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Jared Goff, Lions improve to NFC-best 13-2 after big win over Bears: Key takeaways

23 December 2024Last Update :
Jared Goff, Lions improve to NFC-best 13-2 after big win over Bears: Key takeaways

By Colton Pouncy, Kevin Fishbain, Adam Jahns and Chris Licata

There wasn’t much doubt on Sunday as the Detroit Lions easily handled the Chicago Bears 34-17 after jumping out to an early 20-0 lead. A loss by the Philadelphia Eagles in the final seconds of their game at Washington also put Detroit in sole possession of the NFC’s best record at 13-2.

The Lions’ No. 2-ranked offense showed its usual explosiveness with 475 total yards, while the Bears (4-11) had a lackluster showing on both sides of the ball. They committed 10 penalties, lost the turnover battle 2-0, converted only two-of-10 third down attempts and failed to force a punt until there were less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Losers of nine straight, Caleb Williams and company did, however, score first-half points (14) for the first time in four games.

With the bounce-back win, Dan Campbell’s club completed the season sweep of the Bears for the second time in the last three seasons. They’ll have an extra day to prepare during the Christmas break before traveling west to take on the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football” in Week 17.

Ben Johnson flexed his play-calling muscles

There was much made of the Lions and how they’d look after losing two more defensive starters in Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis, along with running back David Montgomery.

What we learned Sunday is that as long as the Lions have offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, they can win any game on their schedule. His bag of tricks runs deep, evidenced by a play design that featured quarterback Jared Goff pretending to stumble and RB Jahmyr Gibbs falling to the ground and rolling over, in an effort to freeze the defense. It freed up tight end Sam LaPorta for a touchdown — one of four scored by the Lions on Sunday.

Yes, it was the Bears, but Johnson is capable of exploiting defenses week in and week out. Detroit’s defense also contributed with a pair of turnovers and just 17 points allowed on Sunday. It was more than enough for a comfortable win. — Colton Pouncy, Lions beat writer

Williams continues to show flashes of hope

How do we judge Williams’ performance Sunday afternoon? The first quarter struggles continued, though Sunday’s were exacerbated by two fumbles. By the time Williams threw a 1-yard touchdown to Cole Kmet, the Bears were trailing 20-0. His 45-yard strike to Keenan Allen simply got the Bears within 13 points. It also all came against a bunch of backups on Detroit’s defense.

Then again, Williams did it with backups of his own at left tackle and left guard. The score doesn’t dictate accuracy, and we saw some impressive throws, especially on fourth down. Williams’ competitiveness through the difficulties this season has been apparent, too. He became the first Bear to throw for 3,000 yards in a season since Mitch Trubisky did it in 2019. The Bears want complete games not just flashes, but we’re still seeing enough to know quarterback isn’t the question mark heading into 2025. — Kevin Fishbain, Bears senior writer

Johnson shows Bears fans what’s possible

Is the Bears defense just this bad after firing head coach Matt Eberflus? Or is Johnson just that good? The Bears might be rooting for the latter. Johnson should be near the top of the Bears’ list for their next head-coaching search. His offense torched the Bears at Soldier Field, which was full of energized Lions fans. Goff was 23-for-32 passing for 336 yards and three touchdowns for a 137.0 passer rating.

For all the talk about finding a “leader of men,” the Bears must prioritize what’s best for Williams in his second season and beyond. Johnson has been the architect and play caller for one of the best offenses in the NFL over the past three seasons. The Bears should covet him. — Adam Jahns, Bears senior writer

Lions remain in control despite mounting injuries

At this point in the year, the Lions are trying to position themselves as best as they can ahead of the postseason. They have two games left to accomplish their regular-season goals of winning the NFC North and clinching a first-round bye. They’ll face the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings to close the season out before the playoffs. The Eagles and Vikings remain in the picture, but the Lions control their future. They’ll be motivated to win out, and just might have enough to get it done — injuries and all. — Pouncy

Required reading

  • NFL Week 16 scores and live updates: Playoff picture, standings, inactives, predictions, betting odds and more
  • Dan Campbell’s Lions are ravaged by injuries. Can he still get Detroit deep into the playoffs?
  • The Bears need a coach who holds players accountable. Look no further than Ron Rivera

(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

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