Don’t laugh. It isn’t easy scraping together an “all-decade team,” from a franchise that went 42-128, (.328) and didn’t make a single playoff appearance. But for the sake of argument:

Quarterback

Jon Kitna (2006-2008) Enjoyed two strong years in a pass-heavy offense that allowed him to stack up big stats.

Running backs

James Stewart (2000-2002) In three years for the Lions, he made 35 starts and lost just two fumbles. Kevin Smith (2004-2007) In 2004, the rookie from Virginia Tech put Detroit fans in awe as he ran for 1,133 yards, averaging nearly five yards a carry.

Wide receivers

Calvin Johnson (2007-present) After all the Matt Millen first-round wide receiver picks, one finally made some sense. Johnson is an amazing athlete who makes big plays. Roy Williams (2004-2008) He caught 29 touchdown passes and was a vertical threat for the revolving door at the Lion’s quarterback position.

Tight end

David Sloan (2000-2001) In two seasons at the beginning of the decade, Sloan caught more than 30 passes each year and helped Detroit make the decade’s lone playoff push.

Offensive line

Jeff Backus (2001-Present) He’s been a starter his entire career, but he’s never been confused with a dominant left tackle, the game’s second-most important position. Dominic Raiola (2001-Present) A smart and sometimes sassy center who has anchored the line since his arrival. Gosder Cherilus (2008-Present) First-rounder in the 2008 draft, he has started 27 games in two years, but he’s still learning the right tackle position. Stockar McDougle (2000-2004) Although it took him a few years to earn a starting spot, he held it his last three seasons and didn’t miss a game the last two. Kurt Quarterman (2007-Present) Never heard of him? He’s been on the practice squad for three seasons, and anyone who can withstand that and keep going to work deserves some recognition.

Defensive Line

Robert Porcher (2000-2003) Although most of his damage was done in the ’90s, he still was a sack threat this decade, and he made a Pro-Bowl appearance. Shaun Rogers (2001-2007) In 2004-05, Rogers represented Detroit in the Pro Bowl; his 350-pound body was a boulder in the middle. Cory Redding (2003-2008) He started 64 straight games in the middle of the decade for the Lions, and in 2006 finished with eight sacks and 39 tackles. Luther Ellis (2000-2003) A pro bowler in 2000, Ellis clogged the middle of the line in the early part of the decade

Linebackers

Boss Bailey (2003-2007) Drafted in the second round from Georgia, Bailey piled up a career-high 88 tackles. Larry Foote (2009-present) The Detroit native was a free-agent splash last summer among fans who remember his prowess on the gridiron in the Public School League and later at the University of Michigan. Paris Lenon (2006-2008) In his three years playing at Ford Field, he never missed a game or a start, notching more than 100 tackles twice.

Corner backs

Dre Bly (2003-2006) A playmaker with 19 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles, he twice represented the Lions in the Pro Bowl. Chris Cash (2002-2004) In his rookie season, he led the team with tackles, at 100, and got his hands on two interceptions.

Safeties

Louis Delmas (2009-Present) Became the first rookie in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown, return a fumble for a score and record a safety in the same season. Kenoy Kennedy (2005-2007) Led the defense in tackles in his first season, and in each of his three years he snagged two interceptions..

Kicker

Jason Hanson (2000-Present) The team’s most consistent offensive weapon, he has spent his entire decade with the Lions – and he deserves some kind of medal for that

Punter

Nick Harris (2003-Present) Consistently averaged more than 40 yards a punt, and possibly the Lions most overworked player of the decade.

Returner

Eddie Drummond (2002-2006) By far the most exciting player for many years as fans held their breath when he caught a punt or kick. A few steps and he was gone.