LIONS HOST BENGALS SUNDAY SEEKING FIRST VICTORY OF SEASON

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1 DETROIT LIONS MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT Matt Barnhart Director 1200 Featherstone Road Risa Balayem Publications Pontiac, Michigan Craig Vandermause- Internet Phone (248) Deanna Caldwell Admin. Assistant Fax (248) Bill Keenist Senior Vice President Internet: Detroitlions.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 23, 2001 LIONS HOST BENGALS SUNDAY SEEKING FIRST VICTORY OF SEASON GAME INFORMATION The Detroit Lions (0-5) will be looking for their first win of the 2001 season Sunday, Oct. 28 when the Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) make their first trip to the Silverdome since Detroit can deadlock the all-time regular season series tie with a win, which currently stands at a 3-4 in the Bengals' favor. The Lions come into this week s game after falling to the Tennessee Titans at the Silverdome, while the Bengals lost their third game of the year 24-0 against the Chicago Bears at Paul Brown Stadium. Detroit will be hosting its second AFC Central opponent at the Silverdome in as many weeks. This week s game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson handling the play-by-play and Brent Jones performing color commentary. Kickoff (capacity 80,311) at the Pontiac Silverdome is slated for 1:00 p.m. EDT. COACHES 2001 DETROIT LIONS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS REGULAR SEASON (0-5) Date Opponent TV Time (ET) Sun., Sept. 9 at Green Bay Fox L, 6-28 Sun., Sept. 23 at Cleveland Fox L, Sun., Sept. 30 ***Bye Week*** Mon., Oct. 8 ST. LOUIS ABC # L, 0-35 Sun., Oct. 14 at Minnesota Fox L, Sun., Oct. 21 TENNESSEE CBS L, Sun., Oct. 28 CINCINNATI CBS 1:00 p.m. Sun., Nov. 4 at San Francisco Fox 4:05 p.m. Sun., Nov. 11 TAMPA BAY Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Nov. 18 at Arizona Fox 4:15 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 22 GREEN BAY Fox # 12:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2 at Chicago Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9 at Tampa Bay Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Dec. 16 MINNESOTA Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Dec. 23 at Pittsburgh Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Dec. 30 CHICAGO Fox 1:00 p.m. Sun., Jan. 6 DALLAS Fox 1:00 p.m. Home Games in BOLD CAPS; # Nationally Televised MARTY MORNHINWEG Marty Mornhinweg (0-5 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 49ers. His offensive outputs during those four seasons included tremendous gains in both the running and the passing game. During his tenure with the 49ers, 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 2,544 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 Prior to joining the 49ers 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 (1994). 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 ( ) and receivers coach at Montana (1985). He began his coaching career at Oak Grove High School (San Jose, Calif.) in 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 LeBEAU Head Coach Dick LeBeau (7-12 career record), who is in his 17th season as a member of the Bengals' coaching staff, is in his first full season after being named Cincinnati s head coach for the final 13 games of 2000 season. Prior to his recent appointment, LeBeau served as the Bengals assistant head coach/defensive coordinator since the beginning of the 1997 season. Before arriving in the Queen City, he spent five years on the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff as a secondary coach ( ) and defensive coordinator ( ). His first stint as a Bengals assistant coach began in 1980 when he was hired as the secondary coach under Forrest Gregg. In his second season with the club as an assistant (1981), the Bengals earned a berth in Super Bowl XVI. He held the position of secondary coach until he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1984, a position he held until He was the Bengals defensive coordinator when Cincinnati reached Super Bowl XXIII. His first two coaching stints occurred at Philadelphia (special teams, ) and in Green Bay (defensive backs, ). LeBeau was a standout defensive back for the Detroit Lions during his NFL career, which spanned from He is the Lions all-time leader in interceptions with 62. He earned a spot in the Pro Bowl from PAGE 1 OF 24

2 LAST GAME DETROIT 24, TENNESSEE 27; OCTOBER 21, 2001; PONTIAC SILVERDOME The Detroit Lions fell short of earning their first victory of the 2001 season after the Tennessee Titans drove down the field and kicked the game-winning field goal with 10 seconds remaining. The score was deadlocked at 24 apiece after QB Charlie Batch (25-of-42 for 338 yards and 3 TD) found WR Desmond Howard on a fourth-and-ten, 36-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 remaining. Titans K Joe Nedney's 46-yard field goal, however, gave the Titans their second victory of the season. The game opened in beautiful fashion for the Lions when S Ron Rice intercepted QB Steve McNair's second pass of the day to give the Lions excellent field position. The offense moved the ball to the Titans' ten-yard line, but K Jason Hanson's 27-yard field goal attempt never lifted off the ground due to a botched snap. The Titans took a 3-0 lead on Nedney's 38-yard field goal with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter, and then increased their lead to 6-0 on Nedney's second