The Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears have been rivals on the football field for decades. The two teams have faced off numerous times over the years, and their matchups have produced some of the most exciting moments in NFL history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Detroit Lions record against the Chicago Bears and explore some of the key moments that have defined this rivalry.
Over the years, the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears have played each other a total of 181 times. The Bears currently hold the all-time series lead with 102 wins, while the Lions have 74 wins. There have also been 5 ties between the two teams. Despite the Bears' overall dominance in the series, the Lions have had their fair share of memorable victories over their rivals.
Early Years: The Lions Struggle Against the Bears
The Detroit Lions were founded in 1930, and they played their first game against the Chicago Bears that same year. The Lions struggled against the Bears in the early years of the rivalry, losing their first 10 matchups against their rivals. It wasn't until 1935 that the Lions finally managed to beat the Bears, winning by a score of 7-6.
Despite this early victory, the Lions continued to struggle against the Bears throughout the 1930s and 1940s. During this time, the Bears were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, winning multiple championships and fielding some of the greatest players in league history. The Lions, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing and often found themselves on the losing end of matchups against their rivals.
The 1950s: The Lions Turn the Tide
The 1950s marked a turning point in the Detroit Lions' rivalry with the Chicago Bears. During this decade, the Lions emerged as one of the top teams in the NFL, thanks in large part to the play of star quarterback Bobby Layne. Layne led the Lions to multiple championships during this time, and he played a key role in the team's newfound success against their rivals.
During the 1950s, the Lions and the Bears faced off 20 times. The Lions won 12 of these matchups, including a memorable 31-27 victory in 1953 that saw Layne throw for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns. This decade saw the Lions establish themselves as a legitimate threat to the Bears' dominance in the series.
The 1960s-1980s: The Rivalry Intensifies
The 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s saw the rivalry between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears intensify. The two teams faced off numerous times during this period, and their matchups produced some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. One of the most famous of these moments came in 1970, when Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras punched Bears quarterback Johnny Unitas in the face during a game. The incident sparked a brawl between the two teams and led to Karras receiving a suspension.
Despite the intense rivalry between the two teams, the Bears continued to hold the upper hand in the series. During this period, the Bears won 37 games against the Lions, while the Lions won just 17. However, the Lions still managed to produce some memorable victories over their rivals. In 1983, for example, the Lions beat the Bears by a score of 38-17, thanks in large part to the play of quarterback Gary Danielson.
1990s-Present: The Bears Maintain Dominance
Over the past few decades, the Chicago Bears have continued to dominate the Detroit Lions in the series. Since 1990, the Bears have won 36 games against the Lions, while the Lions have won just 15. Despite this lopsided record, the two teams have still produced some exciting matchups over the years.
One of the most memorable of these matchups came in 2013, when the Lions beat the Bears by a score of 21-19. The game featured a dramatic touchdown catch by Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, as well as a game-winning field goal by kicker David Akers. While the Lions haven't had much success against the Bears in recent years, this win served as a reminder that anything can happen in this long-standing rivalry.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears have been rivals on the football field for decades. While the Bears have dominated the series overall, the Lions have still managed to produce some memorable victories over their rivals. Whether it's Bobby Layne leading the Lions to victory in the 1950s or Calvin Johnson making a dramatic catch in 2013, this rivalry has produced some of the most exciting moments in NFL history. As we look ahead to future matchups between these two teams, we can be sure that the rivalry will continue to be one of the most intense in all of sports.
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