# 2002 Detroit Lions season

The 2002 season was the Detroit Lions' 73rd in the National Football League (NFL). It was the Lions’ inaugural season at the new Ford Field in Downtown Detroit and their first in the city since the team left Tiger Stadium after the 1974 season. Following the season, Marty Mornhinweg was fired and Steve Mariucci was hired as the Lions' head coach. The Lions entered the 2002 season looking to improve on their 2–14 record from 2001 and make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
They improved on their record, winning 3 games. However, the new stadium didn't help the team overall, and they continued to disappoint, beginning the season with three consecutive losses. By week 9, the Lions had a 3–5 record after a win over the Dallas Cowboys. However, after that win, the Lions lost their remaining 8 games to finish the season 3–13 and failed to reach the playoffs. The Lions also went 0–8 on the road for the second straight season. As a result, Marty Mornhinweg was fired after the season. In his 2 seasons as head coach, the Lions went 5–27 for a winning percentage of .156.

## Offseason

| Signings | Departures |
| G Ray Brown (49ers) | QB Charlie Batch (Steelers) |
| FS Corey Harris (Ravens) | LB Scott Kowalkowski (retirement) |
| WR Bill Schroeder (Packers) | WR Johnnie Morton (Chiefs) |
| TE Mikhael Ricks (Chiefs) | DE Tracy Scroggins (retirement) |
| | TE David Sloan (Saints) |

### NFL Draft

2002 Detroit Lions draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 3 | Joey Harrington | Quarterback | Oregon |
| 2 | 35 | Kalimba Edwards | Defensive end | South Carolina |
| 3 | 68 | André Goodman | Cornerback | South Carolina |
| 4 | 134 | Johnathan Taylor | Defensive end | Montana State |
| 5 | 138 | John Owens | Tight end | Notre Dame |
| 6 | 175 | Chris Cash | Cornerback | USC |
| 7 | 214 | Luke Staley | Running back | BYU |
| 7 | 252 | Matt Murphy | Tight end | Maryland |
| 7 | 259 | Victor Rogers | Tackle | Colorado |
| Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

### Undrafted free agents

2002 Undrafted Free Agents of note :
| Player | Position | College |
| Eddie Drummond | Wide receiver | Penn State |
| Antwan Lake | Defensive tackle | West Virginia |
| James Mungro | Running back | Syracuse |
| Kris Ryan | Fullback | Penn |

## Regular season

In addition to their regular games against NFC North rivals, the Lions under the NFL's new scheduling formula played games against teams from the NFC South and from the AFC East. They also played the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, who had the fourth best records from 2001 of the teams placed in their respective divisions.

### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | September 8 | at Miami Dolphins | L 21–49 | 0–1 | Pro Player Stadium | 72,216 |
| 2 | September 15 | at Carolina Panthers | L 7–31 | 0–2 | Ericsson Stadium | 71,951 |
| 3 | September 22 | Green Bay Packers | L 31–37 | 0–3 | Ford Field | 61,505 |
| 4 | September 29 | New Orleans Saints | W 26–21 | 1–3 | Ford Field | 60,023 |
| 5 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 6 | October 13 | at Minnesota Vikings | L 24–31 | 1–4 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 64,013 |
| 7 | October 20 | Chicago Bears | W 23–20 (OT) | 2–4 | Ford Field | 60,421 |
| 8 | October 27 | at Buffalo Bills | L 17–24 | 2–5 | Ralph Wilson Stadium | 72,710 |
| 9 | November 3 | Dallas Cowboys | W 9–7 | 3–5 | Ford Field | 61,789 |
| 10 | November 10 | at Green Bay Packers | L 14–40 | 3–6 | Lambeau Field | 63,313 |
| 11 | November 17 | New York Jets | L 14–31 | 3–7 | Ford Field | 61,720 |
| 12 | November 24 | at Chicago Bears | L 17–20 (OT) | 3–8 | Memorial Stadium | 62,375 |
| 13 | November 28 | New England Patriots | L 12–20 | 3–9 | Ford Field | 62,109 |
| 14 | December 8 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 20–23 (OT) | 3–10 | Sun Devil Stadium | 28,640 |
| 15 | December 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 20–23 | 3–11 | Ford Field | 61,942 |
| 16 | December 22 | at Atlanta Falcons | L 15–36 | 3–12 | Georgia Dome | 69,307 |
| 17 | December 29 | Minnesota Vikings | L 36–38 | 3–13 | Ford Field | 60,233 |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Dolphins | 7 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 49 |
at Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: September 8, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Sunny, 87 °F (31 °C)
* Game attendance: 72,216
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 3:07. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 5:21.
Second quarter
MIA – Trent Gamble fumble recovery in the end zone (Olindo Mare kick), 14:46. Dolphins 14–0.
MIA – Randy McMichael 16-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 10:11. Dolphins 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:31.
DET – Mike McMahon 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 4:20. Dolphins 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:51.
MIA – Chris Chambers 9-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 0:08. Dolphins 28–7. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:28.
Third quarter
MIA – Ricky Williams 2-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 14:41. Dolphins 35–7. Drive: 1 play, 2 yards, 0:06.
DET – Lamont Warren 13-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 6:19. Dolphins 35–14. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 4:11.
MIA – Robert Edwards 4-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 3:59. Dolphins 42–14. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:20.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Robert Edwards 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 10:39. Dolphins 49–14. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 6:39.
DET – Cory Schlesinger 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 5:48. Dolphins 49–21. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:51.
Top passers
DET – Mike McMahon – 13/25, 179 yards, TD, INT
MIA – Jay Fiedler – 18/27, 207 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
DET – Cory Schlesinger – 8 rushes, 28 yards, TD
MIA – Ricky Williams – 20 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 9 receptions, 97 yards
MIA – Randy McMichael – 4 receptions, 73 yards, TD :

