Detroit Lions: Handing Out Awards for the 2016 Season
By Zac Snyder
![Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of Detroit Lions helmet on the field prior to a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of Detroit Lions helmet on the field prior to a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ac2be07704985421f262b69dd5febf4ad562c8a76ef9460b1cadd298f1ad47ac.jpg)
Best Moment: Road win vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Lions’ season may have ended in disappointment but it is more likely to be defined by some truly incredible moments. While several quickly come to mind, the Lions’ improbable come from behind road win over the Minnesota Vikings was the unanimous winner for Best Moment.
Best Moment | First | Second | Third | Points |
Lions dramatic win at Vikings | 6 | 18 | ||
Stafford to Boldin beats Redskins | 2 | 1 | 5 | |
Prater’s Thanksgiving game-winner | 2 | 4 | ||
Home win vs Bears to control division | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
Road win at Saints | 2 | 2 | ||
Home win vs Eagles | 2 | 2 | ||
Slay INT on Thanksgiving | 1 | 2 |
The win in Minnesota was thrilling in its own right but really takes on best moment status when considering its place in a greater context. The Vikings were 5-2 heading into that game and although the Lions had turned around a 1-3 start with a three-game home winning streak, they were coming off a loss to the Houston Texans.
That loss to the Texans took some luster off the very good homestand and a loss to the Vikings, which was widely expected on gameday, very well could have sunk the Lions’ season. But the Lions got themselves into field goal range and Prater hit a long game-tying kick to send the game to overtime. Then, Golden Tate ended it with a very good sideline catch and displayed control, power, strength, athleticism and acrobatics on his way into the end zone.
It was dramatic, with a touch of flair, and it signaled that maybe the Lions could really make something of this season.