Thread: Why do the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving when they suck every year?

Originally Posted by blinddeafmute

NE has made some adjustments and are now keeping the pressure off of Brady. With a few mistakes on offense, the Lions don't look like they are going to be able to hang in there.

I see that. The Pats had me concerned there for a while. But it looks all good now. 38-24


On another note why do the Cowboys and Lions play every thanksgiving? When did it start and why?

Found this

The Origin of the Lions' Thanksgiving Day Game

The game was the brainchild of G.A. Richards, the first owner of the Detroit Lions. Richards had purchased the team in 1934 and moved the club from Portsmouth, Ohio to the Motor City. The Lions were the new kids in town and had taken a backseat to the baseball Tigers. Despite the fact the Lions had lost only one game prior to Thanksgiving in 1934, the season?s largest crowd had been just 15,000.

The opponent that day in 1934 was the undefeated, defending World Champion Chicago Bears of George Halas. The game would determine the champion of the Western Division. Richards had convinced the NBC Radio Network to carry the game coast-to-coast (94 stations) and, additionally, an estimated 26,000 fans jammed into the University of Detroit Stadium while thousands more disappointed fans were turned away.

Despite two Ace Gutowsky touchdowns, the Bears won the inaugural game, 19-16, but a classic was born. Since 1934, 65 games have been played with the Lions holding a series record of 33-30-2 (.523). And each game, in its own way, continues to bring back memories of Thanksgiving, not only to Lions' fans, but to football fans across the nation.

The Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals played on thanksgiving for quite a few years when football first originated.
Interesting link to thanksgiving day games with scores. Most were low scoring games due to the lack of passing in that era with a couple that ended 0-0 or 3-0

http://www.profootballhof.com/histor...nksgiving.aspx

It turned into a massacre in the Motor City, that's for sure. However, this confirms my point I've made in other threads on why the Patriots are human. They have a suspect defense, and Detroit's defensive line owned the line of scrimmage for the better part of the first half. We're a better team than the Lions, so I think that game is winnable.

Originally Posted by Dagan81

It turned into a massacre in the Motor City, that's for sure. However, this confirms my point I've made in other threads on why the Patriots are human. They have a suspect defense, and Detroit's defensive line owned the line of scrimmage for the better part of the first half. We're a better team than the Lions, so I think that game is winnable.

I've always had concerns about the Pats defense. They remind me of the San Diego Chargers back in the '80s during the Dan Fouts era.

Originally Posted by BU54

I've always had concerns about the Pats defense. They remind me of the San Diego Chargers back in the '80s during the Dan Fouts era.

Cutler just needs to play error-free or near-error-free football against them when he passes the ball. The Pats seem to come up with interceptions a lot despite not covering their respective receivers tight.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Cutler isn't really known for that style of play though; it's going to be a tough one for us.

He has been better the past few weeks, though, so I like our chances now better than I did a week ago.