field goal (45 yards) with 7:26 remaining until halftime. QB Charlie Batch put the Lions in command when he found WR Johnnie Morton in the corner of the endzone for an 18-yard touchdown reception. On the Lions' ensuing drive, Batch hit WR Germane Crowell streaking down the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown pass to extend their advantage to Nedney hit his third field goal of the day (29 yards) to make the score 14-9 heading into halftime. The Lions drove to the Titans' 22-yard line to open the third quarter, and looked to increase their lead, but Hanson's 40-yard field goal attempt was blocked and returned 69 yards by CB Donald Mitchell to swing the advantage Tennessee's way. McNair's two-point opportunity pass to WR Drew Bennett was complete, giving the Titans a three-point advantage, The Lions continued to scrap their way back after their misfortunes and tied the game when Hanson's 23-yard fourth-quarter field goal split the uprights. The seesaw battle continued when McNair hit TE Frank Wycheck on a six-yard touchdown pass with 4:46 remaining to give the Titans a seven-point lead. The Lions' defense held and gave the offense one last chance with 2:18 remaining. The Honolulu blue and silver responded with Howard's touchdown reception, but too much time was left on the clock. Tennessee's offense drove 30 yards to set up Nedney's game-winning field goal. LIONS RADIO NETWORK The 2001 season marks the Detroit Lions sixth season partnering with WXYT AM 1270 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 1270 WXYT, in addition to sister-station WWJ AM 950. This year, the Lions radio network features 41 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 INFORMATION 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 Restaurant. For more ticket information, call ROAR. The hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. DETROITLIONS.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 Lions new stadium, Ford Field, including 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. PAGE 2 OF 24

3 FROM THE LIONS DEN HEAD COACH MARTY MORNHINWEG On the Lions' performance against the Titans: I felt this football team came out and played a very hard-fought football game against the Titans. We've been down early in all of our games this year, but against Tennessee, we were able play solid defense, put points on the board and take the lead. This football team has shown that it can fight to get back into games and it has shown that it is not willing to give in, but we're still making mistakes at crucial times. We will continue to fight because this team will win football games." On heading into the team's game against the Bengals: The Bengals have played very solid football this season and running back Corey Dillon is going to present a serious challenge to our defense. We must play smart and efficient football." THE LIONS-BENGALS SERIES Detroit and Cincinnati have dueled each year in the preseason since 1970 with the Bengals holding a slight edge. In the last regular season game, the Bengals were victorious in a OT win at the Silverdome Sept. 13, With that win, Cincinnati took a 4-3 advantage over the Lions in the regular season series. Notable in the 1992 regular season matchup (19-13 Lions win) was Barry Sanders passing Billy Sims as the team s all-time leading rusher. CONNECTIONS Cincinnati Head Coach Dick LeBeau had a standout career with the Lions, playing in Detroit from He holds the Lions record for career interceptions with 62 Bengals strength and conditioning assistant Rodney Holman was a tight end for the Lions from Detroit WR/KR Desmond Howard played at Michigan with Cincinnati TE Tony McGee while Lions T Jeff Backus, DE James Hall and Bengals DT Glenn Steele are also former Wolverines Detroit CB Jimmy Wyrick spent four years playing with Cincinnati CB Rodney Heath when the two were on the same Minnesota squad in college Detroit second year WR Larry Foster is a former LSU Tiger with Cincinnati CB Mark Roman over the Detroit DB coach Dick Selcer is a native of Cincinnati where he played college football at Xavier. He was also an assistant coach for the school from and the Musketeers head coach from Selcer also coached the Bengals linebackers from Cincinnati QB Scott Mitchell played for the Lions from and ranks second on Detroit's all-time lists for career passing yardage (12,647), attempts (1,850) and completions (1,049). He set Lions single-season passing records in attempts (583), completions (346), yards (4,338) and touchdowns (32) during the 1995 season... Detroit LB Barrett Green and Cincinnati LB Canute Curtis and C Rich Braham are former West Virginia Mountaineers... Lions special teams coach Chuck Priefer began his coaching career at Miami (Ohio) in 1977 Detroit C Eric Beverly played alongside Cincinnati S JoJuan Armour at Miami (Ohio) during the seasons Bengals C Brock Gutierrez played his college ball at Central Michigan and hails from Charlotte, Mich., while Bengals G Scott Behberg also spent his college playing days at Central Michigan and grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich... Detroit RB Lamont Warren played for New England with Cincinnati S Chris Carter during the Patriots 1999 campaign Lions RB Reuben Droughns and Bengals QB Akili Smith were college teammates in 1998 at Oregon... Lions' LB Scott Kowalkowski, CB Todd Lyght and Cincinnati CB Tom Carter were teammates at Notre Dame in Bengals DT Oliver Gibson is also former standouts