LIONS TO FACE BEARS IN THE SERIES' FINAL MATCHUP AT THE SILVERDOME

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1 DETOIT LIONS MEDIA ELATIONS DEPATMENT Matt Barnhart Director 1200 Featherstone oad Pontiac, Michigan 832 isa Balayem Publications Craig Vandermause- Internet Phone Fax (28) (28) Deanna Caldwell Admin. Assistant Bill Keenist Senior Vice President Internet: Detroitlions.com FO IMMEDIATE ELEASE DECEMBE 2, 2001 LIONS TO FACE BEAS IN THE SEIES' FINAL MATCHUP AT THE SILVEDOME GAME INFOMATION The Detroit Lions (1-13) will play their second game of the season against the Chicago Bears (11-3) on Sunday, Dec. 30 at the Pontiac Silverdome. The first match-up resulted in a Chicago victory at Soldier Field on Dec. 2. The game will mark the 1th meeting between the Lions and the Bears, with Chicago holding an advantage. It will also mark the 2001 DETOIT LIONS SCHEDULE Date Opponent TV Time (ET) Sun., Dec. 30 CHICAGO Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Jan. 6 DALLAS Fox 1:00 p.m. final game played between both teams in the Silverdome and the 26 th game played between the two teams in Pontiac, with the Lions holding a advantage. The Lions come into this weekend's game following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, while the Chicago Bears recorded their eleventh win of the year at FedEx Field after defeating the Washington edskins This week s game will be televised on FOX with Curt Menefee handling the play-by-play and Brian Baldinger performing color commentary. Kickoff (capacity 80,311) at the Pontiac Silverdome is slated for 1:00 p.m. EST. COACHES MATY MONHINWEG Marty Mornhinweg (1-13 career record) was named the Detroit Lions' head coach January 25, Mornhinweg previously served the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 9ers. His offensive outputs during those four seasons included tremendous gains in both the running and the passing game. During his tenure with the 9ers, the team led the NFL in rushing in consecutive seasons ( ), grounding out 2,085 yards (130.0 avg./gm) in 99 and a team-record 2,5 yards (159.0 avg./gm) in 98. During the 1998 season, San Francisco led the league in rushing, gross passing yards, total offense and first downs, as they accumulated the second-highest all-time offensive output in league history. The unit became the first offense to lead the league in both gross passing and rushing yards since the Chicago Bears accomplished that feat in 191. Prior to joining the 9ers coaching staff, he spent two seasons with the Green Bay Packers from He was the Packers offensive assistant/quality control coach in 1995, and was quarterbacks coach in 1996 as the team went on to win Super Bowl XXXI. Before joining the pro ranks, Mornhinweg served as the offensive coordinator for Northern Arizona (199). He spent three seasons with the University of Missouri from (offensive line , slots/tight ends 1991). He was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Southeast Missouri State ( ), running backs coach for Northern Arizona (1988), a graduate assistant at Texas-El Paso (1986-8) and receivers coach at Montana (1985). He began his coaching career at Oak Grove High School (San Jose, Calif.) in 198. Mornhinweg was a standout quarterback in college while directing the offense at Montana, as he established 15 passing records at the school. He prepped at Oak Grove H.S. and played for Mike Holmgren, who was the school s offensive coordinator. DICK JAUON Dick Jauron (22-2 career head coaching record) was named the 12th head coach of the Chicago Bears on January 2, This season is Jauron s third year as an NFL head coach. Previous to coming to Chicago, Jauron, a Yale graduate, was defensive coordinator in Jacksonville for four years ( ). While there, Jauron helped build an expansion team into a perennial playoff participant. Before coaching in Jacksonville, he spent 10 years coaching defensive backs in the NFL. Nine of those 10 years were with the Green Bay Packers (1986-9) and one season was with the Buffalo Bills (1985). After graduating from Yale in 192, Jauron played eight years in the NFL as a safety for the Detroit Lions (193-) and the Cincinnati Bengals (198-80). While with the Lions, he intercepted 1 passes for 328 yards and a one touchdown. In five head-to-head match-ups with the Lions as an NFL head coach, Jauron holds a 3-2 record. PAGE 1 OF 2

2 LAST GAME DETOIT 1, PITTSBUGH 6; DECEMBE 23, 2001; HEINZ FIELD The Lions fell to the 2001 AFC Central division champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, at Heinz Field in their final road game of The Steelers defense, which held the Lions offense to only 151 yards on the day, scored the first points of the game as LB Joey Porter sacked QB Mike McMahon, forcing him to fumble. LB Jason Gildon scooped up the fumble and rambled 2 yards to the end zone to give the Steelers a -0 lead. On the ensuing drive, the Lions put together their most impressive drive of the day, a nine play, yard drive that used :3 off the clock. B Lamont Warren s 3-yard run led to TE David Sloan s 10-yard touchdown catch from McMahon to knot the score at -. The Steelers, however, quickly answered as they put together an impressive drive of their own. Traveling yards in 1 plays, QB Kordell Stewart capped off the drive by finding TE Matt Cushing on a four-yard touchdown pass to again increase their lead to seven points. After a second fumble recovery, the Steelers scored on their third touchdown of the day on a two-yard Stewart touchdown run. K Kris Brown missed the PAT, holding the score to 20-. Two plays later, the Steelers defense forced yet another turnover as CB Dewayne Washington intercepted McMahon with just over 13 minutes remaining in the half. After both teams missed 8-yard field goals, Stewart found W Hines Ward on a five-yard touchdown strike to increase the Steelers lead to 20 points, 2-. The Lions went into halftime with momentum as McMahon found Sloan on a one-yard touchdown pass to pull the Lions within 13 points. With his two touchdown receptions, Sloan increased his team-leading touchdown receptions total to six (single-season career-high) on the season. The last time a Lions TE recorded six touchdowns in a single season was in 190 when Charlie Sanders recorded six touchdown receptions. The Steelers