#### Week 2: at Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Panthers | 0 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
at Ericsson Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
* Date: September 15, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
* Game attendance: 71,951
* Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
* TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert and Tim Green
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal, 3:27. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:09.
CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 22-yard pass from Rodney Peete (John Kasay kick), 0:16. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 0:46.
Third quarter
DET – Mike McMahon 11-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 8:21. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 3:10.
CAR – Lamar Smith 3-yard run (John Kasay kick), 6:44. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:37.
CAR – Mike Minter 40-yard interception return (John Kasay kick), 5:49. Panthers 24–7.
Fourth quarter
CAR – Lamar Smith 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 9:43. Panthers 31–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:44.
Top passers
DET – Mike McMahon – 9/23, 95 yards, INT
CAR – Rodney Peete – 21/32, 310 yards, TD
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 12 rushes, 53 yards
CAR – Lamar Smith – 20 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
DET – Scotty Anderson – 2 receptions, 31 yards
CAR – Muhsin Muhammad – 8 receptions, 107 yards, TD :

#### Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 7 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 37 |
| Lions | 7 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 31 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: September 22, 2002
* Game time: 4:15 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 61,505
* Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Cris Collinsworth, and Troy Aikman
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 72-yard punt return (Jason Hanson kick), 12:27. Lions 7–0.
GB – Marques Anderson 78-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:17. Tied 7–7.
Second quarter
GB – Donald Driver 21-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:56. Packers 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 6:14.
DET – Jason Hanson 33-yard field goal, 10:00. Packers 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 0:56.
GB – Ryan Longwell 46-yard field goal, 5:15. Packers 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 4:45.
DET – Lamont Warren 39-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 3:13. Tied 17–17. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 2:02.
Third quarter
GB – Robert Ferguson 8-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 7:56. Packers 24–17. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 7:04.
GB – Bubba Franks 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:30. Packers 31–17. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:29.
Fourth quarter
GB – Ryan Longwell 34-yard field goal, 10:27. Packers 34–17. Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 4:44.
DET – Cory Schlesinger 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 8:23. Packers 34–24. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 2:04.
DET – James Stewart 52-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 1:37. Packers 34–31. Drive: 8 plays, 95 yards, 2:02.
GB – Ryan Longwell 47-yard field goal, 1:15. Packers 37–31. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:22.
Top passers
GB – Brett Favre – 31/47, 357 yards, 3 TD, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 15/35, 182 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
GB – Najeh Davenport – 22 rushes, 84 yards
DET – James Stewart – 14 rushes, 88 yards
Top receivers
GB – Donald Driver – 5 receptions, 94 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 2 receptions, 56 yards, TD :

