Editing Barry Sanders (section)

==== Mid-career (1992–1994) ====
On September 13, 1992, Sanders had 26 attempts for 66 yards against the [[1992 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1992 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1992/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929215536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1992/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[1992 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] the following week, Sanders recorded 14 attempts for only 34 yards in the 13–10 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins - September 20th, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199209200was.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On November 22, Sanders compiled 29 attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown against the [[1992 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref name=":8" /> His rushing total against the Bengals brought his career total to 5,202 rushing yards, passing Sims for a new franchise record.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Career Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/career-rushing.htm |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders finished his final regular season game with 19 attempts for 104 yards against the [[1992 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]].<ref name=":8" /> Overall, Sanders was credited with 1,352 rushing yards from a workload of 312 attempts and nine touchdowns; his rushing yards total ranked fourth in the league, and his attempts ranked third.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/rushing.htm |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP second-team All-Pro for the first time.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions regressed from their previous season, posting a {{Abbr|5–11|5 wins, 11 losses}} record for the year, and missed the playoffs after making the conference championship the prior year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1992.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

During the 1993 season, Sanders appeared to be well on his way to that year's NFL rushing title; however, on November 25, 1993, against the [[1993 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], after rushing for 63 yards on 16 attempts, Sanders was forced to leave the game with an injury.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1993 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1993/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321112201/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1993/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> The Lions revealed after the game that Sanders had suffered a [[Medial collateral ligament|torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)]], and would miss three to five weeks. It was subsequently revealed by a physician that Sanders had also torn his [[posterior cruciate ligament]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gay |first=Nancy |date=December 9, 1993 |title=Sanders' Knee Injury Worse Than Thought |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/12/09/sanders-knee-injury-worse-than-thought/62440418007/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> As a result, Sanders was inactive for the last five games of the regular season.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=November 25, 1993 |title=Sanders out with knee injury |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/11/25/Sanders-out-with-knee-injury/3883754203600/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=[[UPI]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> In his final contract year, Sanders and the Lions agreed to a four-year, $17.2-million contract, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, and the third-highest-paid player overall, behind [[John Elway]] and [[Steve Young]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 23, 1993 |title=SPORTS PEOPLE: FOOTBALL; Lions' Sanders Receives Richest Pact for Runner |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/23/sports/sports-people-football-lions-sanders-receives-richest-pact-for-runner.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118200535/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/23/sports/sports-people-football-lions-sanders-receives-richest-pact-for-runner.html |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 1993 |title=Sanders Signs for $17.2 Million |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-23-sp-4755-story.html |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Starting in only 11 games due to the injury, he finished in the top ten in multiple rushing categories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1993/leaders.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders was fifth in the league in rushing yards (1,115 rushing yards), ninth in attempts (243), and second in rushing yards per game (101.4 rushing yards per game); with a career-low three rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1993/rushing.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Bowl and an AP second-team All-Pro.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com" /><ref name=":1" /> The Lions finished the regular season with a {{Abbr|10–6|10 wins, 6 losses}} record, clinching the NFC Central and a postseason berth.<ref name=":13" /> The Lions faced their division rival [[1993 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in the [[1993–94 NFL playoffs#NFC: Green Bay Packers 28, Detroit Lions 24|Wild Card Round]]. Sanders, after being cleared for the game, recorded 27 attempts for 169 yards, the best statistical postseason game of his career; but the Lions lost 28–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions - January 8th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199401080det.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meerdink |first=Jon |date=2016-12-30 |title=How did the Packers and Lions play five times in 1994? |url=https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2016/12/30/14129054/green-bay-packers-detroit-lions-playoffs-nfl-brett-favre-aaron-rodgers-mvp-1994-five-games |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Acme Packing Company |language=en}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = “We’re learning little by little, the hard way, that when Barry Sanders is not having the day you expect him to have, it’s hard for this team to win.”
| source = –[[Wayne Fontes]] following the 1994 NFC Wild Card Round<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 1995 |title=Packers Tame Sanders, Leave Lions Beaten : NFC playoffs: NFL's top running back is held to minus one yard as Detroit is stunned, 16-12, at Green Bay. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011238/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
| align = left
| width = 33%
}}

