CHICAGO – The Detroit Lions wrapped up their season Sunday in Chicago with a hard-fought win over the Bears 24-20. Matthew Stafford led the Lions to victory with 298 passing yards and three touchdowns.
In what may be his final game with the Lions, Calvin Johnson had 10 receptions for 137 yards and a diving touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Recommended Videos
Detroit avoided a last-place finish in the division by beating the Bears for the second time this season. The season seemed to be a lost cause after a blowout defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in London. But Jim Caldwell’s team rallied together, winning six of their final eight games to finish the season.
Whether the Lions bring Caldwell back next season will be determined by the yet-to-be-named new general manager of the team. New team President Rod Wood said he plans on hiring a new general manager as soon as possible.
The Lions defense, which has come on strong as of late, played another good game, intercepting Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler three times. Previously this season, Cutler hadn’t thrown more than one interception in a game.
Matt Prater kicked a 59-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to put the Lions ahead 10-0 — the longest ever at Soldier Field, according to STATS.
Joique Bell helped the offense move the ball both on the ground and through the air. He finished with 58 yards from scrimmage, including a 36-yard screen pass from Stafford.
Ziggy Ansah recorded another sack, bringing his season total to 14.5. Former defensive end Robert Porcher had 15 sacks in 1999.
Tight end Eric Ebron found the end zone for the fifth time this season. The second-year man out of North Carolina now has six touchdowns in his career.