Introduction to the Game
The Detroit Lions’ offense roared as they blew out the Chicago Bears in Ben Johnson’s return to Ford Field. Costly Chicago Bears turnovers paved the way for the Detroit Lions to run away with a lopsided victory in Ben Johnson’s first game back in Detroit since leaving the Motor City to take over as head coach of the Bears.
Game Recap
Two quick punches on offense were succeeded by two quick stops on defense right out of the gate. The Lions took only five plays to go 60 yards before Jahmyr Gibbs punched in a TD run on the game’s first drive. The Bears followed suit, going 79 yards in eight plays on the next possession, capped by a 28-yard TD pass from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze. After each defense forced a punt, similar storylines played out from last week, though Chicago found an offensive rhythm near the end of the first half.
The Bear’s offense sputtered after their first scripted drive, this time to the tune of three turnovers—Brian Branch forced a D’Andre Swift fumble, the Bears turned it over on downs, and Williams threw an egregious interception on second-and-32. Meanwhile, Detroit found success behind David Montgomery and the arm of Jared Goff. Montgomery punched in a 4-yard TD at the 9:45 mark in the second quarter, while Goff utilized the play-action passing game to set up TD throws to Brock Wright and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
He hit Wright for an 8-yard touchdown near the five-minute mark, then St. Brown for a 4-yard TD pass with two seconds to go in the first half. In between those two Goff TD passes, Williams led a 7-play, 57-yard possession that ended with his second touchdown connection of the day with Odunze, this time for six-yards at the two-minute warning. The Lions averaged 7.8 yards per play in the first half on their way to a 28-14 lead, and they didn’t slow down coming out of the gates in the third quarter.
Third Quarter Dominance
Detroit scored 17 straight points to begin the second half. Jake Bates hit a 34-yard chip shot for his first field goal of the day, then Goff threw two more TD passes—a 44-yard bomb to Jameson Williams, and an 8-yard rub route that found the hands of St. Brown for his second TD catch of the game. Swift punched in a three-yard TD run to stop the bleeding near the 12-minute mark in the fourth quarter, but that was only temporary. Up 45-21, Goff found St. Brown again—this time on fourth-and-goal—to extend the Lions’ lead to 52-21.
Top Statlines
Caleb Williams: 19/30, 207 yards passing, 2 TDs, 1 INT. 5 carries, 27 yards rushing. D’Andre Swift: 12 carries, 63 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 FL. 3 catches (3 targets), 6 yards. Rome Odunze: 7 catches (11 targets), 128 yards, 2 TDs. Jared Goff: 23/28, 334 yards passing, 5 TDs. Jahmyr Gibbs: 12 carries, 94 yards rushing, 1 TD. 3 catches (3 targets), 10 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown: 9 catches (11 targets), 115 yards, 3 TDs.
Injury Report
Jaylon Johnson was downgraded to out for the remainder of the game after going down with a groin injury during the first half, then TJ Edwards was taken out of the game midway through the third quarter with a hamstring injury and never returned. The loss of two of its best defenders is a tough blow to Chicago’s defense. Johnson, a 2023 second-team All-Pro selection and back-to-back Pro Bowler in the Bears’ secondary, was hampered by calf and groin injuries all throughout training camp and was just cleared to return to active duty ahead of their Week 2 matchup in Detroit.
Up Next
The Chicago Bears take on the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field next Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ offense proved to be too much for the Chicago Bears, as they ran away with a lopsided victory in Ben Johnson’s return to Ford Field. The Lions’ ability to capitalize on Bears’ turnovers and their dominant performance in the third quarter sealed the deal for their win. The Bears will look to bounce back next week against the Dallas Cowboys.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 52-21 in favor of the Detroit Lions.
Q: Who was the leading passer for the Lions?
A: Jared Goff was the leading passer for the Lions, throwing for 334 yards and 5 TDs.
Q: Who was the leading rusher for the Bears?
A: D’Andre Swift was the leading rusher for the Bears, rushing for 63 yards and 1 TD.
Q: What is the Bears’ next game?
A: The Bears’ next game is against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field next Sunday afternoon.
Q: What time is the Bears’ next game?
A: The kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT.
CHICAGO (WGN) — Costly Chicago Bears turnovers paved the runway for the Detroit Lions to run away with a lopsided victory in Ben Johnson’s first game back in Detroit since leaving the Motor City to take over as head coach of the Bears.
