Final · Kickoff
2003 Regular season · Week 1 · Ford Field
Historical final score from the WHYNFL results archive. WHYNFL preserves the team labels of the time and converts supplied Eastern kickoff times. Team links open today's franchise hubs. Historical box scores and play-by-play are not supplied.
Explore the 2003 regular season
The Detroit Lions beat the Arizona Cardinals 42–24 at home at Ford Field in Week 1 of the 2003 regular season on September 7, 2003.
The 66 combined points were the most in any game of Week 1.
The result moved the Lions to 1–0 and dropped the Cardinals to 0–1. The Cardinals finished 2003 at 4–12 and missed the playoffs. The Lions finished 2003 at 5–11 and missed the playoffs. The Lions’ 42 points were their most in any game of 2003.
In their previous meeting, the Arizona Cardinals won 23–20 on December 8, 2002. When they met again, the Detroit Lions won 26–12 on December 5, 2004.
Written by WHYNFL from the final scores in its results archive, which begins with the 1999 season. Records, streaks and season results count regular-season and playoff finals.
Series Cardinals lead the series 3–1 after meeting No. 4 since 1999 Full series history
Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson, Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and Broncos guard Ben Powers drew the largest fines, and five players were docked for hip-drop tackles.
Line judge Jeff Seeman will sit two games and referee Adrian Hill one after on-camera confrontations with players during Week 4.
Dan Campbell said the Pro Bowl safety and the free-agent center should open their return windows before Sunday’s game in Arizona, though neither is guaranteed to play.