at Notre Dame Lions CB Bryant Westbrook played on the same defense for four seasons at Texas with Bengals S Chris Carter from Bengals rookie C Roger Roesler is also a former Longhorn Detroit veteran CB Robert Bailey joined Cincinnati S Darryl Williams from on the same Miami defense when the Hurricanes won the National Championship in 1991 Lions rookie FB Stephen Trejo and Bengals' rookie G Victor Leyva were fellow Arizona State Sun Devils Detroit strength and conditioning coach Jason Arapoff, assistant strength and conditioning coach Malcolm Blacken and head athletic trainer Al Bellamy served on the same staff with Bengals safeties coach Ray Horton when they served on the Washington Redskins staff together from Detroit linebackers coach Glenn Pires and Cincinnati offensive assistant John Garrett served under Detroit defensive coordinator Vince Tobin when he held the position of head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from Lions G Brenden Stai was joined on the Pittsburgh Steelers squad from by Bengals DT Oliver Gibson Lions Robert Bailey and Bengals Tom Carter were fellow CBs for the Washington Redskins in Lions return specialist Desmond Howard joined Carter for the seasons. THE LAST TIME Cincinnati 34, Detroit 28 (OT) Pontiac Silverdome; Sept. 13, 1998 Detroit lost its second game in a row to begin the 1998 campaign in heart-wrenching fashion as Cincinnati CB Corey Sawyer returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown 2:06 into overtime to give the Bengals a win. The game marked only the second time in the last eight years that Detroit had lost its home opener. The Lions had dodged a bullet moments prior to the game-winning interception when Marc Spindler blocked Doug Pelfrey's 48-yard field goal effort on the last play of regulation to force the overtime. Both teams scored a touchdown in each quarter, with the Lions tying the score last, as Barry Sanders recorded his third TD run of the day (five yards) with 1:52 remaining to knot the score at Two Neil O'Donnell-to-Darnay Scott touchdown passes were sandwiched around a Tommy Vardell one-yard touchdown plunge to initially give Cincinnati a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. Sanders, however, gave Detroit a lead early in the third quarter with scoring runs of PAGE 3 OF 24 SERIES BY THE NUMBERS Lions Record vs. Bengals Last Regular Season Game Cincinnati 34, Detroit 28; 9/13/98; Silverdome Detroit's Largest Winning Margin: 35 points (38-3, at Detroit, 9/27/70) Cincinnati's Largest Winning Margin: 35 points (42-7, at Cincinnati, 11/18/89) Current Series Streak: Cincinnati - 1 (9/13/98) Lions' Longest Win Streak vs. Bengals: 2, (9/27/70-12/8/74) Bengals' Longest Win Streak vs. Lions: 3, (12/11/83-11/19/89)

4 two and 67 yards -- the latter was his NFL record 14th career scoring run of more than 50 yards. After each team punted, Bengals RB Corey Dillon rambled 18 yards for a score to tie the affair at 21-21, and on the second play of the fourth quarter, Cincinnati rookie WR Damon Gibson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a advantage. Two drives later, the Lions embarked on a clutch 75-yard, 10-play drive, culminating in Sanders' third score of the day. The Detroit defense then forced a Bengals' punt in three plays, but Ashley Ambrose intercepted a Scott Mitchell pass in the flat two plays later to help set up Pelfrey's blocked field goal attempt. SERIES NOTES The Lions and Bengals have met every year in preseason since The two teams have played 32 preseason games, with the Bengals holding a slight series edge. In the initial meeting of the series, the Lions jumped out to 31-0 halftime lead and never looked back as they trounced the Bengals 38-3 September 27, The Detroit defense limited Cincinnati to six first downs and 140 yards on offense. Mel Farr led the Lions with 70 yards rushing on 13 carries. An eight-yard TD toss from Greg Landry to Charlie Sanders (now a Lions' scout) with 29 seconds remaining in the game gave the Lions a victory at Cincinnati in the 1974 matchup. In the Lions November 22, 1992 game at Cincinnati, RB Barry Sanders passed Billy Sims to become the Detroit s all-time leading rusher. He rushed 29 times for 151 yards and scored one TD as the Lions won 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 Tenyear veteran Ray Roberts, who started ten games at both tackle positions last season, retired With those changes, only five players remain from the 2000 squad that had starting experience, including: C Eric Beverly, G Kerlin Blaise, G Tony Semple, T Aaron Gibson 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 Raiola from Nebraska, should prove to be a pillar of strength and stability for years to come Beverly fought off Raiola for the starting center position and provides athleticism to a key position along the front McDougle has made the transition from left tackle to left guard, and uses his strength and quickness to get a push off the ball Semple is the backup guard on the left side, but started at Minnesota (10/14) and vs. Tennessee (10/21) due to an injury to McDougle (foot) 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 settled into the starting right guard slot Fourth-year G Kerlin Blaise adds depth to the right guard position Backus, the team's 2001 first-round draft choice, has been impressive since joining the Lions and starts at the left tackle position, while the team's 1999 first-round draft choice T Aaron Gibson is on the right side Eight-year