dominated the second half, as they put up another 20 points and kept the Lions offense scoreless. LIONS ADIO NETWOK The 2001 season marks the Detroit Lions sixth season partnering with WXYT AM 120 and the Infinity Broadcast Corporation to provide live radio broadcasts of all Lions games. This season, all Detroit Lions football games are broadcast live in metro Detroit on AM 120 WXYT, in addition to sister-station WWJ AM 950. This year, the Lions radio network features 1 stations in Michigan, Ohio and Canada. Mark Champion, in his 13th season as the voice of the Lions provides the play-by-play analysis, Jim Brandstatter assists with color commentary and reporting from the sidelines is by Tony Ortiz. MISCELLANEOUS MEDIA INFOMATION GAMEDAY CEDENTIALS Written requests are required for all game credentials. Members of the media who have not submitted written credential requests for the 2001 season should do so immediately. LIONS TICKETS Detroit Lions' season and single-game tickets are now on sale at the Lions ticket office, which is located at the north end of the Pontiac Silverdome, adjacent to the Main Event estaurant. For more ticket information, call OA. The hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. DETOITLIONS.COM Follow up-to-the-minute Detroit Lions news by logging on to Detroitlions.com ( the team s official Internet site. Fans and media can access breaking news, rosters, depth charts, press releases, Q & A sessions with Lions coaches and players and the site s extensive history section. Also featured on Detroitlions.com is updated information on the ncluding a live web camera showing the progress of the unique construction project. By logging on Detroitlions.com, information on the NFL ( as well as accessing all other teams is easy through the NFL Internet Network. THE LIONS-BEAS SEIES The Bears hold an lead in the series, which dates back to a -6 victory by the Portsmouth Spartans in The Portsmouth franchise moved to Detroit in 193 and the Lions lost to Chicago, 19-16, in Detroit s first Thanksgiving Day game on Nov. 29, 193. After the Bears dominated the series in the mid-to-late 1980s, winning ten straight contests, Detroit has won 1 of the last 2 contests, and 10 of the last 16. In the 1990s, the Lions won nine of eleven contests played at the Silverdome. The Bears have a -23- advantage in Chicago while the Lions have fared better in Detroit, posting a mark at home (15-10 in the Silverdome). CONNECTIONS Lions defensive coordinator Vince Tobin served in the same capacity for the Bears from Tobin also served on the same Indianapolis staff from with Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who was the defensive line coach under Tobin s defensive staff Vince s brother, Bill Tobin, served on the Bears staff in various player personnel capacities from , including the last eight as vice president of player personnel Bears Head PAGE 2 OF 2 All requests should be made in writing to: Matt Barnhart Director of Media elations Detroit Lions 1200 Featherstone oad Pontiac, MI 832 Fax: SEIES BY THE NUMBES Lions ecord vs. Bears Last egular Season Game Detroit 10, Chicago 13; 12/2/01; Soldier Field Detroit's Largest Winning Margin: 2 points (2-0 at Detroit, 9/22/68) Chicago's Largest Winning Margin: 9 points (9-0 at Chicago, 10/19/1) Current Series Streak: Chicago - 2 (12/2/01) Lions' Longest Win Streak vs. Bears: 6 (9/22/68-10/25/0) Bears' Longest Win Streak vs. Lions: 11 (11/2/6-10/28/51)

3 Coach Dick Jauron was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round of the 193 draft as a defensive back and spent the next five seasons as a Lion (was selected to the Pro Bowl in 195) Chicago defensive line coach ex Norris held the same position with Detroit from Norris also coached on the Denver defensive staff in 199 while Lions LB Allen Aldridge was part of the Broncos squad Detroit LB Khari Samuel spent the seasons with the Bears Several Bears are natives of Michigan, including DT Alfonso Boone of Saginaw, Mich. (Arthur Hill), QB Jim Miller of Waterford, Mich. (Kettering) and DE Karon iley from Detroit (Martin Luther King). Boone was drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2000 draft and spent the greater part of that season on the Lions practice squad before the Bears claimed him November 21, 2000 Lions G Tony Semple is a native of Lincoln, Ill Lions B Aveion Cason played at Illinois State from Chicago K Paul Edinger, QB Jim Miller and DT obert Newkirk are all former Michigan State Spartans Lions 2001 first-round draft choice T Jeff Backus played at Michigan with Chicago 2001 first round pick W David Terrell and second-round pick B Anthony Thomas. Lions DE James Hall and W/K Desmond Howard are also former Wolverines Bears defensive backs coach Vance Bedford served in the same capacity at the University of Michigan from Lions running backs coach Maurice Carthon served in the same capacity for the New York Jets while Bears wide receivers coach Todd Haley held the same position and Bears special teams coach Mike Sweatman served in the same capacity during the seasons. Chicago TE Fred Baxter was a member of the Jets offense during that span Carthon was part of the New England staff when Bears S Larry Whigham was on the Patriots squad from Lions offensive line coach Carl Mauck was on the Tampa Bay coaching staff with Bears linebackers coach Dale Lindsey in 1991 Lindsey also teamed up with Mauck and Lions special teams coach Chuck Priefer when the three served on the San Diego Chargers staff during the seasons... Detroit S Kurt Schulz and Chicago DT Ted Washington were on the same Buffalo Bills defensive unit from Lions CB Todd Lyght and Bears DE Bryan obinson were teammates during the 199 season for the St. Louis ams Lions P John Jett played college football at East Carolina when Bears tight ends coach Pat Flaherty served as the Pirates defensive line coach in 1992 Lions CB Bryant Westbrook played on the same Texas squad with Bears T Blake Brockermeyer from Detroit C Dominic aiola was joined at Nebraska by Chicago S Mike Brown during the seasons Lions LB Allen Aldridge and Bears T Jimmy Herndon were fellow teammates at Houston from Detroit B Lamont Warren was joined at Colorado by Chicago LB Greg Jones during the 1993 campaign Detroit CB Jimmy Wyrick spent the 1999 season