Lions Celebrate Win with the Fans
by Sean Yuille on Sep 27, 2009 4:53 PM EDT
in News
55 comments
After receiving a water bottle shower from Larry Foote, Jim Schwartz spoke to his team and jokingly asked why everyone was so excited over a game the Lions expected to win. The players laughed, and Schwartz went on to say how well both teams played. He then told the players that after their prayer, go back out on the field and celebrate with the fans.
FOX showed a clip of the players walking around the wall and giving high fives to fans. Gosder Cherilus, who just experienced his first win in the NFL, shook hands with fans and briefly spoke with each of them. It was a great moment and one that shows you just how much this team means to its fans and the city of Detroit.
With the economy in Detroit being so bad and in general these being some tough times, there has been quite a bit of talk in the media about how sports teams can uplift people in the area. Michigan State got the most publicity for its run to the Final Four in Ford Field, as they were "playing for the state." While it was absolutely an amazing story, I think the media blew their effect on the state out of proportion. The Red Wings provided another moment for the city of Detroit to rally around by making it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Of course, we all know how that turned out, but it still was an exciting couple of months. And finally, the Tigers are doing their best to put together a playoff run that would really energize Detroit, but they are in a fight to win the AL Central with one week to go in the regular season.
The Lions haven't made it to the Super Bowl and aren't on the verge of making the playoffs (not yet, anyway), but the effect just one win will have on Lions fans and the people of Detroit is going to be an extremely positive one. For basically this entire decade the Lions have been the butt of many jokes due to their losing ways. Even when we thought 2007 was finally the year for a magical run, the Lions folded midway through the season and reverted back to their old ways. The jokes went to a new level last season when the Lions went 0-16. Blackouts piled up, and based on a combination of the Lions' play and their luck in the first two weeks, it seemed like they were starting to go down a similar path. I'm not saying that they were headed for another winless season, but had Detroit lost today, it could have been a long wait for that first victory.
Instead the Lions got to celebrate their first win since late 2007, and what better way to do it than with the fans. Hopefully the effect of just one win will not only lift people's spirits, but also put people in the seats at Detroit's next home game in a couple weeks. It is only natural to expect more blackouts, but it's amazing what winning does to people. For the fans this is a great relief and a reason to celebrate, and for the players this could very well be the game we all look back to as the turning point for this franchise. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but a win at Chicago next week would put the Lions back at .500. Of course, that won't be an easy task, but one thing is for certain: The Lions will be riding a wave of momentum into that game next Sunday.
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It's great to hear about them celebrating with the fans
I would’ve loved to have been there. Blackout-wise, I think it will depend on how we perform against the Bears. If we hold our own and look solid, people will come to games. We aren’t pushovers, we compete and today, we proved we can win.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 27, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I think with the win, we will start to get some credit in the rankings. Once again, we stopped the run well. I would be interested to see the stats, but having held Peterson to less than 100 and NO had a field day against our secondary, but didn’t run well against us. We definately have some positives, especially with our drafted players.
Nothing makes people take a second look like a win – and a win against the Bears next week will help us even more.
by Lions-fan-SLC on Sep 27, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and the time of possesion
game ball to k smith
by ATL Lion on Sep 27, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New Orleans
ran all over us. Bell had over 100 yards and a TD I think.
by rmatheny on Sep 27, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All class...
thank you Schwartz for realizing yes it is a win for the team, but a win for the faithful too. amazed with this team week over week. again, remember where they were a year ago today.
by londonlion on Sep 27, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
for me...every week has been our superbowl...
no team wanted to be the one the lions finally beat…someone was due…just happened to be the redskins. poor poor zorn.
by londonlion on Sep 27, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zorn is so fired
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Sep 27, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
This won`t look good on his resume ( or last weeks win either ). But always liked him as a player. Dan Synder is always looking to pull the hook out anyways. Maybe Joe Gibbs taught him alittle about loyality.
by lionsfan64 on Sep 27, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where were we a year ago? A year ago....
We lost 49-24 to the Packers, blowing a 4th quarter lead as John Kitna threw 3 picks in the final minutes, and on the final INT Kitna turned his back to the play and removed his helmet on the field as the defender ran by with the ball. That was one of the infamous low points of the year. Kitna gave up, stopped trying to lead, and literally turned his back on the team.
It feels so different now. There’s leadership, teamwork, and people aren’t giving up. For decades, we’ve wanted to change the culture here. I think today, we did change the culture, a little……and it felt GREAT!
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Sep 27, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah man you had to bring that up...
