1976 Detroit Lions season


The 1976 Detroit Lions season was the 47th season in franchise history. After the first four games of the season, Rick Forzano resigned under pressure of owner William Clay Ford, and was replaced by one time Brigham Young University head coach and Lions assistant Tommy Hudspeth. In spite of a stellar season by quarterback Greg Landry, that year's NFL Comeback Player Of The Year, the team was still mired in mediocrity, finishing 6–8.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Roster

Regular season

On November 25, O.J. Simpson of the Buffalo Bills set a record with the most rushing yards in a Thanksgiving Day game, by rushing for 273 yards vs. the Lions.
In spite of their poor overall record the Lions offense set a statistical record for Passer Rating Differential. Such a high rating is usually reserved for playoff teams or Super Bowl winners;
Top 25 Teams in Passer Rating Differential
Ranking Team OPR DPR Differential Record Won title
Note: The 1963 Giants, 2007 Patriots and 1984 Dolphins lost in their respective title games.

Schedule

Season summary

Week 1 at Bears

Week 2 vs Falcons

Standings

Awards and records