#### Week 4: vs. New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 21 |
| Lions | 13 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 26 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: September 29, 2002
* Game time: 1:03 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,023
* Referee: Ron Winter (14)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 12:03. Lions 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:57.
DET – James Hall 22-yard fumble return (Jason Hanson kick), 10:31. Lions 10–0.
DET – Jason Hanson 34-yard field goal, 5:41. Lions 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:42.
Second quarter
DET – Bill Schroeder 38-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 4:53. Lions 20–0. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:30.
NO – Donte Stallworth 4-yard pass from Ahmad Brooks (John Carney kick), 1:25. Lions 20–7. Drive: 12 plays, 91 yards, 3:28.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 7:24. Lions 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 2:27.
NO – Deuce McAllister 12-yard run (Ahmad Brooks run), 3:41. Lions 23–15. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:43.
Fourth quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 38-yard field goal, 11:47. Lions 26–15. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:58.
NO – Jerome Pathon 6-yard pass from Ahmad Brooks (Run Failed), 3:41. Lions 26–21. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 2:22.
Top passers
NO – Ahmad Brooks – 27/48, 269 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 20/35, 267 yards, TD
Top rushers
NO – Deuce McAllister – 12 rushes, 61 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 18 rushes, 65 yards
Top receivers
NO – Joe Horn – 6 receptions, 87 yards
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 3 receptions, 98 yards :

#### Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
| Vikings | 3 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: October 13, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,013
* Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Mikhael Ricks 41-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 10:50. Lions 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:04.
DET – Chris Claiborne 20-yard interception return (Jason Hanson kick), 9:39. Lions 14–0.
MIN – Gary Anderson 42-yard field goal, 5:54. Lions 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:45.
Second quarter
MIN – Jim Kleinsasser 1-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 12:34. Lions 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:21.
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 20-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 1:11. Lions 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:10.
Third quarter
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 7-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 9:51. Lions 21–17. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:03.
DET – Jason Hanson 49-yard field goal, 6:07. Lions 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 3:44.
Fourth quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 45-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:25. Tied 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:24.
MIN – Moe Williams 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 2:12. Vikings 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 2:00.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 25/41, 309 yards, 2 TD, INT
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 27/36, 295 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 10 rushes, 42 yards
MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 68 yards
Top receivers
DET – Mikhael Ricks – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD
MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 83 yards :

#### Week 7: vs. Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Bears | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Lions | 0 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: October 10, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: none (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,421
* Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
CHI – Paul Edinger 53-yard field goal, 9:13. Bears 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 4:58.
DET – James Stewart 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 4:59. Lions 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:03.
DET – James Stewart 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 1:11. Lions 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:53.
CHI – Marty Booker 14-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 0:05. Lions 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 1:06.
Third quarter
CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 10:11. Bears 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:49.
CHI – Paul Edinger 42-yard field goal, 8:29. Bears 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:13.
DET – Jason Hanson 30-yard field goal, 0:34. Bears 20–17. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 7:55.
Fourth quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 24-yard field goal, 0:02. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 2:19.
Overtime
DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 10:12. Lions 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 4:48.
Top passers
CHI – Chris Chandler – 16/25, 163 yards, TD, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 16/29, 199 yards
Top rushers
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 26 rushes, 92 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 32 rushes, 172 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
CHI – Dez White – 3 receptions, 70 yards
DET – Aveion Cason – 3 receptions, 57 yards :

#### Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
| Bills | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: October 27, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Cloudy, 47 °F (8 °C)
* Game attendance: 72,710
* Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Tim Green and Bob Trimble
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Travis Henry 5-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 3:40. Bills 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:45.
Second quarter
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 23-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 5:03. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:02.
DET – James Stewart 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 3:00. Lions 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:03.
BUF – Peerless Price 59-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 1:04. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
BUF – Mike Hollis 33-yard field goal, 11:09. Bills 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:44.
BUF – Travis Henry 5-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 2:02. Bills 24–14. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 35-yard field goal, 3:07. Bills 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:54.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 20/42, 199 yards, TD, INT
BUF – Drew Bledsoe – 21/36, 302 yards, TD
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 24 rushes, 83 yards, TD
BUF – Travis Henry – 19 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
DET – James Stewart – 8 receptions, 53 yards
BUF – Eric Moulds – 9 receptions, 123 yards :

#### Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: November 3, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 64,013
* Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
No scoring plays.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 42-yard field goal, 12:06. Lions 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards, 2:08.
DET – Jason Hanson 44-yard field goal, 6:09. Lions 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 2:27.
Fourth quarter
DAL – Troy Hambrick 3-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 7:42. Cowboys 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:06.
DET – Jason Hanson 43-yard field goal, 0:48. Lions 9–7. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 2:59.
Top passers
DAL – Chad Hutchinson – 22/39, 208 yards
DET – Joey Harrington – 14/33, 104 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
DAL – Emmitt Smith – 16 rushes, 39 yards
DET – James Stewart – 19 rushes, 50 yards
Top receivers
DAL – Joey Galloway – 6 receptions, 56 yards
DET – James Stewart – 4 receptions, 41 yards :

#### Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Packers | 3 | 27 | 10 | 0 | 40 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
* Date: November 10, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)
* Game attendance: 63,329
* Referee: Dick Hantak (105)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
GB – Ryan Longwell 30-yard field goal, 7:47. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 7:13.
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim 64-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 7:32. Lions 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 64 yards, 0:15.
Second quarter
GB – Bubba Franks 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 14:35. Packers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:52.
GB – Ryan Longwell 40-yard field goal, 8:57. Packers 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:03.
GB – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, 5:51. Packers 16–7. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 1:47.
GB - Marques Anderson 14-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:47. Packers 23–7.
GB – Najeh Davenport 1-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 0:17. Packers 30–7. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 1:03.
Third quarter
GB – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, 10:31. Packers 33–7. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:35.
GB – William Henderson 9-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 4:55. Packers 40–7. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:21.
Fourth quarter
DET – Mikhael Ricks 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 10:46. Packers 40–14. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:56.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 20/44, 236 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
GB – Brett Favre – 26/39, 351 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 15 rushes, 122 yards
GB – Najeh Davenport – 10 rushes, 73 yards, TD
Top receivers
DET – Az-Zahir Hakim – 7 receptions, 143 yards, TD
GB – Donald Driver – 11 receptions, 130 yards :

#### Week 11: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 7 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 31 |
| Lions | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: November 17, 2002
* Game time: 4:15 p.m.
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 61,720
* Referee: Johnny Grier (23)
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NYJ – Santana Moss 10-yard pass from Chad Pennington (John Hall kick), 6:30. Jets 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:16.
Second quarter
NYJ – Wayne Chrebet 15-yard pass from Chad Pennington (kick blocked), 14:20. Jets 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 4:47.
DET – Bill Schroeder 37-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 11:20. Jets 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:19.
Third quarter
DET – Bill Schroeder 7-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 7:15. Lions 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:32.
NYJ – Wayne Chrebet 4-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Chad Pennington–Laveranues Coles pass), 0:41. Jets 21–14. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:34.
Fourth quarter
NYJ – John Hall 22-yard field goal, 11:20. Jets 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:32.
NYJ – Anthony Becht 1-yard pass from Chad Pennington (John Hall kick), 3:50. Jets 31–14. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:26.
Top passers
NYJ – Chad Pennington – 21/26, 229 yards, 4 TD, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 15/30, 171 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
NYJ – Curtis Martin – 22 rushes, 112 yards
DET – James Stewart – 15 rushes, 93 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Laveranues Coles – 7 receptions, 114 yards
DET – Bill Schroeder – 3 receptions, 57 yards, 2 TD :

#### Week 12: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Bears | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 20 |
at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
* Date: November 24, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Partly cloudy 45 °F (7 °C)
* Game attendance: 62,375
* Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
* TV announcers (FOX): Pat Summerall, Brian Baldinger and Dan Jiggetts
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
CHI – Marcus Robinson 3-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 13:42. Bears 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:18.
DET – Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal, 5:46. Bears 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 5:42.
Third quarter
DET – Germane Crowell 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 5:09. Lions 10–7. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 8:05.
DET – James Stewart 23-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:38. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:35.
Fourth quarter
CHI – Dez White 23-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 2:33. Lions 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 91 yards, 3:46.
CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 17–17. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 1:56.
Overtime
CHI – Paul Edinger 40-yard field goal, 8:58. Bears 20–17. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 6:02.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 21/40, 213 yards, TD, INT
CHI – Jim Miller – 21/35, 250 yards, TD
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 22 rushes, 85 yards, TD
CHI – Anthony Thomas – 14 rushes, 40 yards
Top receivers
DET – Scotty Anderson – 5 receptions, 70 yards
CHI – Marty Booker – 10 receptions, 157 yards :

