Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Stafford believes that his side's disappointing end to their campaign will act as a motivating tool for next season.
The Lions were poised to seal the NFC North with a 6-3 record at the halfway stage of the season as their rivals the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears suffered major injuries.
However, they have won just one of their last six games to miss the playoffs, leaving head coach Jim Schwartz's future in jeopardy.
Stafford told reporters: "Any time you don't achieve the goals you want, individually and as a team, it can do one of two things.
"It can pull you down or it can motivate you to have a more successful season, not only individually but as a team as well. I know I'll take it that way."
Th Lions face the Minnesota Vikings in their week 17 clash.