on the same offensive unit at Minnesota with Chicago DE Karon iley. THE LAST TIME Chicago 13, Detroit 10 December 2, 2001 at Soldier Field The Detroit Lions held the lead for the majority of the game, but could not hold on for the victory. Kicker Jason Hanson, who had a very uncharacteristic day, was given an opportunity with 2 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game, but missed the 0-yard field. The Lions opened the game with a seven-play, 2-yard drive, but Hanson's 5-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. The Lions' offense, though, would bounce back two series later. The 10-play, 95-yard drive marked the longest drive of the season for the offense and was made possible in large part by B James Stewart's 56-yard (career long) reception from QB Charlie Batch. Stewart finished off the drive with a three-yard touchdown plunge to give the Lions a lead they would hold onto until 5:3 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bears answered the Lions' long touchdown drive with a nine-play, 6- yard drive which was capped off by a 6-yard K Paul Edinger field goal, making the score -3. The Bears would march into Lions' territory two more times in the second quarter, however the stingy Lions' defense kept the Bears without points. With :3 remaining until half, the Bears were stuffed on a fourth-and-one play by the surge of DT Luther Elliss and DE obert Porcher, and with 1:28 remaining until half, CB Bryant Westbrook recorded his first interception of the year after making an interception on the sideline to get the ball back in the hands of the offense. Seven plays later with 10 seconds remaining until halftime, Hanson missed his second field goal of the day (a 8-yarder). Hanson redeemed himself midway through the third quarter when he nailed a 36-yarder to increase the Lions lead to The Lions were forced to switch quarterbacks to open the fourth quarter as Batch suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the third. QB Mike McMahon was inserted in his place and eventually set up Hanson's final attempt with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. Hanson missed the field goal and the Bears' 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter proved to be too much. LIONS AT A GLANCE LIONS OFFENSE OFFENSIVE LINE: The Detroit Lions' offensive line went through major changes this off-season Only two players from last year's front five started all 16 games in 2000 (G Jeff Hartings and C Mike Compton) and both players left via free agency Ten-year veteran ay oberts, who started ten games at both tackle positions last season, retired And T Aaron Gibson was released on Oct. 30 With those changes, only four players remain from the 2000 squad that had starting experience, including: C Eric Beverly, G Kerlin Blaise, G Tony Semple and G Stockar McDougle The Lions emphasized the selection of offensive linemen in the draft The team's top two selections, T Jeff Backus from Michigan and C Dominic aiola from Nebraska, should prove to be a pillar of strength and stability for years to come Beverly has started every game for the Lions at center, although aiola saw his first action in the middle (two series) during the Lions' regular season game against the 9ers (11/) and has played at center in six of the last seven games McDougle, who made the transition from left tackle to left guard in the off-season, saw his first action at Chicago (11/2) at right tackle after being sidelined for seven weeks due to a foot injury During the past two games, McDougle saw more playing time at right guard in place of Matt Joyce Eight-year veteran Tony Semple, who started ten of the last eleven games at left guard, has played solid football and has impressed the coaches One of the key acquisitions made by the Lions in the off-season was the signing of free agent G Brenden Stai Stai, a six-year NFL veteran who spent his first five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and 2000 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has started every game at right guard Fourth-year G Kerlin Blaise adds depth to the right guard PAGE 3 OF 2

4 position. Backus, the team's 2001 first-round draft choice, has been impressive since joining the Lions and has started every game at the left tackle position Eight-year veteran T Matt Joyce, who was signed in the off-season, has become a very valuable member of the front five (has started at right tackle and left guard spots in 2001) His ability to switch positions along the offensive line has given him increased playing time, and he has assumed the role as the team s regular starting right tackle On Dec. 18, the Lions added depth to the roster when they signed Tyrone Hopson. TIGHT END: 1999 Pro Bowl participant and 2000 Pro Bowl alternate David Sloan has both the size and speed to be a lethal target down the middle He has caught 28 passes for 316 yards and six touchdowns in 2001 With two touchdown receptions at Pittsburgh (12/23), TE David Sloan increased his team-leading touchdown receptions total to six (career singleseason high) on the season. The last time a Lions tight end recorded six touchdowns in a single season was during the 190 season when Charlie Sanders recorded his career single-season high six touchdown receptions. Against the Bengals (10/28), Sloan's two touchdowns (both one-yard TD receptions) marked a then single-game career-high for the seven-year veteran, while vs. Arizona (11/18), Sloan again caught two touchdown passes In the team's first win of the season vs. Minnesota (12/16), Sloan led the team with five receptions and collected 6 yards on the day, including a key 26-yard reception on the game-winning drive that put the Lions up for the remainder of the game The Lions released Pete Mitchell on Nov. 1 and John Waerig on Dec. 11 to make room for other roster positions With Mitchell and Waerig's departure, rookie Stephen Trejo has shifted from fullback to tight end to fill in as a backup Trejo was the team's starting TE at Chicago with the injury Bradford Banta, an eight-year NFL veteran, was signed during the off-season and is used primarily as the long snapper on special teams. WIDE ECEIVE: The wide receiving corps is loaded with talent and is beginning to prosper under the new West Coast offense, although the