After finding themselves in a 24-10 hole in the fourth quarter, the Detroit Lions rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 31-30 on Sunday.
With just over 11 minutes left in the game, all hope seemed lost. The Detroit Lions were down 24-10 to the Chicago Bears, and looked like they were en route to their seventh loss of the season. However, somehow, someway, the Lions clawed their way back into the game. Tying it up, before eventually taking a late lead which they were able to hold onto for a win.
Considering how many one-score games the Lions have lost over the last two seasons, to see them win two in a row is something. It’s also indicative of the growth of the team.
Detroit has back-to-back games for the first time in the Dan Campbell era, and Sunday ended a 13-game road losing streak that went back to the first game after Matt Patricia was fired in 2020. More importantly, it was a win once again led by the young core.
Detroit Lions Week 10 Report Card
Rushing offense: 2/5 stars
The downward trend for the running game continued on Sunday, as the Lions averaged just 3.1 yards per carry (31 carries for 95 yards). The worst part is Chicago does not have a good front seven, and running the ball should have been easy.
To be fair though, the run game came through when it mattered most. D’Andre Swift had a nine-yard touchdown run to cut the margin to 24-17. Jamaal Williams ran the ball in relatively easily for the go-ahead score. Williams also had a nine-yard run to clinch the game on 3rd-and-8 late. So while it was a disappointing day running the ball, there were some positives.
Pass offense: 3.5/5 stars
It was a relatively good game moving the ball through the air for the Lions. A big part of that equation was the pass protection. There were a number of third downs converted because Jared Goff had all day to throw. With time in the pocket, Goff was able to stay composed as he progressed through his reads, waiting for his receivers to break open.
Speaking of which the receivers also did a good job, considering who was available. One of the biggest plays of the game was a 44-yard catch and run from preseason standout Tom Kennedy. Kalif Raymond also stepped up with a few big plays on Sunday. So with everything considered, it certainly could have been a worse day for the passing attack.
Best offensive player: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
One of the more dominant openings to a game a receiver could have. St. Brown was up to six catches for 86 yards just five minutes into the second quarter. He was consistently getting open and settling down in soft spots right at the sticks. Goff looked to him early and often to move the chains.
St. Brown finished the game with 10 receptions for 119 yards, adding in a single rush for two yards. That is exactly the type of dominance Detroit needed out of their top receiver.
Worst offensive player(s): Offensive line in run blocking
Here’s a twist on this section. But that’s because the run blocking in this game was easily the worst it’s been all season.
Chicago’s defensive front was doing a great job against the Lions’ zone run concepts. Detroit’s offensive line could not contain the slanting lineman crashing into gaps. All around it was not a pretty game on the ground. It’s unfortunate because this was a game in which the pass blocking was fantastic.
Lions offensive line is going to be pretty pretty pissed with itself after this I'd think. Bears don't have a good front and this has been Detroit's worst rushing day of the year so far.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) November 13, 2022