealed the 24–16 loss for Detroit to fall to 1–6.^[56]

In Week 9, the Lions hosted the Oakland Raiders. On the opening drive of the game, Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo threw an interception to Otis Smith. The Lions capitalized with a Jason Hanson 54-yard field goal. The Raiders attempted to mount a response, setting up a 55-yard field goal for kicker Sebastian Janikowski. However, he missed it wide right. The Lions went three-and-out on their next possession, but they got the ball back when Jerry Rice fumbled a pass that was recovered by Barrett Green and brought to Oakland's 12-yard line. The Lions scored with an Olandis Gary 2-yard rushing touchdown. After three punts, Joey Harrington threw an interception. Despite Tuiasosopo being benched for Rick Mirer, the Raiders punted. The Lions punted on their next possession as Janikowski kicked a 55-yard field goal to end the first half 10–3.^[57]

The Lions took the second half kickoff and scored with a Harrington 33-yard touchdown pass to Cory Schlesinger to go up 17–3. The Raiders responded with a long 14 play, 79 yard drive that took up half of the third quarter, scoring on a Charlie Garner 7-yard rushing touchdown. The Lions responded with a Hanson 42-yard field goal. The teams traded field goals to reach the final score of 23–13.^[57]

In Week 10, the Lions hosted the Chicago Bears. The teams traded punts before Detroit began their drive at Chicago's side of the field due to a poor punt by Brad Maynard. Detroit capitalized with a Hanson 24-yard field goal to open up the scoring. Chicago responded with an 11 play drive capped off by a Paul Edinger 43-yard field goal to tie it up at 3 apiece. After a Lions fake punt failed to convert, the Bears attempted a 48-yard field goal that was blocked by Jared DeVries to keep the game tied. Harrington led the Lions down the field as they converted on another Hanson field goal to put them up 6–3 at the half.^[58]

Both teams traded a punt with Chicago getting the ball at the 50-yard line to start their second drive of the half. The Bears marched down the field and scored on a Chris Chandler pass to Desmond Clark to go up 10–6. The Lions responded with a 10-play drive that ended with a Hanson 30-yard field goal to bring the score within a point. Chicago looked poised to score again on an Edinger 41-yard field goal, but Edinger missed it wide left. Both teams proceeded to punt before the Lions got the ball back with 2:27 left to play. Six straight Harrington passes set up a Hanson 48-yard field goal, which he made to put Detroit up 12–10. On the first play of Chicago's ensuing drive, Chandler threw an interception to Corey Harris that sealed the 12–10 victory for Detroit, winning two straight for the first time since 2000.^[58][59]

In Week 11, the Lions traveled to Seattle to play the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle won the opening toss, elected to receive, and took the opening drive 80 yards for the Matt Hasselbeck 4-yard rushing touchdown. The Lions failed to respond and punted. On their second drive, the Seahawks drove downfield to score on a Shaun Alexander 1-yard run to go up 14–0. The Lions responded instantly with a Harrington 72-yard bomb to Anderson to bring the score to 14–7 to end the first quarter. The Seahawks extended their lead when Hasselbeck ran to the Lions' 3 before DeVries forced a fumble that was recovered by Seattle's Koren Robinson for the score. After three straight punts, Seattle capitalized on good field position and scored on a Hasselbeck pass to Bobby Engram to extend their lead to 28–7. The Lions failed to get anything going and punted. On the punt return, Engram ran it back 83 yards for the score to go up 35–7. Detroit finally responded on a Harrington pass to Hakim to put the score at 35–14 entering halftime.^[60]

After trading punts to start the second half, Detroit lurched downfield and made it to Seattle's 3-yard line on 2nd and 3. However, Harrington threw three straight incompletions to turn the ball over on downs. After a Seattle punt, the Lions once again ran downfield deep into Seattle territory. On fourth and goal from Seattle's 10, Harrington threw an interception to Shawn Springs to turn the ball over once again. After three more punts, Detroit made it into Seattle territory before Harrington turned the ball over on an interception to Reggie Tongue to seal the 14–35 loss.^[60]

