Detroit, Michigan – The Detroit Lions secured a 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears despite facing a multitude of defensive injuries. The game was on the brink of shifting towards the Bears’ favor, as they drove against a battered Lions defense. However, the Bears made critical mistakes that ultimately led to their downfall in the final moments of the game. Despite the late surge by the Bears, the Lions saw notable performances from several key players on defense. Let’s take a closer look at the standout players from this week’s game.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, who was brought in to bolster the pass rush after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, had a breakout game. After three games with no stats, Muhammad made a significant impact on Thanksgiving Day with a crucial sack and a well-timed pass breakup late in the game. His defensive stops on the Bears’ final drive were instrumental in securing the Lions’ victory.
Za’Darius Smith also shined on defense, recording multiple sacks and consistently putting pressure on the Bears’ quarterback. His timely sacks near the end of the game played a crucial role in sealing the win for the Lions. Despite a fumble in the red zone, running back Jahmyr Gibbs showed promise by showcasing his ability to gain yards after contact and providing support to David Montgomery.
Defensive tackle DJ Reader continued his impressive performance from the previous week, making key plays in both run and pass defense. He helped fortify the interior defense and contributed two sacks against a challenging opponent in Caleb Williams. Linebacker Ezekiel Turner stepped up in the absence of Malcolm Rodriguez and delivered a crucial sack alongside Za’Darius Smith.
However, defensive lineman Josh Paschal struggled to replicate his previous strong performance, dealing with injuries throughout the game. Paschal’s inconsistent availability posed challenges for the Lions’ defense. Malcolm Rodriguez and safety Kerby Joseph showed glimpses of excellence on the field, with Rodriguez’s pass breakup and Joseph’s near interception standing out.
Kicker Jake Bates, who had not missed a kick all season, faced his first miss in a close game against the Bears. Despite this minor setback, Bates’ performance did not prove costly in the end. The Lions’ defense showcased resilience and depth, overcoming injuries to secure a hard-fought victory over their division rivals.