As we look back on the 2014 NFL season, one game that stands out is the matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. It was a game with high stakes and a lot on the line for both teams. The Lions were fighting for a playoff spot, while the Bears were trying to salvage a disappointing season. The game took place on Thanksgiving Day, and it was a thrilling contest from start to finish.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the game and make a prediction about who we think would have come out on top.
The Buildup
Going into the game, the Lions had a record of 7-4 and were in second place in the NFC North. They were coming off of a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots the week before and needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bears, on the other hand, were struggling with a record of 5-6. They had lost two games in a row and were in danger of missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
The Lions were led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season. They also had a strong defense, led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Bears were led by quarterback Jay Cutler, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season. Their defense, however, was one of the worst in the league.
The Game
The game got off to a fast start, with both teams scoring touchdowns on their opening drives. The Lions struck first, with Stafford connecting with Calvin Johnson on a 25-yard touchdown pass. The Bears answered back with a touchdown of their own, as Cutler found Alshon Jeffery for a 10-yard score.
The Lions took control of the game in the second quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points. Stafford threw two more touchdown passes, one to Golden Tate and one to Theo Riddick. Kicker Matt Prater also added a 25-yard field goal to give the Lions a 24-7 lead at halftime.
The Bears Fight Back
The Bears came out strong in the second half, scoring two quick touchdowns to cut the Lions' lead to 24-21. Cutler found Brandon Marshall for a 6-yard touchdown pass, and Matt Forte ran in a 6-yard score of his own.
The Lions responded with a touchdown of their own, as Stafford found Johnson for his second touchdown catch of the game. However, the Bears refused to go away, scoring another touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Cutler to Jeffery.
The Final Minutes
With the score 31-28 in favor of the Lions, the game came down to the final minutes. The Bears had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but their kicker, Robbie Gould, missed a 47-yard attempt with just over two minutes left to play.
The Lions were able to run out the clock and secure the victory, improving their record to 8-4 and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Stafford finished the game with 390 yards passing and two touchdowns, while Cutler threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
The Prediction
Looking back on the game, it's clear that both teams were evenly matched. The Lions had the advantage on defense, while the Bears had a more potent offense. Ultimately, it was the Lions' defense that made the difference, as they were able to hold the Bears to just 28 points.
If this game were played again today, it's hard to say who would come out on top. Both teams have undergone significant changes since 2014, and it's impossible to predict how they would match up against each other now.
Conclusion
The 2014 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears was a thrilling game that had fans on the edge of their seats. While we can't say for certain who would win if the game were played again today, we can appreciate the excitement and drama of that Thanksgiving Day matchup.
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