2003 Detroit Lions season
| 2003 Detroit Lions season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | William Clay Ford Sr. |
| General manager | Matt Millen |
| Head coach | Steve Mariucci |
| Home stadium | Ford Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–11 |
| Division place | 4th NFC North |
| Playoffs | Did not qualify |
| All-Pros | CB Dré Bly (2nd team) |
| Pro Bowlers | CB Dré Bly |
| Uniform | |
The 2003 season was the Detroit Lions' 74th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 70th as the Detroit Lions, and their first under head coach Steve Mariucci. The team improved upon their 3–13 record from the previous season, finishing 5–11. However, they failed to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, finishing last in the NFC North.
The Lions selected Charles Rogers with the second overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft and brought in a number of defensive free agents, including cornerback Dré Bly on a five-year deal. However, injuries to the defense would hinder the Lions as they finished with the 25th ranked defense in points allowed. The offense performed poorly as they finished 26th in points scored. The run game finished 32nd in yards while the pass game finished 24th in yards. The Lions failed to win more than 5 games, nor did they win a single road game for the third consecutive season. The Lions did, however, allow the least amount of sacks in football for the second consecutive season, with 11.