Chicago Bears (5-8) – Detroit Lions (9-4): 28-13
After coming close to being penalized three weeks ago against these same Bears, Detroit, this time, was unable to come back to the score. Chicago, in front throughout the game, resisted the opposing attacks well, thanks to Justin Fields in his work and an impassable defense.
Praised for their attack since the start of the season, the Lions never seemed able to find the solution against the Bears defense. Jared Goff (20/35, 161 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) did not play at a high enough level for Detroit to endanger Chicago.
Above all, probably for the first time this season, Ben Johnson seemed to run out of solutions. The ground game gave much more confidence than the aerial attack, with a David Montgomery-Jahmyr Gibbs duo at 66 yards each. However, the Lions persisted in making their quarterback throw, especially when they were chasing the score.
The Lions scuttle themselves against a good defense
However, we cannot blame Ben Johnson for his players' three losses of balls. Jared Goff threw two interceptions and lost a fumble on a bad understanding with his center, Graham Glasgow, holder in the absence of Frank Ragnow.
Highlighting the Lions' mistakes should not take away from the impressive performance of Chicago's defense. Led by a Montez Sweat column (5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended) – Tremaine Edmunds (7 tackles, 1 tackle for losses, 1 interception) – Jaquan Brisker (17 tackles, 2 passes defended), Matt Eberflus’ players have dominated their opponents head and shoulders.
Justin Fields in his works
By relying on such a defensive performance, the attack's job is immediately simpler. Justin Fields (19/33, 223 yards, 1 TD, 58 yards and 1 TD on the ground) played Justin Fields, helped by his offensive line which gave him a lot of time. His connection with DJ Moore (6 rec, 68 yards, 1 TD, 20 yards and 1 TD on the ground) seems to improve with each meeting, and gives hope for the future.
This defeat, if it does not damage the Lions' chances of playoffs, it represents a hard blow for their ranking. If the 49ers and Eagles win, they can almost say goodbye to 2nd place, and to the hypothetical home field advantage in the second round.
For Chicago, on the other hand, this victory reassures about the level of defense and the abilities of Justin Fields. Next April, they will (in all likelihood) have the Panthers' first pick in the draft. Will they choose a quarterback? Where will they offer a prime target to the one who made them win tonight?
