Lions vs. Giants: Random Stats

Here we are Lions fans. This is quite possibly the biggest game of the year. Cancel that. It is the biggest game of the year, so far, at least. This Sunday the Lions will head to the Meadowlands and take on the the New York Giants in what is being called the most important game of the week.

As always, I can't tell the future. I lost my sports almanac when Biff stole it out of my Delorean. I will get it back though. As soon as I get my Mattel hover board in the mail. That's another story for another day. Let's just go back in time and take you to the beginning

The Beginning

The day was November 5th, 1930. the Wittpenn Bridge had just opened up in New Jersey and the third Academy Awards would be held later that evening. "All Quiet on the Western Front" won best picture. Right in the beginning of the great depression, a football team began in Portsmouth, Ohio.

In their ninth game in franchise history, they took on the New York Football Giants in Ohio. Benny Friedman would lead the Giants to a 19-6 win over Chuck Bennett and the Spartans. The Lions and Giants would go on to play each other 42 more times.

Those other 42 times

Well what do you know? The Lions actually lead this series. The Lions hold a 22-20-1 record against the New York Giants. Sadly, the Lions are really good at beating the Giants at home, but aren't on the road. They are 8-11 in New York.

Can anyone score?

This is interesting. In 1943, the Lions and Giants played to a 0-0 tie. One of only 73 occasions that this would ever happen in the NFL. That seems like a lot, but when you consider that this was the last time it happened, it's a nifty little fun fact. Oddly there was only one turnover in this game--by the Lions. There were 214 combined yards and nine first downs. Take a look at the box score for more info.

Twitter Questions

I'll start. When's the last time (if ever) these two teams faced each other when both teams had 8+ wins? https://t.co/TF15oh8nfp

— Pride Of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) December 14, 2016

Let me start by saying I like your style, Pride Of Detroit. Let me also say that after exhausting research that took all of 11 minutes, I came to the conclusion that this never happened. There were some occasions where they played each other and eventually had eight wins each. But never at the same time during a game.

@POD_Payton @PrideOfDetroit Number of picks Eli Manning has against #Lions vs. the number Fran Tarkenton threw while with the Giants. #Boom

— Ted Glover (@purplebuckeye) December 15, 2016

Well look at that. Our friends over at Daily Norseman are getting in on the Random Stats craze that's sweeping half of a small village in Michigan. Fear not, Theodore, I have an answer to your question. Eli Manning has thrown three interceptions against the Lions. Fran Tarkenton only threw one against the Lions when he was with the Giants. But 23 while he was with the Vikings. #BonusRandomI'vehatedYourTeamMyEntireLifeButNotAsMuchAsTheOthersInTheDivsionStat

@POD_Payton @PrideOfDetroit random stat: Lions have allowed fewest rushing TDs to RBs this season of all teams

— Greg Warren (@gregwarren2) December 15, 2016

Wait a second.

@POD_Payton @PrideOfDetroit random stat 2: Lions hold NFL record for most & least rush yards in a game in history, 432 in 1934 & -53 in 1943

— Greg Warren (@gregwarren2) December 15, 2016

This guys blowing up my spot over here. Come on, Greg! This is all I have in this world!!! In all seriousness, some pretty good random stat work there my friend.

@PrideOfDetroit @POD_Payton 90s at least .... I recall a decently late season game where Kurt Schultz got a INT. LoL weird memory

— Kurt (@MrEasyStreet) December 14, 2016

That is a weird memory. Not really a random stat. But I'll roll with it. Kurt Schultz did pick off Kerry Collins on November 19th, 2000. The Lions would go on to win that game by a score of 31-21.

That's going to do it for this week. Be sure to leave any random stat thoughts you have on your mind for next week in the comment section.

Bonus after-the-credits stat: Denzel was at the last meeting between these teams.

getty

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Denzel Washington talks prior to the start of NFL action between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants at Ford Field on September 8, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)