Lions’ historic season continues with Thanksgiving victory vs. Bears

DETROIT — With an 11-1 begin, their finest in staff historical past, the Detroit Lions proceed to finish a laundry record of notable droughts.

The Lions, who defeated the Chicago Bears 23-20, had misplaced seven straight Thanksgiving Day video games, which was some extent of emphasis all through the week from coach Dan Campbell.

The Lions dominated the opening half with 18 first downs in comparison with the Bears’ two. Chicago’s first first down got here with 55 seconds left within the second quarter. The second half was a special story because the Bears stormed again, solely to fall quick after a sack and an incomplete go as time expired on the ultimate drive.

Quarterback Jared Goff went 21-for-34 for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The operating again duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery mixed for 175 yards.

Whereas honoring the late John Madden with jersey patches on their uniforms, the Lions’ protection additionally pitched a first-half shutout in entrance of a star-studded crowd, which included actor Tim Allen, rapper Eminem, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who wore vacation gear in a set. — Eric Woodyard

Detroit Lions (11-1)

Most stunning efficiency: TE Sam LaPorta. After a record-breaking rookie season, the Professional Bowler bought off to a sluggish begin in Yr 2 with two touchdowns in Weeks 1-8. However LaPorta linked with Goff on two receiving touchdowns in his second recreation again after being sidelined towards the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17 with a shoulder damage.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive letdown. Previous to Keenan Allen‘s 31-yard landing catch from Caleb Williams at first of the second half, the Lions’ protection hadn’t allowed a landing since halftime of the Houston Texans recreation in Week 10. The Lions went 12 straight quarters with out surrendering a landing beneath defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Detroit would permit three complete passing touchdowns within the second half.

Troubling pattern: The damage woes proceed for the Lions as defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and DL Josh Paschal (knee) have been dominated out at first of the second half. Professional Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone, DL John Cominsky, LB Derrick Barnes, DL Marcus Davenport, security Ifeatu Melifonwu and particular groups ace/linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin are key defensive gamers on injured reserve. — Woodyard

Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers (8:15 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 5)

A second-half comeback put the Bears inside putting distance of their division rival. Chicago erased a 16-point deficit after a one-sided affair within the first half behind quarterback Caleb Williams, who accomplished 20 of 39 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns.

It was sufficient to place the Bears down by three factors late and in place to lastly see the opposite facet of a one-score affair.

However Chicago failed to make use of its ultimate timeout within the waning moments and allowed the clock to expire on their likelihood to win their first NFC North recreation in 11 months.

QB breakdown: This was a story of two halves for the No. 1 draft choose. Williams struggled to increase performs within the first two quarters, going 0-for-3 with a scramble towards stress, 0-for-6 on passes with 15-plus air yards and 0-for-2 on passes thrown exterior of the pocket. On Chicago’s first drive of the second half, Williams led the Bears’ longest drive of the day (74 yards) capped by a landing to Allen. That TD throw set a franchise file for rookie passing touchdowns (12), previously held by Charlie O’Rourke (1942). Williams has thrown 231 passes with out an interception, which is the longest streak by a rookie in NFL historical past.

Troubling pattern: Matt Eberflus’ seat has gone from scorching to boiling after the Bears misplaced their sixth straight. Whether or not marked by his impulse on throwing the problem flag (he is 0-5 this season), recreation mismanagement (one timeout remaining and the Bears let the clock run out on their comeback) or fielding an ill-prepared staff, the knocks towards Eberflus preserve including up. He is 2-13 towards NFC North opponents (.154), which is the worst file within the NFL since he was employed in 2022. The Bears are primed for a head-coach search in January as every loss cements Eberflus’ destiny.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Allen sparked the Bears’ second-half comeback with two landing receptions to chop the Lions’ result in 10. What’s troubling is how lengthy it took Allen to become involved. The 32-year-old receiver was not focused till the third quarter after seeing 15 passes in his course per week in the past towards the Vikings. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent recreation: at 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 8)