It took months of therapy to get over that one!!!! LMFAO!!!
seriously though, good point, leadership is leaps and bounds better than last year. I agree, we made one step today toward changing a losing culture.
"If your not with us...
you're with the terrorists!!"
by alpha lion on Sep 27, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no kidding
he thought there was heat in the kitchen last week? he took on too much…should never have been calling the offense
by londonlion on Sep 27, 2009 5:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about #54 !!
Levy played TOUGH today, he was banging on that Redskin offense all day. When Sims comes back, how can we keep him on the field ?
Proud Detroit Lions season ticket holder since.......2009 !!
by BoscoHB on Sep 27, 2009 5:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I like Levy
But lets not get crazy. Sims is still a player. Once he comes back we will be better for having Levy get some reps, but Sims will be starting.
by ATL Lion on Sep 27, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved that play at the goal line
Where Levy stuffed the run with his head and saved the TD.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Sep 27, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a huge Sims fan...
…but Levy stepped up big time today. Nice play by the rook.
by Mushy on Sep 27, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Kevim Smith is OK
yea we won, but without him or with a season ending injury we actually lost IMO
Jack of all trades-Master of None.....
by Peter Chung on Sep 27, 2009 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
no, we still win
I think Smith was the reason we won, so I am not saying losing him would be devastating, but a win for us is a win.
by ATL Lion on Sep 27, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I would hate to lose Smith for the season, but a win is a win and we aren’t in this season for the superbowl or the playoffs.
1. A win to break the streak – check
2. Give Stafford the starting experience he needs to get better every game – so far so good
3. Give our players the chance to play to see who stays and who we need to replace (Kevin Smith is clearly our long term running back – so even if he were lost for the season it isn’t “devastating” unless it is an injury that he can’t come back from)
4. Keep winning enough games that we get rid of the losing mentality (this includes keeping it close for the games that we do lose)
The reality is that we are 1-2, with our two losses being against two 3-0 teams expected to make the playoffs (and many consider them both superbowl contenders). This doesn’t mean I think we are on our way to the playoffs, but we have no reason to hang our heads at this point – especially since we keep getting better and better each game.
by Lions-fan-SLC on Sep 27, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are better off than most think
We fought against NO, losing by less than what Philly did and they are supposed to be a playoff team. With a top 5 defense.
Led Minny at the half, contained AD, and limited Favre. Stafford made rookie mistakes, and I believe the play book was shortened.
Today with a more aggressive scheme Stafford was allowed to produce, and Smith was able to show his stuff.
Maybe we can win 5-6 games this year.
Watching the replay on NFL network, and Zorn looks like he is on the verge of tears the whole time. While The Schwartz looked in control.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
by Leapin Lion on Sep 27, 2009 5:46 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Schwartz looked in control
Yessss!!!! And here’s why. Remember the sidelind shots of Marinelli. You could see on his face, “What happened there? What do I do next? What am I doing here? Where am I?” With Schwartz you can tell the gears are always turning. He’s not thinking about the LAST play, he’s thinking about the NEXT play, and beyond. HUGE difference.
by dylan415 on Sep 28, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations Lions!!!
From UGA fans excited to see Stafford lead you all to a big win. And many more!
by rbubp on Sep 27, 2009 5:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gosder Shows What Its All About.....
…….Great Gesture on his part talking with each of the fans he shook hands with.
by BennieBladesFan on Sep 27, 2009 5:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Classy fella
Played pretty well as well.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 27, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a Steeler fan:
Congratulations Lions fans! You’ve earned this one.
by IAPiratesFan on Sep 27, 2009 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
go lionssssssssssss
Kevin Smith let em kno, Ernie Sims Break em, Calvin Johnson you already Kno
2009 Detroit Lions 6-10 to 8-8
by DetroitLions 4 life on Sep 27, 2009 6:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So I was wrong...
…about the fans taking down the goal posts, but I was hardly wrong about how big of a win it felt like. Nice to leave the stadium to cheers of “PARADE ON TUESDAY!”
Decent deal on seats once I got downtown but got a call from my brother that him and his friends had just bought seats too. Basically I took a bath on some reasonable seats as I had to sell four of them back to scalpers just before the game.
Tickets for the game: $150
Parking: $20
Beer: $50
Witnessing the first win in 20 games: $220!
Okay, so it wasn’t priceless, but it was absolutely worth it!!!
by Mushy on Sep 27, 2009 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was there, too
man, did it feel great to hear cheers in the concourse. As empty as that place was, it got really really LOUD at times!
by JazzyBBP on Sep 27, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most Def
It wasn’t quite on par with the Ol’ Silverdome yet, but it was awesome to hear that croud REALLY get behind the team. Its nice to know the fans that were in attendance were knowledgable about the game. Can’t quite call it deafining, but I would certainly say it was rocking down the in the endzones when the defense needed some noise. Then everyone shut the F up when the offense needed to communicate.
