Detroit edges Chicago 23-20 on Thanksgiving as the Bears’ late-game missteps steal the spotlight.
Lions Clinch Win in a Thrilling Finale
The Detroit Lions continued their impressive 2024 campaign with a narrow 23-20 Thanksgiving victory over the Chicago Bears. Improving their record to an NFL-best 11-1, the Lions showcased resilience in a game decided by a dramatic final sequence.
Quarterback Jared Goff led Detroit with a steady performance, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns without turnovers. Meanwhile, the Bears struggled to close out the game, with clock mismanagement in the final seconds ultimately sealing their fate.
A Critical Misstep for the Bears
The pivotal moment came in the dying seconds of regulation. Trailing by three points with just 32 seconds left, the Bears failed to execute under pressure. Quarterback Caleb Williams urged his teammates to hustle, but confusion and delays led to a rushed snap and a final desperate pass downfield. Time expired, leaving the Bears with no chance to set up for a game-tying field goal.
In the postgame conference, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the mishap, explaining their strategy. “Our hope was… to re-rack that play at 18 seconds,” he said. “Throw it in-bounds, get it into field-goal range, and call timeout.” Unfortunately, their plan faltered, handing Detroit the win.
Jared Goff Reflects on the Win
After the game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff shared his thoughts on the thrilling victory. Speaking to CBS, he described his excitement about securing his first Thanksgiving win as a Lion. “It was awesome,” Goff said. “A crazy ending there, and we fought hard. We fought until the end and got it done.”
When pressed on the chaotic ending, Goff noted the difficulty of late-game decisions. “It’s hard, man. The end of the game stuff, it’s hard… It’s a lot of reps, a lot of time spent on situational stuff, and we came out on top today,” he said.
Goff also praised his counterpart, Caleb Williams. “I thought Caleb played really well, and I’m sure we’ll have our battles for a long time,” he remarked, showing respect for the young Bears quarterback.
Campbell’s Praise for Sam LaPorta
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hold back his admiration for tight end Sam LaPorta, who made a significant impact despite limited yardage. LaPorta caught three passes for six yards, with two of those receptions resulting in touchdowns.
“This is the healthiest he’s been in a while during the season,” Campbell noted. “He’s in good shape… you forget all he does for us.” The tight end’s contributions, though understated on the stat sheet, proved critical in the Lions’ red-zone efficiency.
A Memory for the Books
As is tradition for Thanksgiving winners, the Lions celebrated with a feast on the field. Goff embraced the moment, calling the experience unforgettable. “The stuffing was good,” he joked. “We were having a good time. It’s a memory I’ll have forever.
Looking Ahead
The Lions now set their sights on maintaining their dominance as they prepare for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bears will face tough questions after letting an opportunity slip away. For Detroit, the Thanksgiving victory solidifies their status as a powerhouse this season, while the Bears must regroup and learn from their late-game collapse.
