2012 POD Awards: Game of the Year

As part of our season wrap-up series, the 2012 POD Awards are underway. First up is the category for the Detroit Lions' Game of the Year. Here are the nominees:

Week 1 vs. St. Louis Rams (W 27-23)

Matthew Stafford shook off 3 interceptions and led the Lions down the field for the go-ahead score on a 5-yard pass to Kevin Smith with 10 seconds left. The touchdown gave the Lions a 27-23 victory and started the season off on a positive note.

Week 3 at Tennessee Titans (L 44-41 in OT)

Although the Lions ultimately lost in overtime, they scored a pair of touchdowns in the final 18 seconds to tie the game, including one on a last-second Hail Mary to Titus Young. What's more, the unbelievable touchdown-onside-touchdown sequence was led by Shaun Hill, who stepped in to replace an injured Stafford.

Week 6 at Philadelphia Eagles (W 26-23 in OT)

The Lions rallied yet again from a two-score deficit to force overtime. This time, a last-second field goal tied things up, and Jason Hanson connected from 45 yards out in the extra session to give the Lions a 26-23 victory.

Week 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks (W 28-24)

Much like Week 1, Stafford led the Lions down the field for a late touchdown to give them the win. In Week 8, the touchdown came on a 1-yard pass to Young with only 20 seconds left, and the Lions walked away with an impressive win over an eventual playoff team.

Week 12 vs. Houston Texans (L 34-31 in OT)

Although it was perhaps the most painful game of the year, it was also one of the most exciting. The Lions and Texans went to overtime on Thanksgiving in a back-and-forth game (thanks mainly to the officials), and each team missed a field goal and turned the ball over in the extra session. Ultimately, the Texans ended up winning on a 32-yard field goal.

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