Matthew Stafford looks to make a play in the Nike Zoom Vapor Carbon Fly.

words // Brandon Richard

Three years ago, the Detroit Lions completed the remarkable feat of a winless 0-16 NFL season. Prior to 2008, the last team to post a winless record was the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were playing in their first year in the league. The upside to a lot of losing is that you’re given the opportunity to add integral pieces to your rosters with guaranteed high draft picks, and since Detroit ditched former Team President Matt Millen, they’ve been money with almost every selection.

The influx of new talent started paying off last season, when the Lions improved their overall record to 6-10, including wins in their last four games. Six of their losses were decided by 5 or less points, showing a noticeable increase in competitiveness. That momentum has carried into this year’s preseason, where the Lions are undefeated through three games.

Clearly their most impressive victory of the preseason, the Lions took it to the red hot New England Patriots this past Saturday. With quarterback Tom Brady taking a healthy amount of snaps for the Pats, Detroit was able to pressure him into off-the-mark throws with their pass rush. On the other hand, Lions quarterback Matt Stafford completed 12 of his 14 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive end Cliff Avril sacked Brady twice on the night.

The Lions entered the locker room at halftime with a 27-10 lead. After tacking on another touchdown in the fourth, Detroit walked away with a 34-10 win, pushing their preseason record to 3-0. Can the Lions keep pushing forward and give the defending champion Green Bay Packers a scare for the NFC North?

As we inch closer to the regular season, let’s take a look at what football cleats some of the league’s top players wore on the field during Week 4 of the preseason in today’s NFL Watch.

Bills rookie Marcel Dareus fighting in the trenches wearing the Under Armour Hammer III. What advice would Marcel give to young players looking to get better on and off the field? Check out our 2011 NFL Combine interview with him below.

Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons returns an interception in the adidas Malice Fly.

Roddy White celebrate a touchdown reception in the Reebok NFL U-Form 4Speed Mid.

Jay Cutler locks and loads in the Nike Air Zoom Super Bad 3.

D’Angelo Williams trucks over defenders in a PE colorway of the Nike Air Zoom Merciless.

AJ Green makes a great touchdown reception in the Nike Zoom Vapor Carbon Fly.

Larry Fitzgerald warms up in a “blackout” colorway of the Nike Zoom Alpha Talon.

Ryan Matthews runs in the Nike Alpha Speed TD.

Aaron Rodgers airs it out in the Nike Air Speed Nubby.

Tom Brady calls out a player in a turf version of the Under Armour Fierce III.

images via ESPN