2012 Detroit Lions Roster: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2012 Detroit Lions season was a roller coaster of emotions for fans. The team started the season 4-0, but then lost 6 of their next 7 games. They eventually finished the season with a 10-6 record and missed the playoffs.

Despite the disappointing finish, the 2012 Lions roster was full of talented players. Here is a look at the team's roster, by position:

Offense

Quarterback

• Matthew Stafford
• Shaun Hill

Running Back

• Mikel Leshoure
• Kevin Smith
• Joique Bell

Wide Receiver

• Calvin Johnson
• Nate Burleson
• Titus Young
• Ryan Broyles

Tight End

• Brandon Pettigrew
• Tony Scheffler

Offensive Line

• Jeff Backus
• Rob Sims
• Dominic Raiola
• Stephen Peterman
• Riley Reiff

Defense

Defensive Line

• Ndamukong Suh
• Nick Fairley
• Willie Young
• Lawrence Jackson

Linebacker

• Stephen Tulloch
• DeAndre Levy
• Justin Durant
• Kyle Vanden Bosch

Cornerback

• Chris Houston
• Eric Wright
• Rashean Mathis
• Bill Bentley

Safety

• Louis Delmas
• John Wendling

Special Teams

Kicker

• Jason Hanson

Punter

• Sam Martin

Return Specialist

• Stefan Logan

Key Players

Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford was the Lions' starting quarterback in 2012. He had a solid season, passing for 4,967 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also rushed for 211 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson was the Lions' best player in 2012. He led the NFL in receiving yards (1,964) and touchdowns (15). He also had 122 receptions, which was second in the NFL.

Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh was the Lions' best defensive player in 2012. He had 10 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He also made the Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro.

Season Recap

The Lions started the 2012 season 4-0, but then lost 6 of their next 7 games. They eventually finished the season with a 10-6 record and missed the playoffs.

The Lions' offense was one of the most productive in the NFL in 2012. They ranked 4th in the NFL in total offense (396.6 yards per game) and 5th in the NFL in scoring offense (28.2 points per game).

The Lions' defense was also solid in 2012. They ranked 10th in the NFL in total defense (349.6 yards per game) and 12th in the NFL in scoring defense (22.1 points per game).

Overall, the Lions had a good season in 2012. They finished with a winning record and were in contention for a playoff spot until the end of the season.

Future Outlook

The Lions have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they should be a competitive team for years to come. They have a franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford, and they have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Calvin Johnson. The Lions also have a solid defense, led by Ndamukong Suh.

The Lions need to improve their running game in order to take the next step. They also need to find a more consistent pass rush. If they can make those improvements, they should be a playoff contender in 2013.

Conclusion

The 2012 Detroit Lions roster was full of talented players. The team had a good season, but they ultimately missed the playoffs. The Lions have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they should be a competitive team for years to come.