group has become depleted with injuries Veteran Johnnie Morton has been the Lions' most consistent receiver in recent years and his speed and pass-catching ability is again proving to be a significant asset for the Lions' offensive unit He leads the team with 62 catches for 93 yards and three touchdowns Morton has tallied four 100-yard receiving games, including 111 yards on five catches in the 2001 opener against the Packers, six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in the team's second game against the Browns, nine grabs for 113 yards and a touchdown against the Titans (10/21) and seven catches for 153 yards against the Arizona Cardinals (11/18) Morton needs only 2 yards to record his fourth 1,000-yard receiving season in the past five years Germane Crowell, the Lions' deep-play threat, tore his Patella tendon against the Titans (10/21) in the fourth quarter and will miss the remainder of the season Up to that point, Crowell was building steam and playing extremely well Herman Moore, who owns virtually every receiving record in Lions' history, was placed on I (10/1) due to a torn muscle in his hip Eight-year veteran Bert Emanuel was signed on Oct. 2 to add experience to the depleted receiving corps... Emanuel was playing extremely well and becoming better accustomed to the West Coast offense (three starts), however vs. Arizona (11/18), he suffered a leg injury which has sidelined him for four games Last week at Pittsburgh (12/23), Emanuel saw his first action since the injury and made his third start of the season Second-year receiver Larry Foster has started three games (vs. Cincinnati Oct. 28, at San Francisco Nov. and vs. Minnesota Dec. 16) at the receiver slot beside Morton and has played an important role on several special teams units Although last week at Pittsburgh Desmond Howard, who is the team's kick and punt return specialist, is also seeing more action at the receiver position His 36-yard touchdown reception against the Titans (10/21) in the fourth quarter was his first receiving touchdown as a Lion and first since 1995 Howard suffered a shoulder injury at Arizona (11/18) that sidelined him for several games, however he did return to action at Tampa Bay (12/9) 2001 fifth-round draft choice Scotty Anderson was inactive for the team's first five games, however he has played a prominent role with the offense since that time (three starts) Anderson made his first start as a Lion vs. Green Bay (11/22) and also caught the first touchdown pass of his career, which was a 29-yard reception to pull the Lions within two points with less than 20 seconds remaining... His 69-yard reception vs. Minnesota (12/16) was only one yard short of being a touchdown and also set up the Lions' second touchdown of the game. UNNING BACK: B James Stewart, who was voted as the team's offensive MVP in 2000, returns for his second season with the Lions Stewart's hard north-south running style has proven to be very effective in the new West Coast offense Not only can he carry the load, but Mornhinweg has been very impressed with Stewart's ability to catch the football out of the backfield Stewart has rushed for a total of 616 yards on 130 carries (. yards per carry avg.) and has caught 22 passes for 21 yards and one touchdown His 56-yard reception at Chicago (12/2) was the longest of his career He was inactive for four games due to an ankle sprain, however returned to the starting lineup vs. Green Bay (11/22) where he rushed for 102 yards on 1 carries Stewart is averaging 5.6 yards per touch this season (including both rushing and receiving) Last week vs. Pittsburgh (12/23), Stewart re-aggravated his right ankle and his status for the remainder of the season is uncertain In his place stepped veteran B Lamont Warren Warren's 3-yard run in the first quarter set up the Lions' first touchdown of the day last week at Pittsburgh (12/23) Warren normally serves as the team's third-down back and spells Stewart when needed, although he did make his first start of the year against the Bengals (10/28) due to an ankle sprain to Stewart euben Droughns, who originally was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2000 draft, saw the most extensive playing time of his career while Stewart was out with an ankle injury (started three contests) Against Tampa (11/11), he recorded the first touchdown of his career when he caught an eight-yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 1 apiece late in the fourth quarter Seven-year veteran FB Cory Schlesinger is the team's bruising lead blocker Schlesinger, who signed a four-year contract extension in the off-season, has showcased his capability of catching the ball out of the backfield as he caught a career-high six receptions vs. Green Bay (11/22) At Arizona (11/18), he caught four passes for a single-game career high 60 yards He is currently ranked second on the team with receptions for 382 yards (both represent single-season career highs) Also at fullback is Brock Olivo, who contributes heavily on special teams On Nov. 19, the Lions added depth to the running back position as they signed rookie Aveion Cason to the active roster. QUATEBACK: Charlie Batch was the go-to guy at quarterback for the Lions' offense until he suffered a separated shoulder at Chicago (12/2) which will sideline him for the remainder of the season He was placed on the Injured eserve list PAGE OF 2