On September 11, 1994, Sanders struggled, as he had 12 attempts for only 16 yards in a 10–3 loss against the [[1994 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1994 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1994/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607081904/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1994/ |archive-date=June 7, 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[1994 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] the following week, Sanders improved with a career-high 40 attempts for 194 yards.<ref name=":10" /> For his performance, he was named the NFC Offensive Player of The Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Players of the Week |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-week.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 25, 1994, against the [[1994 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], Sanders recorded 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Detroit Lions - September 25th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199409250det.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During the game, Sanders had one of the most memorable runs of his career. While rushing 39 yards for a touchdown, Sanders juked and spun his way to the end zone, causing Patriots safety [[Harlon Barnett]] to spin around trying to tackle Sanders. Barnett later spoke of the moment: "I'm not embarrassed about what happened. I thought I did pretty good. I got in front of him twice", Barnett then added, "I just didn't stay there."<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 5, 1994 |title=Cut and Run |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1994/12/05/cut-and-run-the-wizardry-of-detroits-barry-sanders-has-nfl-defenses-wondering-how-in-the-world-to-stop-him |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030102349/https://vault.si.com/vault/1994/12/05/cut-and-run-the-wizardry-of-detroits-barry-sanders-has-nfl-defenses-wondering-how-in-the-world-to-stop-him |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en-us}}</ref> Against the [[1994 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], in a 14–9 win, Sanders had arguably the best statistical game of his career, compiling a career-high 237 rushing yards (franchise record), off of 26 attempts; setting the record for most rushing yards in a single game without scoring a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1994-11-14 |title=Sanders (237 Yards) Steals Show : NFC: He comes through with best game as a pro to lead the Lions over Buccaneers, 14-9. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-11-14-sp-62567-story.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions - November 13th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199411130det.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Rushing Yards Without A Touchdown In A Game |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-yards-without-a-touchdown-in-a-game |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Rushing Yards In A Game Lions Player |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-yards-in-a-game-lions-player |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders entered the final game of the season within striking distance of 2,000 yards rushing, but finished the loss to the [[Miami Dolphins]] with only 12 carries for 52 yards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00.htm|title=Barry Sanders 1994 Game Log|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Nonetheless, Sanders finished first in the league in rushing yards, recording 331 attempts for 1,883 yards rushing and scoring seven touchdowns. His single-season rushing total was fourth in NFL history up to that point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Rushing Yards Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_single_season.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He totaled 2,166 [[yards from scrimmage]], which, at the time, was the seventh-most ever in a season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1994 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/rushing.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Scrimmage Yards In A Season 1910 To 1994 |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-scrimmage-yards-in-a-season-1910-to-1994 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref> As a result of his season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro after the regular season. Sanders was named the [[Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Player of the Year]] (OPOTY) for the [[1994 NFL season|1994 season]] and finished second in [[Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player]] voting behind Steve Young.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions finished the year with a {{Abbr|9–7|9 wins, 7 losses}} record and made the postseason with a [[Wild card (sports)|wild card]] spot.<ref name=":13" /> The Lions faced the Green Bay Packers again in the [[1994–95 NFL playoffs#NFC: Green Bay Packers 16, Detroit Lions 12|Wild Card Round]], after being defeated by them the previous season. On December 31, Sanders struggled against the Packers and recorded what is viewed as the worst game of his career, having 13 attempts for -1 rushing yards. Six of his 13 attempts went for negative yardage, and the Lions as a team were held to only -4 rushing yards in the game, losing 16–12.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 1995 |title=Packers Tame Sanders, Leave Lions Beaten : NFC playoffs: NFL's top running back is held to minus one yard as Detroit is stunned, 16-12, at Green Bay. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011238/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Hara|first=Mike|date=January 1, 1995|title=Time for changes?|pages=35|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=74510098&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjk5MjA1NTMxLCJpYXQiOjE2NDU3MjE1NDYsImV4cCI6MTY0NTgwNzk0Nn0.oTR620T1LHBZrlyIs2uUVW0zEy1eYZu9Svm7F-UxFrA|access-date=February 24, 2022}}</ref>