veteran T Matt Joyce, who was signed in the off-season, backs up both tackle positions and has seen his playing time increase due to injury on the line His first start of the year came against the Titans (10/21) due to a knee ailment slowing down Gibson. TIGHT END: 1999 Pro Bowl participant David Sloan suffered a broken left hand early in training camp, however he has returned to the starting lineup Sloan, who served as an alternate for the 2000 Pro Bowl team, has both the size and speed to be a lethal target down the middle He has caught eleven passes for 176 yards in 2001 The Lions added talented depth to the tight end position in the off-season after signing seven-year veteran Pete Mitchell Mitchell, who has exceptional hands, is used mainly during passing situations Brad Banta, an eight-year NFL veteran, was signed during the off-season and is used primarily as the long snapper on special teams. WIDE RECEIVER: The wide receiving corps is loaded with talent and is beginning prosper under the new West Coast offense, although has become depleted with injuries recently 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 29 catches for 432 yards and three touchdowns Morton has tallied three 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 and nine grabs for 113 yards and a touchdown against the Titans 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 A majority of his 22 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns came in the latter part of the Lions' first five games Herman Moore, who owns virtually every receiving record in Lions' history, was placed on IR (10/17) due to a torn muscle in his hip Desmond Howard, who acts as the team's kick and punt return specialist, is seeing more action at the receiver position His 36-yard touchdown reception against the Titans in the fourth quarter was his first receiving touchdown as a Lion and first since 1995 Second-year receiver Larry Foster has moved into the third receiver spot due to the hip injury suffered to Moore 2001 fifth-round draft choice Scotty Anderson has been inactive for the team's first five games, however he is likely to see increased action due to the injuries suffered to the receiving unit. RUNNING BACK: RB 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 should prove to again 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 (third on team with 17 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown) Stewart has rushed for a total of 323 yards on 68 carries (4.8 yard per carry avg.) Veteran RB Lamont Warren made his presence felt during the preseason as he showcased both his running and pass-catching ability Warren serves as a third-down back and spells Stewart when needed Seven-year veteran FB Cory Schlesinger is the team's bruising lead blocker Schlesinger, who signed a four-year contract extension in the PAGE 4 OF 24

5 off-season, has showcased his capability of catching the ball out of the backfield as he caught a career-high five passes for 37 yards against the Cleveland Browns (9/23) He is in fourth place on the team for receptions with 17 for 114 yards Also at fullback is Brock Olivo, who contributes heavily on special teams, and Stephen Trejo, one of two 2001 undrafted rookie free agents to make the Lions opening day 53-man roster. QUARTERBACK: Charlie Batch has emerged as the go-to guy at quarterback for the Lions' offense that set a season-high 457 total offensive yards against the Vikings Batch threw for a single-game career-high 345 yards, 31 completions and tied a career mark with three touchdown passes against the Vikings He followed up that career day with an outstanding performance against the Titans His 338 yards on 25-of-42 attempts for three touchdowns nearly helped the Lions come-from-behind victory attempt Batch currently has an 89.4 quarterback rating, which is 10 th best in the NFL After being acquired via trade Sept.2 from Cleveland, Ty Detmer serves as the team's backup 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 Third-string Mike McMahon proved his athletic ability during the preseason. LIONS DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE: The Lions possess one of the deepest defensive line rotations in the NFL Two-time Pro Bowl DE Robert Porcher has collected five sacks in the Lions' five games during the 2001 season and now holds the Lions career record for quarterback sacks (79.5) His two sacks against the Vikings marks the 19 th time in his career that he has collected a multi-sack game He is joined by 10-year veteran DE Tracy Scroggins on the right side Scroggins' eight-yard sack against the Cleveland Browns bumped him in front of Doug English into fifth place on the Lions' career sack list with 59.5 sacks He now needs 1.5 sacks to tie 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 Rogers (selected in second round by the Lions), who has progressed quickly and earned a starting role Rogers, who was expected to see action midway through the season after recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered in college (Texas) that required surgery, recorded two sacks against the Vikings last week Luther Elliss returned to the starting lineup against the Browns after recovering from elbow surgery performed during training camp Elliss is the heart of the Lions' defense and continues to plug holes along the trenches for opposing team's running games Both are backed up by Travis Kirschke (who started in Week 1 against Green Bay) and Kelvin Pritchett, who