5 on Dec. 5 Batch threw for a then single-game career-high 35 yards, 31 completions and tied a career mark with three touchdown passes at Minnesota (10/1) He followed up that career day with an outstanding performance vs. Tennessee -of-2 attempts for three touchdowns nearly helped the Lions come-from-behind victory attempt At Arizona (11/18), Batch broke several franchise single-game records when he completed 36-of-62 passes for 36 yards and three touchdowns With Batch's injury, rookie Mike McMahon saw his first career start at Tampa Bay (12/2) and during his second start vs. Minnesota (12/16), he led the Lions to their first victory of the season McMahon set career marks in several categories, including: attempts (28), completions (15), yards passing (21), yards rushing ( on 12 attempts) and he also scored on a one-yard touchdown run McMahon showcased his athletic ability on national television against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day when he engineered two touchdown drives late in the fourth quarter to pull the Lions within two points... He stepped in for Batch one series during the first half and two series during the second half against the Packers (completed 9-of-20 for 89 yards and a touchdown, also scored on the two-point conversion) At Chicago (12/2), McMahon was inserted in place of Batch in the fourth quarter and helped to set up Hanson's 0-yard field goal (wide right) with 10 seconds remaining He saw his first regular season game action (one series during each half) as the signal caller at San Francisco (11/) and was in for one series vs. Tampa Bay (11/11) Last week at Pittsburgh (12/23), McMahon injured his ankle and his status is yet to be determined for Sunday's game vs. Chicago After being acquired via trade Sept. 2 from Cleveland, Ty Detmer serves as the team's veteran QB Mornhinweg sought his services because of his knowledge of the West Coast offense, having played in the offensive system in seven of the first nine years of his career Detmer was a backup QB in 1995 with Green Bay and for San Francisco in 1998 while Mornhinweg was an assistant on those respective staffs The Lions signed QB Scott Dreisbach from the Buffalo Bills' practice squad on Dec. to add depth to the quarterback unit. LIONS DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE: The Lions possess one of the deepest defensive line rotations in the NFL Two-time Pro Bowl DE obert Porcher has tallied a team-high ten sacks during the 2001 season and now holds the Lions career record for quarterback sacks (8.5) His two sacks vs. Minnesota (12/16) marked the 21st time in his career that he has collected a multi-sack game He is joined by 10-year veteran DE Tracy Scroggins (60.5 career sacks) on the right side Scroggins' seven-yard sack against the Green Bay Packers (11/22) moved him within a half a sack away from tying William Gay for fourth place on the Lions' all-time career sack list The interior has undergone a change with the emergence of rookie DT Shaun ogers (selected in second round by the Lions), who has progressed quickly and earned a starting role ogers, who was expected to see action midway through the season after recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in college (Texas) that required surgery, has registered 3.0 sacks this season His two blocked field goals against the 9ers (11/) gave the Lions an opportunity to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining in regulation Luther Elliss continues to plug holes along the trenches for opposing team's running games Elliss returned to the starting lineup against the Browns after recovering from elbow surgery performed during training camp, although he re-aggravated the injury and saw limited action vs. Tampa Bay (11/11) and was inactive at San Francisco (11/) and at Arizona (11/18) Elliss has since started the last five games Both Elliss and ogers are backed up by Travis Kirschke (who started in Week 1 against Green Bay and at Arizona Nov. 18) and Kelvin Pritchett (who started at San Francisco (11/11) DE Jared DeVries was activated off the eserve- Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list a day before the Bengals game (10/28) and has provided the Lions with quality depth as his playing time has increased DE James Hall has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the outside, as his speed and quickness allow the Lions to move him around on defense His eight-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Packers (11/22) was the first touchdown of his two-year career and his 3.5 sacks and six tackles at Tampa Bay (12/9) also marked career highs DE Anthony Herron, who was originally signed with the Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Iowa and who played in all four of the Lions' preseason contests, was signed to the active roster on Nov. 2 to add depth. LINEBACKE: The linebacking corps has undergone several changes due to injuries Two-time Bro Bowler Stephen Boyd was placed on I (Nov. 19) due to a back injury suffered against the Vikings (10/1) Third-year pro Chris Claiborne has moved into the starting middle linebacker position Claiborne, who played middle linebacker during his college campaign at USC, played very solid football during his first game in the middle against the Titans (10/21) after recording 15 tackles (6 solo, 9 assists), two passes defended and one interception He also had a very solid game at Chicago (12/2) when he recorded a game-high 1 tackles Claiborne currently leads the team with 10 tackles and is tied for second place on the team with four sacks His sack and forced fumble on Packers QB Brett Favre on Thanksgiving Day gave the Lions their only lead of the day as DE James Hall gathered the fumble and ran it in for an eight-yard touchdown He recorded his second interception of the season after the ball bounced threw Barrett Green's hands he made a great catch to set up the Lions' offense with great field position In Claiborne's place on the right side is Barrett Green (second-round pick in 2000), who had been the team s nickel backer Against the 9ers he recorded a career-high 15 tackles (six solo) along with a forced a fumble Allen Aldridge continues to reside on the left side of the linebacking corps Veteran Scott Kowalkowski has not only been invaluable as a backup for the middle linebacker position, but is a consistent special teams contributor Nickel backer Clint Kriewaldt has the speed to cover and the knack for the ball to lay a big hit Kriewaldt saw his most extensive action on defense at Minnesota when Boyd was out with a back injury and the team used a 5-2 defensive front... On Oct. 1, the Lions added depth to the linebacker unit when they signed Khari Samuel, who originally was a third-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1999 Seven-year veteran Brian Williams was added for depth on Dec.. DEFENSIVE SECONDAY: The Lions have a very talented secondary, though they have been battling injuries throughout the season The secondary has been hit hard with injuries stemming from last year and the 2001 preseason. CB obert Bailey was placed on the Injured eserve list on Dec. after suffering a neck injury vs. Green Bay on Thanksgiving (Nov. 22) He also announced his decision to retire after a very successful career in which he won two Super Bowl rings (with Baltimore last year and with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995) Terry Fair, who started and played extremely well during the team's first 12 games at cornerback, injured his right foot and will likely miss the remainder of the season Strong safety on PAGE 5 OF 2