In Week 12, the Lions traveled to the Metrodome to face the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams punted on their opening possessions before the Vikings scored on a Michael Bennett 25-yard run to put the Vikings up 7–0. The Lions looked poised to respond, marching into Minnesota territory. However, Harrington threw an interception to Brian Williams. The Vikings failed to capitalize as both teams traded punts. Minnesota crossed into Detroit territory before Daunte Culpepper tossed an interception to Brian Walker. The Lions handed it right back to Minnesota with a Harrington interception to Williams. The Vikings failed to capitalize again and punted. The Lions attempted to put points on the board heading into the half, but Hanson missed his first (and only) field goal of the season, a 43-yarder, wide right.^[61]

The Lions punted to begin the second half. However, on Minnesota's first drive to start the half, a fumble by Moe Williams landed in the hands of Dre Bly, who ran it back 44 yards before lateraling it to Corey Harris who brought it the remaining 35 yards for the touchdown. After six straight punts, the Vikings orchestrated a 15-play, 73-yard drive capped off by an Aaron Elling 24-yard field goal. On the Lions ensuing drive, an errant Harrington pass intended for Hakim was intercepted by Corey Chavous and brought back 32 yards for the pick-6. On the first play of the Lions next drive, another Harrington pass was intercepted, this time by Williams, and brought back 42 yards for the second pick-6. The Lions scored on a Harrington pass to Hakim to clinch the final score of 24–17.^[61]

In Week 13, the Lions hosted the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. The Packers took the opening kickoff nowhere and punted. Detroit opened up the scoring with a Bryson 6-yard touchdown. Green Bay failed to respond and punted and Detroit extended their lead with a Hanson 42-yard field goal. Green Bay responded by driving downfield and scoring on a Favre 5-yard pass to Bubba Franks to put the Packers on the board 10–7. Detroit responded themselves with a 14-play, 62-yard drive culminating in a Hanson 28-yard field goal to give the Lions a 13–7 lead heading into halftime.^[62]

Detroit failed to get anything going on the opening drive of the second half and punted. The Packers made it nearly into the redzone before Favre threw an interception to Bly. The Lions failed to capitalize and punted before allowing a 45-yard touchdown pass to Javon Walker to fall behind 14–13. After three straight punts, Walker fumbled on an 18-yard run to give the Lions possession at Green Bay's 31. The Lions failed to move the ball, settling for a Hanson 49-yard field goal to take the lead 16–14. The Packers punted on their next possession, but got the ball back when Harrington threw an interception to Mike McKenzie. The Lions got the ball straight back when Brian Walker strip-sacked Favre, allowing Dan Wilkinson to recover. The Lions stretched their lead with a Hanson 46-yard field goal. On the Packers' responding drive, Favre threw another interception to Bly. The Lions put themselves up 22–14 with another Hanson field goal, this time from 32 yards out. Another Favre interception sealed the 22–14 victory for the Lions.^[62]

In Week 14, the Lions hosted the San Diego Chargers. Both teams punted to begin the game, with San Diego opening up the scoring on a Doug Flutie 16-yard pass to LaDainian Tomlinson. After a Detroit punt, San Diego marched downfield before Flutie threw a redzone interception to Terrence Holt. After three punts, Flutie and Tomlinson connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass. After two punts, the Lions went into halftime down 14–0. Six straight punts opened up the second half before Harrington connected with Casey FitzSimmons to get on the board 14–7. After three more punts, the Lions took possession with 1:49 remaining in the game. Harrington was given control of the potential game-winning drive, taking the snap for all eleven plays. On fourth and 16, Harrington found Ricks for a 21-yard gain to cross midfield and end up at San Diego's 33 yard-line. However, Harrington threw three straight incompletions to turn the ball over on downs and solidify the 7–14 loss.^[63]

In Week 15, the Lions traveled to Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions took the opening drive into Kansas City territory, but were stopped and forced to punt. Kansas City took their first drive 80 yards capped off by a Trent Green 27-yard pass to Tony Gonzalez for the early 7–0 lead. On the Lions' ensuing drive, Harrington threw an interception to Kawika Mitchell. The Chiefs capitalized with a Priest Holmes 14-yard rushing touchdown. After a Lions punt, the Chiefs extended their lead with another Holmes rushing touchdown to go up 21–0. The Lions responded with a 15-play, 71-yard drive ending with a Hanson 29-yard field goal. The Chiefs extended their lead with a Green 63-yard pass to Derrick Blaylock to go up 28–3. The Lions responded with a Harrington 8-yard pass to Hakim, bringing the halftime score to 28–10 after a Morten Andersen missed 48-yard field goal.^[64]

