Detroit Lions 1979: A Game-by-Game Guide

Relive the Detroit Lions' memorable 1979 season with this guide that explores the entire year game by game, from the opening night defeat at Tampa Bay through the final painful weeks, as told in the newspaper accounts of the day.

Aside from the 0-16 debacle in 2008, the Lions have never had a more horrible season than 1979. Detroit entered the year as a favorite in the NFC Central, but a season-ending injury to quarterback Gary Danielson in the preseason forced the Lions to ultimately turn to a rookie ninth-round pick, the notorious Jeff Komlo, behind center, with predictably disastrous results. Nevertheless, there were some highlights along the way, including a close win over the Falcons, a big upset of the Bears on Thanksgiving Day and the right to take Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims first in the 1980 draft, ushering in an exciting new era.

All of the highs and lows from the exciting season are here. A full recap and box score from every game is included, so you can follow the exploits of Monte Clark's team as it slogged through a rough campaign with its eyes set on a brighter future.

Whether you are a die-hard Lions fan or an NFL history buff, you will enjoy this look back at the 1979 Detroit Lions.