David Blough impresses in first start, Lions still lose to Bears, 24-20

The Detroit Lions started their third quarterback in less than a month and despite an impressive debut for rookie David Blough, the Bears came out on top, 24-20.

The Detroit Lions were in control despite an unknown player starting under center. Yet again, their dreadful defense let them down.

Embattled Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky found rookie running back David Montgomery for a go-ahead three-yard touchdown grab with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Bears beat the Lions on 24-20 on Thursday. It marks their second straight Thanksgiving Day win at Ford Field. The Lions have lost three straight overall on Turkey day.

Montgomery’s score capped a 9-play,100-yard drive for the Bears, aided by several big catches by receiver Anthony Miller. The Lions were unable to respond on the ensuing drive and fall to 3-8-1 with their fifth loss in a row.

The loss spoiled an impressive showing by rookie quarterback David Blough, who finished 22/38 for 280 yards, two touchdowns, and a game-sealing interception to Chicago safety Eddie Jackson in the waning moments of Detroit’s final drive.

With starter Matthew Stafford still shelved with a back injury and backup Jeff Driskel nursing a tight hamstring, the undrafted third-stringer was forced into action, making his first career start.

Blough became the third quarterback to start for the Lions since Week 9 after Matthew Stafford started every game for Detroit since 2011’s opener. Blough had never thrown a pass for the Lions prior to Thursday, acquired from the Cleveland Browns just a day after the teams’ preseason finale against each other this past August.

He wasted little time in making a statement, connecting with wideout Kenny Golladay on a 75-yard touchdown bomb on just his second NFL throw to tie the game at 7-7. It was Golladay’s ninth scoring catch of the season. He followed that with an impressive second drive, finding receiver Marvin Jones for a walk-in touchdown from eight yards out, putting the Lions up 14-7

Blough slowed down after his hot start, finishing 7-15 for 179 yards at the half, with the Lions up 17-10.

The Bears tied the game late in the third quarter on an 18-yard touchdown grab by little-used receiver Jesper Horsted, his first score in just his second career NFL game. Matt Prater‘s short field goal gave the Lions a three-point lead on the next drive. The Lions though, would not score again.

Trubisky finished 29/38 for 338 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick. Miller led the Bears with 140 yards on nine receptions.

Golladay paced Detroit with 158 yards through the air, including his long touchdown. Bo Scarbrough continued to lead the way for the Lions’ ground game, totaling hard-earned 83 yards.

Lions cornerback Darius Slay intercepted his first pass since Week 2. Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson left with a lower leg injury in the fourth quarter.

The Lions are off until Sunday, December 8th when they travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to face the Minnesota Vikings at 1:00 P.M. EST.