I know they are still a long ways from where we want them to be, but it’s hard to wipe the smile off my face today!
by Mushy on Sep 28, 2009 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blogs
I grew up in Michigan, but live outside DC now. So I’m loosely following both teams (but was definitely rooting for Detroit over Redskins and always will). Seeing the number of comments and mood of them on this blog versus the Hogs Haven (Redskins blog) is contrasting to say the least! :-P
by whippb on Sep 27, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Way to hang in there Lion fans
I know its been a long time coming for you guys and you deserve to celebrate for at least a whole week! As a cowboy fan i would just like to thank you for doing this to the Redskins!
by TARHEEL PAUL on Sep 27, 2009 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
CONGRATS!!!!!
I was working today so I didn’t get to see the game, but when I got the news I was so happy. Hopefully this season holds many more wins for you guys.
Don't question my fandominium.
"the notorious D.I.B."- samdaman
by dolphinsinbuffalo on Sep 27, 2009 9:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Vikings Fan Here
Congrats on the Win Lions Nation..It’s been along time coming..hopefully we see more this season!
P.S….THE ROAR HAS BEEN RESTORED!
by TonyO on Sep 27, 2009 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Congrats to the team
But that last drive was intense. And what is up with Calvin, 3 games, 3 big plays, and 3 crazy calls against him. Seems like he can`t get a break.
by lionsfan64 on Sep 27, 2009 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, CJ hasn't had the best run with ref calls of late
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 27, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Live stream on Justin tv
I am not in the blackout zone ( Sparta just north of Grand Rapids ) so i checkedout the stream for awhile and my cable had like a 5 second delay compared to the stream, and the stream was good quality. I am going to checkout some other things and compare them. Hell my t.v. is 32", 8 years old fat and bulky and my monitor is 24" thin, flat and h.d. All i watch is football, basketball, racing, and golf anyways. I might have to dump cable and save some cash every month.
by lionsfan64 on Sep 27, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
over 6500
There was over 6500 people watching the stream when i was on it.
by lionsfan64 on Sep 27, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, how is that a win for the Fords?
This is just further proof that the blackout rule is antiquated. 6500+ on one website trying to watch a grainy reproduction of the game = $0 in revenue for the Lions in local TV advertising.
by Mushy on Sep 28, 2009 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very cool
to see the players celebrate with the fans after the win today. I heard that Peterman and other players were crying…..very emotional win, and it is about damn time!! If Stafford can continue to complete near 60% (58% today) of his passes, and limit his INTs by not forcing passes that aren’t there (like he did today). then we will win more games than some people think is possible this year. I for one was very happy to see him play near mistake free football today (he made no mistakes that were detrimental to the team’s ability to win….everyone throws incompletions). I am very happy that the Lion’s snapped this crazy losing streak! It WAS probable!!!
by KDawg on Sep 27, 2009 11:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Right on
Just think if took alittle off of a couple of those incompletes and how good would those stats have been. Not bad for just learning, only his 3rd game. Give him till after the bye week to take first string snaps and game reps and see how he has progressed. He was already fooling the defense into changing plays.
by lionsfan64 on Sep 27, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stafford missed a little on some key throws, but Bryant Johnson also had some pretty scary drops. we take care of those and it is a pretty serious offense. like you say, no big mistakes and we can hang with almost anyone.
by x$pcents IV on Sep 28, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where on NFL.com can i watch the game exactly?????!!!!!
by Usmarine0341 on Sep 28, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gamerewind.nfl.com/lions
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Sep 28, 2009 4:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can only access Game Rewind....
if you are in the blackout zone…..I am not, and I tried to go watch the game (since I missed it, being in Chicago). It said I was trying to access it from a restricted area, and that I would have to pay for a subscription to watch it.
by KDawg on Sep 28, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Classy move to take time for the fans
Major props on that win Lions
by WarWolf on Sep 28, 2009 1:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Schwartz was definitely with us
Damn happy to see the win column lightup.
And thanks to Jim Schwartz for being a class act.
And thanks to Larry Foote. If people are wondering how we’re containing some of the top HB’s in the league….he’s your answer.
by MattyZ on Sep 28, 2009 2:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think this may be the picture of the year
w/ delmas doing the lions leap into the stands
by londonlion on Sep 28, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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