When it comes to naming the top clubs in the NFL, there are some franchises that immediately come to mind. Teams like Kansas City, Baltimore, Buffalo, and Philadelphia have all had recent success and are consistently in the conversation for Super Bowl contenders. However, there is one team that often gets overlooked despite having a surprising statistic that speaks to their dominance on the field – the Detroit Lions.
Yes, you read that right – the Detroit Lions. The same team that has only made it to the playoffs three times since 2000 and has not won a playoff game since 1991. Despite this lack of success, there is one area where the Lions have consistently excelled – overtime games.
In fact, the Detroit Lions have the best all-time overtime win percentage in the NFL at an impressive 70.4%. This means that when the game goes into overtime, the Lions are more likely to come out on top than any other team in the league. This statistic may come as a surprise to some, but it speaks to the resilience and determination of the Lions as a team.
The overtime rule was introduced in the NFL in 1974, and since then, the Detroit Lions have played in a total of 57 overtime games. Out of those 57 games, they have won 40 and lost only 17. This is a remarkable record, especially when compared to other successful teams like the New England Patriots (54.2%) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (55.2%), who have also played a significant number of overtime games.
So, what is the secret behind the Lions’ success in overtime games? It all comes down to their never-give-up attitude and their ability to remain composed and focused under pressure. Overtime games are often intense and can go either way, but the Lions have consistently shown that they thrive in these high-pressure situations.
It’s not just about luck either. The Detroit Lions have had some memorable and dominant wins in overtime, showcasing their talent and determination. One such game was in 2014 against the Chicago Bears, where the Lions came back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force the game into overtime. They then went on to win the game with a 57-yard field goal by Matt Prater, displaying their never-give-up mentality.
In addition to their impressive overtime win percentage, the Lions also hold the record for the longest overtime game in NFL history. In 1980, they played against the New York Jets for 17 minutes and 42 seconds before finally sealing the victory with a field goal. This record still stands today and is a testament to the Lions’ resilience and endurance.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses for the Lions in overtime games. They have also had their fair share of heartbreaking losses, including a loss to the Green Bay Packers in 2019 where they lost in a controversial fashion. But despite these losses, the Lions have shown time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to overtime games.
It’s easy to overlook the Detroit Lions when discussing top teams in the NFL, especially with their lack of success in recent years. But their impressive all-time overtime win percentage speaks for itself and proves that this team should not be underestimated. As the saying goes, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” and the Lions have certainly shown that they know how to finish strong.
In conclusion, while teams like Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo may be the first to come to mind when thinking of top NFL franchises, let’s not forget about the Detroit Lions and their surprising dominance in overtime games. With their never-give-up mentality and ability to thrive under pressure, the Lions prove that they belong in the conversation of top teams in the league. So the next time a game goes into overtime, be sure to keep an eye on the Lions – they just might come out on top.