6 ice has been one of the most consistent players in the secondary, however he is also out for the season after being placed on Injured eserve due to a back and neck injury The Lions added depth at safety just before the final preseason game against Tennessee when they signed six-year veteran Tommy Bennett (started in 2001 opener at strong safety) Bennett received a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's banned substance policy and he will also miss the remainder of the season S Kywin Supernaw (started first three games of his career late last year) had surgery to fix a herniated disc in his neck, and he was placed on the Injured eserve list CB Bryant Westbrook, who was playing at a Pro Bowl level until rupturing his Achilles tendon last year at Minnesota (11/30/00), made his first start of the season vs. Minnesota At Chicago (12/2), he intercepted his first pass of the year In his place is free agent acquisition CB Todd Lyght Lyght brings with him 10 years of experience from the ams organization In the team's first win of the season vs. Minnesota (12/16), Lyght recorded his fourth interception of the year and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions an early -0 lead in the first quarter His interception against the Vikings was his first as a Lion and against the 9ers (11/) he made a great play to keep his feet in bounds for his second interception of the year At Arizona (11/18), Lyght gave the team added spark in the second quarter after recording his third interception as a Lion and 3 th of his career CB Jimmy Wyrick saw the most extensive action of the year at Tampa Bay (12/9) when he filled in at cornerback for Fair (foot injury suffered in the second quarter) ookie free agent CB Chidi Iwuoma was activated to the 53-man roster from the practice squad prior to opening day Iwuoma provides depth at the position as well as speed on the special teams units Starting free safety Kurt Schulz was inactive for the first five games after suffering from a pinched nerve in his back, however he did return against the Bengals (10/28) and recorded his first interception of the year Schulz recorded his second interception of the year at Tampa Bay Lamar Campbell bulked up in the off-season and started the first six games at free safety, although was inactive against the 9ers (11/), Buccaneers (11/11) and Cardinals (11/18) due to a hamstring pull He did start against the Packers (11/22) and has started every game since. LIONS SPECIAL TEAMS The Lions special teams unit has three of the most talented players in the league at their respective return specialist Desmond Howard has the ability to break a game wide open, while K Jason Hanson and P John Jett are solid and consistent in their kicking duties Howard needs only two punt returns for a touchdown to place him in a tie with Eric Metcalf for the most punt return touchdowns in league history (10) Howard's 229 kickoff return yards vs. the Bengals (10/28) gave the Lions much-needed spark and was a single-game career-high Howard is ranked among the top returners in the league this year, however during the first play of the game at Arizona (11/18), he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three games Howard returned to action at Tampa Bay (12/9) Hanson's accuracy from long range gives the Lions another option when entering the opposing team's territory Hanson's 5-yard field goal against the Packers (11/22) marked the 20th time in his career he has nailed at least a 50-yarder, which makes him only one of eight players to accomplish that feat Hanson is currently -for- on field goal attempts from yards this season after nailing a 50-yard field goal at Tampa Bay (12/9) On the first extra point in Arizona, Hanson became the second player in Lions' history to score 1,000 career points (Eddie Murray) P John Jett injured his calf muscle vs. Green Bay (11/22), while five-year veteran P Leo Araguz was signed with the team on Nov. 2 to take his place Last week at Pittsburgh (12/23), Jett returned as the team's mong the leaders in covering kicks are Clint Kriewaldt, Stephen Trejo, Jimmy Wyrick and Brock Olivo. LIONS NOTABLES OFFENSIVE OUTPUTS Detroit has been developing its offensive fire-power in the 2001 season as the Lions continue to adjust and adapt to the West Coast offense. Currently, the Lions are ranked ninth in the NFL in team passing and are sixth in the NFC. Last season, the Lions ended the 2000 campaign ranked 25 th in passing (16.2 yards/gm). This year, the offense is currently ranked ninth in team passing in the NFL by netting 220. yards per game. With two touchdown receptions at Pittsburgh Dec. 23, TE David Sloan increased his team-leading touchdown receptions total to six (single-season career-high) on the 2001 NFL Team Passing ankings Team Yds/G G Att Cmp Cmp% Yds Avg/Att TD Int Sk/Yds tg 1. St. Louis ams / Indianapolis Colts / Minnesota Vikings / New Orleans Saints / Green Bay Packers / Kansas City Chiefs / Oakland aiders / Arizona Cardinals / Detroit Lions / season. The last time a Lions tight end recorded six touchdowns in a single season was during the 190 season when Charlie Sanders recorded six touchdown receptions. With one more touchdown reception, Sloan will tie TE Gail Cogdill's seven touchdown receptions he recorded during the 1962 season. Sloan is ranked third among the NFL s tight ends in touchdown receptions this season. In the Lions first win of the 2001 season (vs. Minnesota Dec. 16), the team totaled 16 rushing yards on 35 carries (.8 avg.) and scored two touchdowns vs. Minnesota Dec. 16. Leading the way were B James Stewart (20 rushes for 91 yards) and QB Mike McMahon (12 rushes for yards and 1 TD). The Lions output of 16 yards equaled the team s high of the season previous gained vs. Green Bay Nov. 22. With the return of B James Stewart, who missed the previous four games due to injury, the Lions rushed for a season high 16 yards on 25 attempts (6. avg.) vs. Green Bay Nov. 22. In the previous four games, the Lions rushed for a total of PAGE 6 OF 2

