The Lions wanted to believe they were one of the NFL’s elite teams. Today’s game in Detroit wasn’t pretty, but it was the kind of game that elite teams have to find a way to win.
Once the Bears came on, they outmaneuvered the Lions for most of the day, with Justin Fields moving the ball effectively and the Bears defense shutting down Jared Goff. But after the Bears took a 26-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, the Lions scored two late touchdowns and a last-minute safety for an impressive 31-26 victory.
Fields had a great performance throughout the day, topping 100 rushing yards and passing the ball more effectively than he has in most of his career. His absence last month with a thumb injury may actually have been a good thing for him. Because he seemed to have more confidence in the Bears’ offense, as if he could take a step back and just focus on the mental reps. Unfortunately for Fields, he was sacked and fumbled out in the back of the end zone at the end of the game, an ugly ending to his otherwise solid performance.
Goff played one of the worst games of his career for most of the day, throwing three interceptions, but came back to life in the decisive moments and led the way.
The Bears, who are 3-8, haven’t been able to go anywhere this season, and this was a really disappointing loss in a tough season. At 8-2, the Lions look like they’re going somewhere this season.