The Detroit Lions are basking in the glory of their 23-20 victory against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, extending their winning streak to ten games and snapping a seven-game losing streak on the holiday. This win not only cements the Lions' place at the top of the NFC but also ties their all-time winning streak, established way back during their inaugural season in 1934.
Jared Goff led the charge for Detroit, completing 221 passing yards and throwing two touchdown passes to tight end Sam LaPorta. The Lions dominated early, building a comfortable 16-0 lead by halftime and maintaining control of the game for most of its duration. Goff's efficiency, coupled with strong performances from running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, played pivotal roles as Detroit outgained the Bears 279-53 during the first half.
After Chicago managed to score first on the opening drive of the second half with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams connecting with Keenan Allen for a touchdown, the Lions quickly countered, making it 23-7 thanks to another strong pass from Goff to LaPorta. But the Bears, led by Williams, who threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns, didn’t go down without a fight.
Despite leading comfortably, the Lions found themselves on their heels as Chicago stormed back. They scored two more touchdowns, bringing the game within reach. One of those touchdowns came from Williams to DJ Moore, making the score 23-20 with just over five minutes remaining. The Bears' defense tightened as well, creating anxiety for Lions fans as Detroit struggled to methodically run down the clock.
Unfortunately for Chicago, poor clock management and missed opportunities haunted them. The Bears reached Lions territory with hopes of tying the game or taking the lead. A defining moment came late when they failed to call a timeout after scrambling the clock down, leaving just seconds for one last pass attempt, which fell incomplete, sealing their fate once again.
Coach Matt Eberflus expressed his disappointment, noting their strategy of trying to conserve time for potential offensive plays necessarily backfired as they missed key chances. For the Lions, this victory not only signifies their growth this season but also serves as delicious revenge over past Thanksgiving disappointments.
With the win, the Lions improve to 11-1 on the season, boasting their best record after twelve games and solidifying their spot as front-runners for the playoffs. They will have to keep this momentum going as they face their next challenge against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears, on the other hand, are left to contemplate their missed chances as they continue their six-game losing streak, with their next match set against the San Francisco 49ers.