7 22 yards (56.0 yds/gm) as Stewart was sidelined. On the season, Stewart has accumulated a.8 yards per carry rushing average (128 attempts for 615 yards and one TD). Behind the record-setting performance by QB Charlie Batch at Arizona Nov. 18, the Lions offense set several team records and collected some of the franchise s highest totals in other team offensive categories. The Lions 62 pass attempts -game record by surpassing the previous high of 5 attempts accomplished vs. Chicago 10/9/88. The team s 36 completions are better than the 33 completions tossed at Cleveland 9/28/86 and vs. Green Bay 10/25/8. The Lions established a new record for net passing yards by airing out 29 yards, which is better than the previous high of 395 vs. Minnesota 11/23/95. And the 22 first downs gained on pass plays is a new record, passing the old team mark of 20 set vs. Minnesota 11/23/95. Also at Arizona Nov. 18, the Lions garnered the fourth-highest tally of offensive plays in a single game when the team ran 85 plays (63 passing and 22 rushing). The 30 total first downs (22 passing, four rushing and four penalty) is tied for the second-highest single-game total in Lions history. The Lions gained 30 first downs (1 rushing, 11 passing and two penalty) vs. Washington 9/30/51. Detroit s offense geared up over a three-week span (vs. St. Louis Oct. 8, at Minnesota Oct. 1 and vs. Tennessee Oct. 21) when the Lions totaled 1,15 yards of offense in those games (89 passing yards and 25 rushing yards), for an average of 38. yards per game. The offense has not tallied that many yards in three-straight games since gaining 1,310 yards in games vs. Chicago 11/2/9, at Miami 12//9 and at Minnesota 12/1/9. Over a two game-stretch (at Minnesota Oct. 1 and vs. Tennessee Oct. 21), the Lions offense registered 820 yards of offense (650 yards passing and 10 yards rushing), which is the highest total since gaining 920 yards in consecutive games-- vs. Chicago 11/2/9 (96 yards) and at Miami 12//9 (2 yards). Detroit tallied a then-season-best 5 yards of total offense (129 rushing/35 yards passing) at Minnesota Oct. 1. The Lions total was the most yards gained by an offensive unit since chewing up 96 yards (222 rushing/2 passing) vs. Chicago Nov. 2, 199. Over a two game span at Minnesota Oct. 1 and vs. St. Louis Oct. 8, Lions passers completed 6.0% of their passes (5-of-5). Against St. Louis Oct. 8, the Lions completed 26-of-3 passes (6.5%), and at Minnesota Oct. 1, they completed 31-of-1 (5.6%) passes. Against St. Louis, Detroit completed 26-of-3 passes for a 6.5 completion percentage. That marked the highest percentage of passes completed by the Lions offense since QB Charlie Batch was 16-of-19 (8.2%) vs. Chicago Oct., QB Ty Detmer completed 15-of-18 passes (83.3%) and Batch was 11-of-16 (68.8%). Lions receivers have collected five 100-yard receiving efforts after netting just one last season. W Germane Crowell caught a career-high nine passes for 125 yards at Minnesota Oct. 1, and W Johnnie Morton gained 153 yards at Arizona Nov. 18, 113 yards vs. Tennessee Oct. 21, 111 yards at Green Bay Sept. 9 and 100 yards at Cleveland Sept. 23. The Lions' only 100-yard receiving outing during the 2000 season was a 106-yard performance by W Larry Foster at Minnesota Nov. 30, For the first time since 1991, 15 different players have recorded receptions for the Lions this season. Lions Team Offensive ecords Most Passing Attempts Opp. Att. Date 1. at Arz 62 11/18/01 2. vs. Chi 5 10/9/88 3. at SF 5 10/2/5. vs. Den 50 10//8 at LAm 50 10/19/86 at Was 50 10/22/95 at Atl 50 11/5/95 at Oak 50 10/13/96 vs. TB 50 9//9 Most Pass Completions Opp. Cmp. Date 1. at Arz 36 11/18/01 1. at Cle 33 9/28/86 vs. GB 33 10/25/8 3. at SF 31 10/2/5 vs. TB 31 9/21/86 at LAm 31 10/19/86 at Oak 31 10/13/96 at Min 31 10/1/01 Most Net Yards Passing Opp. Yds. Date 1. at Arz 29 11/18/01 2. vs. Min /23/95 3. vs. Pit 35 9/1/53. vs. Chi 3 11/5/50 5. vs. SF 30 11/1/5 Most Offensive Plays Opp. No. (u/pa) Date 1. at GB 92 (5/38) 11/23/50(OT) 2. at ChiB 91 (/) 11/22/53 3. vs. Phi 86 (38/8) 11//8(OT). at Arz 85 (22/63) 11/18/01 5. vs. Bos 83 (38/5) 10/9/8 vs. Cle 83 11/2/52 Most Total First Downs Opp. No. (/P/Pn) Date 1. vs. GB 33 (18/15/0) 11/22/8 2. vs. Was 30 (1/11/2) 9/30/51 at Arz 30 (/22/) 11/18/01. vs. Cle 29 (15/1/0) 9/2/6 vs. SD 29 (15/13/1) 10/22/8 vs. Min 29 (11/16/2) 12/12/81 Most First Downs - Passing Opp. No. Date 1. at Arz 22 11/18/01 2. vs. Min 20 11/23/95 3. vs. Chi 19 12//95 vs. SF 19 9/25/95 at LAm 19 10/19/86 vs. GB 19 10/25/8 GETTING DEFENSIVE In the Lions first win of the season (vs. Minnesota Dec. 16), CB Todd Lyght intercepted QB Todd Bouman and returned the pass 59 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions an early -0 lead. The interception marked the 35 th of his 11-year career and the team-leading fourth of the season. It also marked the fifth touchdown of his career. At Minnesota on Oct. 1, he recorded his first interception as a Lion. He picked off his second pass of the season (33 rd of career) at San Francisco Nov.. His third interception was at Arizona Nov. 18 (3 th of career). CB Bryant Westbrook collected his first interception of the season at Chicago Dec. 2, and it marked his first pick since coming back from a ruptured Achilles injury. His last interception was a 101-yarder vs. New England on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 23, His interception at Chicago occurred almost one year to the day of his injury last season (Nov. 30, 2000). Westbrook returned to the starting lineup for the first time vs. Minnesota Dec. 16 on the right side since suffering his Achilles injury last season. DE James Hall returned his first career fumble for a touchdown vs. Green Bay Nov. 22. Hall picked up a fumble forced by LB Chris Claiborne and returned it eight yards for the Lions first touchdown of the game. Claiborne recorded his fourth sack of the season as he dropped QB Brett Favre for a 10-yard loss and caused the fumble on the play. PAGE OF 2