has played very well thus far in 2001 Off-season acquisition DE Alonzo Spellman has the speed to play on the outside, but also has the bulk and muscle to play on the inside 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 DT James Jones, who was a starter in 1999 and 2000, was released one day prior to the 2001 season opener. LINEBACKER: The linebacking corps has undergone several changes due to injury With two-time Bro Bowler Stephen Boyd nursing a back injury, which was suffered against the Vikings (10/14), 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 against the Titans (10/21) after recording 15 tackles (6 solo, 9 assists), two passes defended and one interception Claiborne currently leads the team in tackles with 44 In Claiborne's place on the right side stepped nickel backer Barrett Green (second-round pick in 2000) Green also played solid football in his new position, recording seven tackles and one sack Allen Aldridge continues to reside on the left side of the linebacking corps Veteran Scott Kowalkowski has not only been productive 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. 17, 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 DEFENSIVE SECONDARY: The Lions have a very talented secondary, though they have been battling injuries in the early going The secondary has been hit hard with injuries stemming from last year and the 2001 preseason CB Bryant Westbrook, who was playing at a Pro Bowl level until rupturing his Achilles tendon last year at Minnesota (11/30/00), began practicing several weeks ago and is expected to see action soon He is progressing well and the team hopes to have him back on the field against the Bengals In his place is free agent acquisition CB Todd Lyght Lyght brings with him 10 years of experience from the Rams organization His interception against the Vikings was his first as a Lion and the 32 nd of his career At the left cornerback position is the consistent veteran Terry Fair Fair provided spark in the team's second game of the season against the Cleveland Browns (9/23) when he returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown Both CB Jimmy Wyrick and CB Robert Bailey add depth to the cornerback position and will see time in the team's nickel and dime packages Bailey, who spent his 2000 campaign with the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, is in his second stint with the Lions after spending three years in the Motor City from Bailey intercepted Browns quarterback Tim Couch deep in Lions' territory against the Browns (9/23) for his first interception of the year Rookie 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 is suffering from a pinched nerve in his back and is expected back to the lineup around midseason. Strong safety Ron Rice has been one of the most consistent players in the secondary and continues to perform at a high level Lamar Campbell bulked up in the off-season and has started all of the team's games at free safety 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 had been inactive the past two games (vs. StL and at Min) due to a hamstring injury, however did play last week against the Titans 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 Reserve list. LIONS SPECIAL TEAMS PAGE 5 OF 24

6 The Lions special teams unit has three of the most talented players in the league at their respective positions 2000 Pro Bowl 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 one punt return for a touchdown to place him in a tie with Eric Metcalf for the most punt return touchdowns in league history (9) Jett has the leg and accuracy to pin the opponent deep in their own territory, increasing the amount of yardage they must travel to put points on the board Hanson's accuracy from long range gives the Lions another option when entering the opposing team's territory Hanson's 51-yard field goal against the Vikings marked the 18 th time in his career he has nailed at least a 50-yarder Howard has two very capable return backups in Larry Foster and Terry Fair Foster returned both a 101-yard kickoff return and an 80-yard punt return for touchdowns in the team's first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, while Fair led the league in kickoff return yards as a rookie in 1998 Among the leaders in covering kicks are Scott Kowalkowski, Brock Olivo, Clint Kriewaldt and Cory Schlesinger. LIONS NOTABLES WARMING UP OFFENSIVELY Detroit has been developing its offensive fire-power early 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 league in total offense and have jumped to the third spot in team passing. After six weeks into the 2001 NFL season, the Lions offense is ranked ninth in the NFL (3rd in passing and 28th in rushing) after ending the 2000 season ranked 27 th. Last season, the Lions ended the 2000 campaign ranked 25 th in passing (167.2 yards/gm). This year, the offense is currently ranked third overall in the league by accounting for passing yards per game. Detroit s offense has geared up over the past three weeks. The Lions totaled 1,154 yards of offense in those games (879 passing yards and 275 rushing yards), for an average of yards per game. The offense has not tallied that many yards in three-straight games since gaining 1,310 yards in games vs. Chicago 11/27/97, at Miami 12/7/97 and at Minnesota 12/14/97. Over the past two games, the Lions offense has registered 820 yards of offense (650 yards passing and 170 yards rushing), which is the highest total since gaining 920 