The 1986 Detroit Lions season was their 57th in the league. The team failed to improve upon their previous season's output of 7âÂÂ9 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season with a 5âÂÂ11 record. The highlight of the season was first round draft choice Chuck LongâÂÂs first pass for a TD against Tampa Bay. Long would start in a Monday Night game against the Chicago Bears.