DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions started Week 15 of the 2013 NFL season in first place in the NFC North — the position they’d held for a month.
Seven days later, they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention – and Jim Schwartz’s job security sits in limbo.
The Lions blew their sixth fourth-quarter lead of the season – and Josh Brown hit a 45-yard field goal in overtime to give the New York Giants a 23-20 over Detroit at Ford Field – the Lions’ fifth loss in six games.
Detroit led 20-13 with five minutes left in the game when Matthew Stafford threw his second interception of the game. Will Hill returned the pick for a touchdown to tie the game at 20.
The Lions’ offense got the ball back with 23 seconds left and two timeouts, but Schwartz chose to run the clock out and settle the game in overtime. Fans throughout Ford Field booed the decision.
Detroit’s 2013 season ends next Sunday with their game at Minnesota.
