For decades, the Detroit Lions have been a team with a complex history on Thanksgiving. Not since 1934, when Potsy Clark and Dutch Clark led the way, had the Lions started a season with such dominance. But since then, their Thanksgiving record has been a source of disappointment. The Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Dilemma - Can They Finally Break the Streak?
Detroit's Early Glory Days
In 1934, the Detroit Lions roared out to a 10-1 start, with Potsy Clark patrolling the sidelines. It was the first official season for the Lions after four previous seasons as the Portsmouth Spartans. They won their first 10 games, including a victory over the St. Louis Gunners, before a loss to the Green Bay Packers. This led them into Thanksgiving, where they faced the Bears and suffered a defeat.This early success set the stage for what was to come. The Lions have had their moments of glory over the years, but their Thanksgiving record has often been a thorn in their side.
The Modern Era and the Struggle Continues
Fast forward to 2024, and Dan Campbell, Jared Goff, and the Lions have matched the 10-1 start of 1934. But for all their dominance, Detroit is still longing to end one glaring run of calamity. Not since Jim Caldwell's 2016 squad have the Lions tasted victory on Thanksgiving.In 2023, the Lions ripped apart many of their long-standing streaks of strife. They won their first-ever NFC North title, returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and claimed their first postseason win since 1991. However, they still came up short on Thanksgiving.During their current holiday swoon, the Lions have lost three times to the Bears. Chicago, entering Thursday on a five-game skid, seems like a perfect opponent to end the streak. But history suggests it might be a very bad matchup for the Lions.
The Players' Perspective
Center Frank Ragnow, in his seventh season with the Lions, understands the importance of a Thanksgiving win. "Usually, in the past years, it's been like don't really want to talk to my family, all upset about everything," he said. "So, I'd really like to enjoy Thanksgiving and put on a show for the crowd because it's a unique environment and we don't take it for granted. It's a special, special game and it'd be really nice to get a W."Dan Campbell also shares this sentiment. "It'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not really fun," he said. "It's not real fun to be around. Ask my wife, she'll tell you. Like that's why she's praying for a win big time because she knows that I'm a bear when we don't win, so we all want it. It is long overdue, but we have to win to win."Can the Lions alter more history in their favor on Thursday? Only time will tell, but the hope and anticipation are palpable as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.