The Chiefs took the second half opening drive 46 yards for the score on a Holmes 3-yard run to extend their lead to 35–10. On the ensuing kickoff, Reggie Swinton fumbled the return, giving the ball to the Chiefs on their own 47-yard line. The Chiefs capitalized with a 35-yard field goal. The Lions quickly scored with a Shawn Bryson 1-yard run. The Chiefs tacked on another touchdown when Green connected with Gonzalez to bring the score to 45–17. The Lions last two possessions ended with a turnover on downs, sealing the 45–17 loss. With the loss, the Lions tied the Houston Oilers NFL-record of 23 straight road losses.^[64][65]

In Week 16, the Lions traveled Ericsson Stadium to face the eventual NFC-champion Carolina Panthers. The Lions punted on their first possession before the Panthers scored on a Steve Smith Sr. 20-yard pass from Jake Delhomme to take the early 7–0 lead. After three punts, the Lions got a takeaway when Delhomme throws an interception to Terrance Holt. But they couldn't capitalize, and punted. Carolina took their next possession 84 yards for the score, capped off by a Delhomme 10-yard pass to DeShaun Foster. After a Harrington redzone interception, Carolina scored on a John Kasay 42-yard field goal to take the 17–0 lead going into halftime.^[66]

The Panthers extended their lead on the opening drive of the second half with a Kasay 44-yard field goal. After two punts and a turnover on downs going into the fourth quarter, Detroit finally scored with a Swinton 89-yard punt return touchdown. After two more punts, Carolina moved into Detroit territory at the 40-yard line. A Foster reception from Delhomme was forced out by Bly and recovered by Boss Bailey for the 62-yard fumble return touchdown. Down one score with 3:38 left in the game, Detroit allowed Carolina to convert two third-downs to seal their 14–20 loss. With the loss, Detroit broke an NFL record for the most consecutive road losses with 24, having not won a road game since Week 16 of the 2000 season.^[66][46]

In Week 17, the Lions hosted the heavily favored St. Louis Rams in Detroit's final game of the season. After trading punts, the Lions opened up the scoring with a Hanson 39-yard field goal. The Rams responded with a Brandon Manumaleuna 8-yard pass from Marc Bulger. The Lions themselves responded with a Harrington 13-yard touchdown pass to Schroeder to go up 10–7. St. Louis marched down the field on a 12-play, 39-yard drive that ended with a Jeff Wilkins 51-yard field goal to tie it at 10 apiece. After going three-and-out, Detroit's punt was blocked by Erik Flowers and went out of bounds at Detroit's five. With the great field position, St. Louis punched it in with a Marshall Faulk 2-yard run to go up 17–10. The Lions turned the ball over once again when a Harrington pass to Hakim was forced out by Pisa Tinoisamoa and recovered by safety Aeneas Williams at the Rams 48. The Lions defensive line batted two Bulger passes to force the Rams to settle for a Wilkins 36-yard field goal, which he made to put the score at 20–10 entering halftime.^[67]

The Rams got the ball to begin the second half, but fumbled it away when Shaun Rogers strip-sacked Bulger. The Lions capitalized on a Harrington 13-yard touchdown pass to Hakim to pull within three points. The Rams were forced to punt on a three-and-out before the Lions took the lead on a FitzSimmons 2-yard pass from Harrington to go up 24–20. On the responding drive, Bulger was intercepted by Boss Bailey who lateralled it to Bly to bring it to the Rams 28. Detroit extended their lead to 27–20 with a Hanson 38-yard field goal. After forcing another St. Louis punt, Detroit went up two scores with a Hanson 50-yarder. Detroit strip-sacked Bulger again before another Harrington interception gave it right back to the Rams. Concerned about the hits Bulger was taking, Bulger was benched and the Rams brought in Kurt Warner. Despite the change at quarterback, the Rams punted on their next drive, as did the Lions. With possession of the ball with 4:40 left in the game, Warner couldn't lead the Rams into Detroit territory and turned the ball over on downs to seal the 30–20 upset win for the Lions, forcing the Rams out of the #1 seed.^[67][68]

• 2003 Detroit Lions at Pro-Football-Reference.com