yards in consecutive games-- vs. Chicago 11/27/97 (496 yards) and at Miami 12/7/97 (424 yards). Detroit tallied a season-best 457 yards of total offense (129 rushing/345 yards passing) at Minnesota Oct. 14. The Lions total was the most yards gained by an offensive unit since chewing up 496 yards (222 rushing/274 passing) vs. Chicago Nov. 27, The Lions showed vast improvement in the Red Zone at Minnesota Oct. 14 by scoring touchdowns on two-of-three possessions that penetrated the Vikings 20-yard line. Their other possession resulted in a Jason Hanson 19-yard FG. Detroit s offense churned out 791 yards of total offense, which is the most total yardage racked up in back-to-back games since the Lions offensive unit gained 814 yards in two-straight games at Miami 12/7/97 and at Minnesota 12/14/97. Over a two game span-- at Minnesota Oct. 14 and vs. St. Louis Oct. 8, Lions passers completed 76.0% of their passes (57- of-75). Against St. Louis Oct. 8, the Lions completed 26-of-34 passes (76.5%), and at Minnesota Oct. 14, they completed 31- of-41 (75.6%) passes. Against St. Louis, Detroit completed 26-of-34 passes for a 76.5 completion percentage. That marked the highest percentage of passes completed by the Lions offense since QB Charlie Batch was 16-of-19 (84.2%) vs. Chicago Oct. 4, QB Ty Detmer completed 15-of-18 passes (83.3%) and Batch was 11-of-16 (68.8%). Lions receivers have collected four 100-yard receiving efforts in five games after netting just one last season. WR Germane Crowell caught a career-high nine passes for 125 yards at Minnesota Oct. 14, and WR Johnnie Morton gained 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 WR Larry Foster at Minnesota Nov. 30, NFL Team Passing Rankings Team Gm Yds/Gm Yds Att CmpCmp% Yds/Att TD Int Rating 1. St. Louis Rams , Indianapolis Colts , Detroit Lions , Green Bay Packers , Philadelphia Eagles , Lions 2001 NFL Offensive Ranking Rush Pass Total Week 1 26t Week Week Week Week Week * * Led League PAGE 6 OF 24

7 2001 NFL Team Offense Rankings Team Gm Yds/GmPlays Yds Yds/Ply 1. Indianapolis Colts , St. Louis Rams , San Francisco 49ers , Baltimore Ravens , Green Bay Packers , Minnesota Vikings , Kansas City Chiefs , Detroit Lions , GETTING DEFENSIVE 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 (5). 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. On Sept. 23, 2001 vs. Cleveland, DE Tracy Scroggins moved ahead of Doug English (59.0) into fifth place on the team's alltime quarterback sacks list with His one sack against the Browns pulled him to within 1.5 sacks of William Gay (61.0) for fourth-place. CB Todd Lyght s interception at Minnesota Oct. 14 was his first as a Lion and was the 32 nd pick in his 11-year NFL career. In his first career start at middle linebacker (replaced Stephen Boyd- back injury) vs. Tennessee last week, LB Chris Claiborne intercepted his second career pass and returned it six yards. He also garnered eight tackles and two passes defensed. 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 last week and he made a career-high seven tackles (five 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. LITTLE MAN STEWART MAKING BIG IMPRESSION RB James Stewart was the workhorse running weapon in 2000 that the Lions envisioned when they signed him as an unrestricted free agent from Jacksonville February 14, In 2001, Stewart has rushed for 323 yards on 68 carries (4.8 avg.) and is the team s third-leading receiver with 17 receptions for 144 yards (8.5 avg.) and one touchdown. Stewart rushed for a season-high 108 yards last Minnesota Oct. 14 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 season-long run of 30 yards. He also caught four passes for 36 yards. The Lions are 7-1 (.875) in games that Stewart records more-than-20 rushing attempts, and are 8-3 (.727) when Stewart rushes 20-or-more times in a contest. In 2000, Stewart rushed for 1,184 yards on 339 carries (both career-highs). The 339 carries are the third-highest singleseason mark in Lions history, trailing only Barry Sanders 1998 and 91 outputs. Stewart was outstanding in Detroit s win at the New York Jets Dec. 10, 2000, tallying 37 carries for 164 yards (both careerhighs). He also went over the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time in his career with his 30-yard run late in the first quarter. The game served as his ninth career 100-yard game and the third of the season. The 37 carries in that game are the second-highest single-game tally in Lions history, trailing only the 40 rushes Sanders accumulated in an overtime game at Dallas Sept. 19, With his 2000 rushing output, Stewart became only the fourth Lion to ever rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. Sanders did so on 10 occasions, Billy Sims went over 1,000 yards three times ( and 83) and Steve Owens did so in By gaining 1,184 yards, he became only the third player to eclipse the 1,100-yard mark. Stewart also rushed for 10 touchdowns in his first year in Detroit. That represented the highest single-season total for the Lions since Sanders 11 rushing touchdowns in 1997, and tied for the third-highest mark in the NFC. His 11 total touchdowns (including one receiving) also tied him for the third-highest mark among NFC running backs. Stewart also enjoyed a big game at Tampa Bay Oct. 19, 2000, rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. The 20 points he scored in that game (two-point run also) tied him for the sixth-most single-game points in Lions history (Garo Yepremian in 1966). Stewart was a productive option out of the backfield in the Lions passing game in He finished tied for fourth on the squad with 32 receptions for 287 yards and a touchdown. He recorded the two highest pass yardage totals of his career in two of the team s October outings a career-high 67 yards in five receptions vs. Green Bay Oct. 8 and three catches for 66 yards Oct. 29 at Indianapolis. 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 10/12/97). PAGE 7 OF 24

