Detroit Lions Head to Chicago After a Mixed Home Stretch
The Detroit Lions are back on the road today to face the Chicago Bears, following a three-game home stretch that saw them secure victories over the Bears and Packers but fall short against the Bills. Their loss to Buffalo snapped a 91-day unbeaten streak, leaving head coach Dan Campbell eager to reset and get his team back on track.
As the Lions aim to stay competitive with NFC frontrunners Philadelphia (12-2) and Minnesota (12-2), here are five key areas that could decide today’s matchup:
1. Ground Game Adjustments
With David Montgomery sidelined due to a knee injury, Jahmyr Gibbs steps into the spotlight as the lead rusher. Gibbs has proven he can handle the pressure, having stepped up last season during Montgomery’s absence with 54 carries for 300 yards, two touchdowns, and 15 receptions across three games. His standout moment included a 154-yard rushing performance with a touchdown in a win against Las Vegas.
Detroit’s ground attack will also feature Craig Reynolds as a reliable backup, with Sione Vaki and Jermar Jefferson potentially seeing limited action. The Lions must significantly improve their rushing output from last week’s 48-yard performance against Buffalo. When they faced Chicago earlier this season, Detroit racked up an impressive 194 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
2. Defensive Leadership Needed
The Lions’ defense has taken a hit with injuries, losing Alim McNeill (knee), Carlton Davis III (jaw), and Khalil Dorsey (ankle), all of whom are now on injured reserve. Despite these challenges, Detroit’s defense still has the talent to make big plays.
One area needing improvement is turnovers, as the defense has managed just one takeaway in their last four games. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, who have been key playmakers throughout the season, will need to lead the way and help the unit regain its spark.
3. Converting in the Red Zone
Detroit’s narrow 23-20 Thanksgiving victory over Chicago could have been far more decisive if they had capitalized on red-zone opportunities. The Lions converted just two of five trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns, leaving points on the board that could have extended their 16-0 halftime lead.
The Bears, however, boast one of the league’s best red-zone defenses, ranking third and allowing touchdowns on only 48.2% of red-zone possessions. Quarterback Jared Goff highlighted this as a key focus for the team during the week, stressing the importance of better execution in these crucial moments.
4. Goff Leading the Charge in the Air
Detroit’s offense is a powerhouse, leading the league in scoring with 32.8 points per game and ranking second in total offense at 403.9 yards per game. Jared Goff has been a standout, recording seven games this season with a completion rate of 75% or higher. His 110.4 passer rating is second-best in the NFL, with 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Also Read – Aston Villa Shocks Premier League Champions 2024
Goff’s confidence is at an all-time high after a career-best performance last week, where he threw for 494 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Facing a struggling Chicago defense that ranks last in total QBR allowed (68), second-to-last in points allowed per drive (49%), and near the bottom in pass rush success (27%), the Lions’ passing game is primed for another explosive showing.
5. Road Game Dominance
The Lions have excelled on the road this season, adopting an “us-against-the-world” mindset that has kept them undefeated away from home.
“There’s something about playing on the road that brings us closer,” Goff said after their recent win in Indianapolis. “It’s just us against them, and we thrive in that environment.”
Detroit has averaged 28.6 points per game on the road while limiting opponents to just 15.6 points. Maintaining this form could help them extend their perfect road record and hand Chicago their ninth consecutive loss.
Can the Lions Keep Their Momentum Alive?
As Detroit battles through injuries and works to refine their game, their performance in Chicago will play a key role in their quest to remain a top contender in the NFC race.
