Throughout this week, we are going to go through the 10 plays (with some liberties for moments) that shaped the 2015 season for the Detroit Lions.
See the complete list as it is unveiled here.
The play: Detroit trailed 14-3 late in the second quarter in Week 2 against Minnesota. The Lions had the Vikings in a third down deep in Minnesota territory. If Detroit got the stop it would have forced a punt and a potential chance to score (something the Lions would still end up doing before the half). Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy blew up Adrian Peterson on the play, but as Van Noy was bringing down Teddy Bridgewater, Bridgewater flipped it to Peterson, who gained 49 yards and turned what would have been a big Detroit stop into eventual Minnesota points.
The situation: It was an early-season game, but the Lions offense was barely able to move the ball -- quarterback Matthew Stafford was beat up all game and needed X-rays after the loss. But it was a chance for the Lions to flip the field and put together a big defensive stop against the eventual NFC North champions.
The reason it mattered: This is why it is on the list as one of the defining moments of the season: It was the ultimate what-if play that almost turned out well for the Lions. This Lions' season had a large sense of almost, but not quite. Bet it stopping or making a big play on a micro level or being good enough to contend for a playoff berth on a macro level. It was also a momentum-changing play, and while it was one that only eventually yielded three points, it appeared to give Minnesota the feeling it could do anything.
How Van Noy’s season went: It was a rocky year for Van Noy, who could count this almost-sack as a season highlight. He stayed mostly healthy but struggled to get on the field. He had seven tackles and a sack in 15 games and played only 75 defensive snaps this season. He’s going to be a player to watch heading into his third season to see if he can make his way into the linebacker rotation.
What Adrian Peterson told the Associated Press about the play: “I’m still thinking about the block that I missed. That’s how important it is to me.”