8 Stewart in the Detroit Lions Rushing 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, Barry Sanders 1, Billy Sims 1, Barry Sanders 1, Barry Sanders 1, Billy Sims 1, James Stewart 1, Most Attempts Season Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD Year 1. Barry Sanders 343 1, Barry Sanders 342 1, James Stewart 339 1, Most Attempts--Game Player Att. Opp. Date 1. Barry Sanders 40 at Dal James Stewart 37 at NYJ Most Rushing Touchdowns--Season Player TD Att. Yds. Avg. Year 1. Barry Sanders , Barry Sanders , Billy Sims , Billy Sims , Barry Sanders , Barry Sanders , Barry Sanders , Barry Sanders , James Stewart , Most Rushing Touchdowns Game Player TDs Opp. Date 1. Barry Sanders 4 at Min Dutch Clark 3 vs. Bkn Ernie Caddel 3 vs. Pit Ernie Caddel 3 vs. Phi Jim Ninowski 3 at LARm Greg Landry 3 at Chi Billy Sims 3 at LARm James Jones 3 vs. GB Barry Sanders 3 at Atl Barry Sanders 3 vs. TB Barry Sanders 3 vs. Cle Tommy Vardell 3 vs. Min Barry Sanders 3 vs. Chi Barry Sanders 3 vs. Cin James Stewart 3 at TB HERE S JOHNNIE WR Johnnie Morton has become one of the Lions most consistent offensive weapons over the past five seasons. The eightyear veteran is off to a fast start in 2001, having recorded three 100-yard receiving outings. He leads the team with 29 receptions for 432 yards and three touchdowns. Morton is on a 90-catch, 1,300-yard season pace. Last Sunday vs. Tennessee, Morton recorded a season-high nine receptions for 113 yards and caught one touchdown. This was Morton s third 100-yard receiving game in Detroit s five contests in It also marked the 17 th time in his career he has totaled 100 yards in a game, which is the second-highest career tally in Lions franchise history. Morton s other 100- yard receiving efforts include: Catching five receptions for 111 yards in the season opener at Green Bay Sept. 9 and gathering five receptions for 100 yards at Cleveland, which marked the 15 th and 16 th times during his career he has accomplished that feat. Morton s spectacular 20-yard diving catch in the back of the endzone at Minnesota Oct. 14 moved him into sole possession of fourth-place on the Lions all-time career receiving touchdowns list with 33. He passed Cloyce Box (32, and 50-54) on that chart and is now one receiving TD behind Leonard Thompson (35, ) and Terry Barr (35, ) for second place on that career list. His 18-yard grab vs. Tennessee was Morton s 35 th career touchdown (34 receiving and one kickoff return), and it moved him past Doak Walker (34, ) for seventh place on the Lions all-time career total touchdowns list. At Minnesota Oct. 14, his TD grab moved him past James Jones (33, ) on that list. Morton is one touchdown behind Mel Farr (36, ) for sixth place on the career total TDs list. With his five receptions at Cleveland Sept. 23, Morton became the third player in Lions' history to record 400 career receptions. Currently with 421 career catches, he ranks third on the Lions' all-time receptions list behind Herman Moore (670) and Brett Perriman (428). He needs eight pass receptions to move past Perriman for second place on the Lions alltime reception chart. Morton caught his 32 nd career TD pass at Cleveland, moving him into a tie for fourth-place on the Lions' all-time career receiving touchdowns list with Cloyce Box ( , 52-54). It also marked the third time in his career that he had back-to-back 100-yard efforts (107 yards at Tampa Bay 12/12/99 and 100 yards at Chicago 12/19/99; 120 yards vs. Chicago 11/27/97 and 171 yards at Miami 12/7/97). Morton moved into second-place on the Lions all-time receiving yards list in His 5,777 receiving yards trails only Herman Moore (9,174) for the top spot. Despite leading the Lions with 788 yards receiving in 2000, Morton had his streak of three-straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons halted. He tallied receiving totals of 1,057 yards in 1997, 1,028 yards in 1998 and a career-high 1,128 yards in Morton in the Detroit Lions Record Book Most Receptions - Career Player Rec. Years 1. Herman Moore Brett Perriman Johnnie Morton Barry Sanders Charlie Sanders Most Receiving Yards - Career Player Yards Years 1. Herman Moore 9, Johnnie Morton 5, Brett Perriman 5, Gail Cogdill 5, Charlie Sanders 4, PAGE 8 OF 24