#### Week 13: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots' | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
| Lions | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: November 28, 2002
* Game time: 12:30 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 62,109
* Referee: Larry Nemmers (20)
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Adam Vinatieri 31-yard field goal, 10:06. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:54.
NE – Tedy Bruschi 27-yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), 9:44. Patriots 10–0.
DET – Jason Hanson 23-yard field goal, 0:08. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:04.
Second quarter
NE – Antowain Smith 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:24. Patriots 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards, 1:42.
DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 0:30. Patriots 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 1:54.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 39-yard field goal, 4:12. Patriots 17–9. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 5:51.
Fourth quarter
NE – Adam Vinatieri 29-yard field goal, 13:17. Patriots 20–9. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:55.
DET – Jason Hanson 46-yard field goal, 9:46. Patriots 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 3:31.
Top passers
NE – Tom Brady – 18/30, 210 yards, INT
DET – Joey Harrington – 22/44, 210 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
NE – Antowain Smith – 25 rushes, 80 yards, TD
DET – James Stewart – 13 rushes, 57 yards
Top receivers
NE – Troy Brown – 10 receptions, 111 yards
DET – Germane Crowell – 5 receptions, 46 yards :

#### Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Lions | 14 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Cardinals | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
* Date: December 8, 2002
* Game time: 4:05 p.m.
* Game weather: Sunny, 67 °F (19 °C)
* Game attendance: 28,640
* Referee: Gerald Austin (34)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Box Score
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Eddie Drummond 73-yard punt return (Jason Hanson kick), 13:15. Lions 7–0.
ARI – Joel Makovicka 1-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Bill Gramatica kick), 9:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:28.
DET – Mikhael Ricks 6-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 0:05. Lions 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:06.
Second quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 26-yard field goal, 3:20. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 2:12.
ARI – Nate Poole 10-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Bill Gramatica kick), 0:38. Lions 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 20-yard field goal, 10:48. Lions 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 4:12.
ARI – Bill Gramatica 29-yard field goal, 5:18. Lions 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:30.
Fourth quarter
ARI – Bill Gramatica 41-yard field goal, 3:23. Tied 20–20. Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 5:38.
Overtime
ARI – Bill Gramatica 42-yard field goal, 10:48. Cardinals 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 4:12.
Top passers
DET – Joey Harrington – 20/37, 152 yards, TD
ARI – Jake Plummer – 24/43, 228 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 13 rushes, 52 yards
ARI – Marcel Shipp – 25 rushes, 85 yards
Top receivers
DET – James Stewart – 3 receptions, 34 yards
ARI – Kevin Kasper – 3 receptions, 49 yards :

#### Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 23 |
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: December 15, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 61,942
* Referee: Tom White (123)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Martin Gramatica 20-yard field goal, 10:43. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 4:17.
Second quarter
TB – Mike Alstott 1-yard run (Martin Gramatica kick), 14:17. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 96 yards, 6:32.
DET – Bill Schroeder 18-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 11:24. Buccaneers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:53.
DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 5:35. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:06.
TB – Martin Gramatica 28-yard field goal, 0:17. Buccaneers 13–10. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 5:18.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 25-yard field goal, 12:02. Tied 13–13. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:58.
Fourth quarter
TB – Michael Pittman 4-yard run (Martin Gramatica kick), 10:08. Buccaneers 20–13. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:04.
DET – Mike McMahon 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 9:44. Tied 20–20. Drive: 1 play, 2 yards, 0:24.
TB – Martin Gramatica 38-yard field goal, 3:04. Buccaneers 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 3:55.
Top passers
TB – Brad Johnson – 24/41, 253 yards
DET – Mike McMahon – 10/21, 158 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
TB – Mike Alstott – 11 rushes, 47 yards, TD
DET – Aveion Cason – 10 rushes, 62 yards
Top receivers
TB – Keyshawn Johnson – 6 receptions, 90 yards
DET – Bill Schroeder – 4 receptions, 96 yards, TD :