8 Hall had a career day rushing the quarterback at Tampa Bay Dec. 9 by recording a career-high 3.5 sacks (2.5 yards loss). The 3.5 sacks is a team high this season and is the most by a Lions pass rusher in a single game since DE obert Porcher recorded 3.5 quarterback takedowns vs. Indianapolis 11/23/9. CB obert Bailey picked off a 9ers QB Jeff Garcia offering in the first quarter of the Lions game at San Francisco Nov. and returned it for a -yard touchdown. It was his second interception returned for a touchdown in his career, with his first (2-yarder) coming Oct., 1992 vs. San Francisco while playing with for the Los Angeles ams. His -yard return also marked the longest interception return in his 11-year career. On Sept. 23, 2001 vs. Cleveland, CB Terry Fair moved into a tie for fourth place on the Lions' career return touchdowns list with Levi Johnson (five). Fair's 26-yard interception return for a touchdown against QB Tim Couch helped to bring his interception returns for touchdown total to two. The remaining three returns for touchdowns came in the form of two kickoff returns and one fumble recovery. LB Chris Claiborne is leading the team with 10 tackles (81 solo) on the season (career single-season high), and has started as the team s middle linebacker over the past 10 games. He will remain the starter in the middle for the remainder of the 2001 season, with LB Stephen Boyd on Injured eserve due to a back injury. Claiborne has recorded two interceptions this season (career season high), including a pick vs. Minnesota Dec. 16 in the Lions first win of the season. In his first career start at middle linebacker, Claiborne intercepted his second-career pass and returned it six yards, and he registered a career single-game high 15 tackles (six solo). Claiborne had started 35 previous games at outside linebacker since becoming the Lions first-round draft choice (ninth overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft. Claiborne was the 1998 Butkus Award winner (USC s first-ever) while playing middle linebacker in college. LB Barrett Green collected his first career sack (a 10-yard drop) vs. Tennessee Oct. 21 and he made a career-high 11 tackles (seven solo) in his first career start. He was inserted in the starting lineup at outside linebacker as LB Chris Claiborne shifted to the middle spot. Green has since improved his single-game best for tackles with 15 at San Francisco Nov., and he has garnered double-digit tackle tallies six games. He is second on the team with 111 stops (5 solo). S on ice, recorded 1 tackles (five solo) vs. Tennessee Oct. 21, which put him over the 500- tackle mark for his career. ice has collected 5 tackles (353 solo) in his seven seasons since signing as an undrafted rookie free agent with Detroit following the 1995 NFL Draft. Having been placed on Injured eserve due to a back and neck injury, ice will finish with 0 tackles (28 solo) on the season. S Kurt Schulz returned vs. Cincinnati Oct. 28, which marked his first game-action of the season since he played at the New York Giants Nov. 19, Last season, he missed the team s final five games due to an ankle injury and this season s first five games because of a back injury suffered during the preseason. He posted the league s highest interception tally (seven) when he left the lineup last season, and he returned against the Bengals by collecting his first interception (29 th of career) of the 2001 season. Schulz garnered a team-high seven tackles vs. Cincinnati. He added a second interception at Tampa Bay Dec. 9. In 20 games with Detroit, he has intercepted nine passes. LITTLE MAN STEWAT MAKING BIG IMPESSION B James Stewart is the workhorse running weapon that the Lions envisioned when they signed him as an unrestricted free agent from Jacksonville February 1, In 2001, Stewart has rushed for 616 yards on 130 carries (. avg.) and one touchdown, and has 22 receptions for 21 yards (11.0 avg.) and one touchdown reception. An injury to his right ankle has slowed him down in the latter part of the 2001 campaign. Stewart has been mightily productive when he touches the ball this season. He has recorded 152 touches (130 rushes and 22 receptions) for a combined tally of 85 total yards, averaging 5.6 yards per touch. Of the 10 games Stewart has played in 2001, he has averaged over 5.0 rushing yards per game in four of those contests. He rushed 13 times for 88 yards (6.8 avg.) vs. St. Louis Oct. 8, 16 times for 108 yards (6.8 avg.) at Minnesota Oct. 1, 1 times for 102 yards (.3 avg.) vs. Green Bay Nov. 22 and 15 times for 8 yards (5.2 avg.) at Tampa Bay Dec. 9. At Chicago Dec. 2, Stewart scored his first rushing touchdown of the season, a three-yard run, and caught a career-long 53-yard pass on the Lions 95-yard touchdown scoring drive in the first quarter. The 95-yard drive (10 plays, 5:55) marked the longest scoring drive (yardage) of the season for the Lions. After missing four-straight games due to an ankle injury, Stewart rushed for his 11 th career 100-yard game (fifth as Lions and second of 2001) vs. Green Bay Nov. 22. He recorded 102 yards on 1 carries (.3 avg.) and had a season-long run of 38 yards. He was a major part of the Lions rushing attack that gained 16 yards, after averaging 53 yards in the previous five-game span. Stewart rushed for a season-high 108 yards at Minnesota Oct. 1 on 16 carries (6.8 avg.). His 100-yard rushing effort was the 10 th of his career and the fourth since joining the Lions prior to 2000 season. He also caught three passes for 22 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown that sparked the Lions offense in the second half. Oct. 8 vs. St. Louis, Stewart had 13 carries for 88 yards (6.8 avg.), including a then season-long run of 30 yards. He also caught four passes for 36 yards. The Lions are -1 (.85) in games that Stewart records more-than-20 rushing attempts, and are 9-3 (.50) when Stewart rushes 20-or-more times in a contest, including the Lions win vs. Minnesota Dec. 16 when he carried the ball 20 times for 91 yards. Stewart is in the NFL record books as one of five players in league history to rush for five touchdowns in a game (vs. Philadelphia 10/12/9). Stewart in the Detroit Lions ushing Books Most Yards Season Player Yds. Att. Avg. TD Year 1. Barry Sanders 2, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, PAGE 8 OF 2. Barry Sanders 1, Billy Sims 1, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, Billy Sims 1, James Stewart 1,