9 Most Receiving Touchdowns - Career Player TD Years 1. Herman Moore Terry Barr Leonard Thompson Johnnie Morton Most 100-yard Receiving Games- Career Player No. GP Years 1. Herman Moore Johnnie Morton Terry Barr Brett Perriman Gail Cogdill Most Total Touchdowns Career Player TD Ru Pa Misc Years 1. Barry Sanders Herman Moore Billy Sims Leonard Thompson Terry Barr Mel Farr Johnnie Morton BATCH OF NOTES Since being re-inserted as the Lions starting quarterback in the second half vs. St, Louis Oct. 8, QB Charlie Batch has shown the ability to be the field general behind an offensive unit that has been moving the ball down the field consistently. Batch is ranked in the top 10 in several team career passing records including passing rating (78.4, second), passing yards (ninth, 7,696), touchdowns (ninth, 43), attempts (ninth, 1,123), completions (ninth, 632) and completion percentage (fourth, 56.3). Among passers who have attempted over 100 passes this season in the NFL, Batch ranks 10 th (prior to Monday night s game between Philadelphia and the New York Giants) in passing rating with an 89.4 mark. In the four games that Batch has played in 2001 (did not see action at Cleveland Sept. 23), Batch is averaging passing yards per game. Entering the season, Batch s previous career single game high was 277 yards (vs. Tampa Bay 9/17/00). Batch garnered his second-consecutive 300-yard passing game (second of career) vs. Tennessee last week by passing for 338 yards (25-of-42, 3 TD). By going over the 300-yard mark for the second-straight week, Batch becomes the second player in Lions history to throw for 300 yards in consecutive games. Scott Mitchell accomplished that feat when he collected 410 passing yards vs. Minnesota 11/23/95 and 320 yards vs. Chicago 12/4/95. His back-to-back outings the past two weeks (at Minnesota Oct. 14 and vs. Tennessee Oct. 21) are two of the top eight individual passing outings of the NFL among passers in His 345 yards at Minnesota is the sixth-best game of the season and his 338-yard performance vs. the Titans is the eighth highest of the year. His three touchdown passes (career single-game high and fifth time in career) against Tennessee was the first time in his career he has tossed three TDs in consecutive games. It marked the first time a Lions quarterback had at least three touchdown passes in consecutive games since Scott Mitchell threw four TDs vs. Minnesota 11/23/95 and three vs. Chicago 12/4/95. Batch also threw for three touchdowns at Minnesota Oct., which is a single-game career high and the fourth time that he tossed three TDs in a game. His three TD passes move him past Rodney Peete (38) for ninth place on the Lions career passing TDs list. With 43 career touchdown passes, he resides behind Earl Morrall (52), who is in eighth place on that chart. Over the last three games, Batch has completed 67-of-99 passes (67.7%), which includes a 31-of-41 (75.6%) performance at Minnesota Oct. 14. his passing rating since returning to play is (99 att., 67 cmp., 67.7 cmp. %, 796 yds., 8.04 avg./att., 6 TD, 6.1 TD %, 2 Int., 2.0 Int. %). Batch threw for a career-high 345 yards at Minnesota Oct. 14 as he brought the Lions back from a 25-point deficit to only fall short in the closing seconds of the game. His 345-yard performance marked the first 300-yard passing game during his four-year career. His 345 passing yards are the most by a Lions quarterback since Gus Frerotte garnered 375 yards at Arizona 11/14/99, and his tally is the 11 th -highest single-game total in Lions history. His 345 yards passing at Minnesota is the 4 th highest tally in the NFL by a passer in the NFL this season. Batch s career single-game best 31 pass completions at Minnesota tied for the second-highest single game tally in Lions franchise history. Batch becomes the fourth player in team history to complete 31 passes in a game (Eric Hipple, twice, at TB 9/21/86 and at LARm 10/19/86; Scott Mitchell at Oakland 10/13/96). The franchise record is 33 pass completions done on two occasions (Eric Hipple at Clev. 9/28/86 and Chuck Long vs. GB ). In the 2001 season opener at Green Bay Sept. 9, Batch passed for 276 passing yards, which was one-yard shy of his previous career single-game best of 277 yards set in 2000 vs. Tampa Bay Sept. 17. In Games of 2000, Batch was particularly solid, completing 36-of-56 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns (16-of- 24 for 194 yards Nov. 23 vs. New England). Those two games marked the first occasion since Games of his rookie season that he completed more than 60 percent of his passes in consecutive outings. He recorded the third three-touchdown game of his career Nov. 19, 2000 at the New York Giants. He had previously thrown for three scores on Oct. 1 vs. Green Bay and in the 1999 season opener at Seattle. At Seattle, all three of his scores came in the first half that was the first time a Lions QB had done that since Scott Mitchell on Oct. 6, His streak of consecutive pass attempts without an interception ended at 145 attempts (more than six full games) after Willie Williams' 40-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter of the 99 season opener at Seattle. Batch ended his rookie campaign having thrown 136 straight passes without turning the ball over, which tied him for the longest-such streak in NFL history for a rookie (Cleveland's Bernie Kosar in 1985). Batch also had a streak of 107 passes thrown in a row without an interception in 98 spanning Games 3-7 (almost four complete games) during his rookie campaign. Batch's 83.3 passer rating in 1998 was the fourth-best ever by a rookie QB, trailing only Miami's Dan Marino (96.0 in 1983), Cincinnati's Greg Cook (88.2 in 1969) and the New York Giants' Charlie Conerly (84.0 in 1948). Included in his 11 TD's in '98 was a 98-yard TD bomb to Johnnie Morton at Chicago Oct. 4, 1998 (first TD throw of career), which ranks as the second-longest scoring throw in team history and was the longest in the NFL in In 1998, Batch compiled two of the five highest single-game percentage marks for a rookie quarterback since 1960 (minimum 18 attempts). His 16-of-19 (.842) performance vs. the Packers Oct. 15 ranks at the top of this list, and the.762 mark (16-of-21) PAGE 9 OF 24