Lions Roar to Historic 11-1 Start with Thanksgiving Win Over Bears
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions are on fire, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, the Lions improved to an incredible 11-1, marking the best start in franchise history. This win wasn’t just another notch in the win column—it was a statement. The Lions snapped a seven-game Thanksgiving Day losing streak, a point of emphasis for head coach Dan Campbell all week long. And boy, did they deliver.
The game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, the Lions were dominant, racking up 18 first downs compared to the Bears’ measly two. Chicago didn’t even manage their first first down until there were just 55 seconds left in the second quarter. The Lions’ defense was suffocating, and their offense was clicking. But the second half? That was a different story. The Bears came storming back, making it a nail-biter until the very last play, when a sack sealed the deal for Detroit as time expired on Chicago’s final drive.
Quarterback Jared Goff was steady as ever, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions’ dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for an impressive 175 rushing yards, keeping the Bears’ defense on their heels all game long.
Star Power in the Stands
It wasn’t just the players on the field who brought the energy. The Lions honored the late John Madden with special jersey patches, and the crowd was packed with stars. Actor Tim Allen, rapper Eminem, and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles were all in attendance. Even Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, sidelined with an injury, was spotted rocking holiday gear in a suite. The atmosphere was electric, and the Lions gave their fans plenty to cheer about.
Sam LaPorta Shines
One of the most surprising performances of the game came from tight end Sam LaPorta. After a record-breaking rookie season, LaPorta had a slow start to his sophomore campaign, with just two touchdowns in the first eight weeks. But against the Bears, he was back in a big way, hauling in two touchdown passes from Goff. This was only his second game back after missing time with a shoulder injury, and he looked every bit like the Pro Bowler fans remember.
Defensive Struggles and Injury Woes
While the Lions’ defense pitched a first-half shutout, the second half was a different story. The Bears’ Caleb Williams connected with Keenan Allen for a 31-yard touchdown to open the third quarter, ending the Lions’ streak of 12 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. Detroit’s defense ultimately gave up three passing touchdowns in the second half, a troubling trend for a unit that had been so dominant under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Injuries continue to plague the Lions as well. Defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and Josh Paschal (knee) were ruled out at the start of the second half. They join a growing list of key defensive players on injured reserve, including Pro Bowl edge rusher Hutchinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Bears’ Second-Half Surge Falls Short
On the other side of the ball, the Bears showed some serious fight in the second half. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, had a rough start but turned it around in a big way. He finished the game 20-for-39 for 256 yards and three touchdowns, setting a new franchise record for rookie passing touchdowns with 12. Williams also extended his streak of passes without an interception to 231, the longest by a rookie in NFL history.
But despite their valiant effort, the Bears’ comeback fell short. Poor clock management in the final moments—failing to use their last timeout—cost them a chance to pull off the upset. Head coach Matt Eberflus is feeling the heat, as his record against NFC North opponents dropped to a dismal 2-13. With six straight losses, the Bears seem destined for a coaching change in the offseason.
Looking Ahead
The Lions will look to keep their historic season rolling when they face the Packers on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 8:15 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the Bears will try to regroup as they head to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4:25 p.m. ET.
- Key Stat: The Lions’ 11-1 start is the best in franchise history.
- Player to Watch: Sam LaPorta, who is heating up after a slow start to the season.
- Big Question: Can the Lions’ defense bounce back after a shaky second half?
One thing is for sure: the Lions are no longer the NFL’s lovable underdogs. They’re contenders, and they’re here to stay.
Originally Written by: Eric Woodyard