#### Week 16: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Falcons | 3 | 10 | 6 | 17 | 36 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
* Date: December 22, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: none (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,307
* Referee: Walt Coleman (65)
* TV: FOX
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 7:50. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:35.
Second quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 6:06. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:08.
ATL – Quentin McCord 20-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 0:17. Falcons 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 0:59.
Third quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 36-yard field goal, 10:56. Falcons 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:04.
ATL – Jay Feely 20-yard field goal, 7:20. Falcons 19–0. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 2:38.
Fourth quarter
ATL – Jay Feely 39-yard field goal, 13:31. Falcons 22–0. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:25.
DET – James Stewart 1-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Mike McMahon-Bill Schroeder pass), 9:53. Falcons 22–8. Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 3:38.
DET – Aveion Cason 15-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 9:31. Falcons 22–15. Drive: 2 plays, 15 yards, 0:10.
ATL – Warrick Dunn 3-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 3:49. Falcons 29–15. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:42.
ATL – Brian Finneran 34-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 1:51. Falcons 36–15. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:36.
Top passers
DET – Mike McMahon – 11/33, 149 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
ATL – Michael Vick – 20/38, 337 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
DET – James Stewart – 12 rushes, 34 yards
ATL – Warrick Dunn – 30 rushes, 132 yards, TD
Top receivers
DET – Bill Schroeder – 2 receptions, 60 yards
ATL – Quentin McCord – 7 receptions, 182 yards, TD :

#### Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vikings | 14 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 38 |
| Lions | 14 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 36 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: December 29, 2002
* Game time: 1:00 pm
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 60,223
* Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
* TV: Fox
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Aveion Cason 23-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 11:56. Lions 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:04.
MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 3:53. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 8:03
MIN – Corey Chavous 43-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 3:00. Vikings 14–7.
DET – Bill Schroeder 16-yard pass from Mike McMahon (Jason Hanson kick), 0:08. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:52.
Second quarter
MIN – Michael Bennett 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:49. Vikings 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:19.
MIN – Kelly Campbell 10-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 5:54. Vikings 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:22
DET – Jason Hanson 37-yard field goal, 1:50. Vikings 28–17. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:04.
Third quarter
DET – Robert Porcher 0-yard fumble return (Jason Hanson kick), 5:41. Vikings 28–24.
MIN – Kelly Campbell 27-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 0:58. Vikings 35–24. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 4:43
Fourth quarter
DET – Todd Lyght 75-yard blocked field goal return (pass failed), 10:56. Vikings 35–30.
MIN – Gary Anderson 18-yard field goal, 1:09. Vikings 38–30. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:40.
DET – Scotty Anderson 20-yard pass from Mike McMahon (pass failed), 0:13. Vikings 38–36. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 0:56.
Top passers
MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 21/29, 312 yards, 2 TD, INT
DET – Mike McMahon – 19/44, 293 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
MIN – Michael Bennett – 19 rushes, 82 yards, TD
DET – Mike McMahon – 3 rushes, 43 yards
Top receivers
MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 109 yards
DET – Bill Schroeder – 6 receptions, 132 yards, TD :

### Standings
#### Division

NFC North :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(3)}$ Green Bay Packers | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 9–3 | 398 | 328 | L1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | 390 | 442 | W3 |
| Chicago Bears | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 281 | 379 | L2 |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 306 | 451 | L8 |

#### Conference

NFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV |
| Division leaders |||||||||||
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 11–1 | .469 | .432 |
| 2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .482 | .432 |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .451 | .414 |
| 4 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .504 | .450 |
| Wild Cards |||||||||||
| 5 | New York Giants | East | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .482 | .450 |
| 6 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 9 | 6 | 1 | .594 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .494 | .429 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason |||||||||||
| 7 | New Orleans Saints | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .498 | .566 |
| 8 | St. Louis Rams | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .508 | .446 |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .506 | .433 |
| 10 | Washington Redskins | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .527 | .438 |
| 11 | Carolina Panthers | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .486 | .357 |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .498 | .417 |
| 13 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .500 | .400 |
| 14 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .500 | .475 |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | North | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .521 | .430 |
| 16 | Detroit Lions | North | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .494 | .375 |
| Tiebreakers |||||||||||
| 1 2 3 Philadelphia finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Green Bay based on conference record (11–1 vs 9–3/9–3). 1 2 Tampa Bay finished ahead of Green Bay based on head-to-head victory. 1 2 St. Louis finished ahead of Seattle based on division record (4–2 to 2–4). 1 2 Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on common games (2–3 to 1–4) 1 2 Arizona finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division. |||||||||||