Memory Lane - 1976 Detroit Lions Preview

For the past seven years the Lions have finished in second place in the NFC Central. HC Rick Forzano, who is entering his third year, will he finally be able to take the Lions to the top of the NFC Central? Or the bigger question, can he finally break the Bobby Layne curse? Bobby supposedly said, “This team will not win for fifty years.” True or not, the Lions haven’t won a championship since Bobby’s departure.

In 1975, the Lions had some bad luck at the QB position. In October, both Bill Munson and Greg Landry’s seasons were over due to knee injuries. Third string QB Joe Reed won the next three games and beat the Vikings in week thirteen. Bill Munson is now with the expansion Seahawks which now leaves Landry as the presumptive starter for ‘76. In the skilled positions of RB andWR only TE Charlie Sanders (HOF) has earned a pro bowl spot.

In 1975, only one player made the pro bowl on defense, CB Lem Barney (HOF) even though the team ranked eighth overall. In the 1976 draft, the Lions had six picks in the first three rounds. TE David Hill, G Russ Bolinger, DB James Hunter, DT John Woodcock and RB Lawrence Gains. Also on this team is Assistant Special Teams and Offensive Assistant coach, 24 yr old Bill Belichick, entering his second year in coaching after his rookie year with the Colts. Bill’s dad, Steve played fullback for the Lions in 1941.

There are some predictions that have the Lions finally winning the division. Will this be the year they breakthrough mediocrity and knock off Bud Grant’s Vikings?

1975 Rankings

Tot Yds Off: 18

Tot Yds Def: 8

Tot Pts Scored: 18

Tot Pts Against: 8

1975 Results:

1976 Opening Day Roster

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