Thanksgiving Day in America is all about family, food, and football. And when it comes to football, no team has a more storied history on Thanksgiving than the Detroit Lions. The Lions have been playing on Thanksgiving Day since 1934, and over the years, they have provided fans with some unforgettable moments. One of those moments came in 2014, when the Lions faced off against the Chicago Bears in what would become a classic Thanksgiving Day game. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and relive that game, one of the most exciting in recent Lions history.
The game took place on November 27, 2014, and it was a cold and blustery day in Detroit. The Lions were coming into the game with a record of 7-4 and were looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bears, on the other hand, were struggling with a record of 5-6 and were desperate for a win to keep their own playoff hopes alive. With so much on the line, it was no surprise that the game would turn into an instant classic.
The First Half: A Defensive Battle
The first half of the game was a defensive battle. Both teams struggled to move the ball, and the score remained tied at 0-0 for most of the half. The Lions had a chance to take the lead late in the second quarter, but kicker Matt Prater missed a 43-yard field goal attempt. The score remained tied at halftime, and it looked like it would be a low-scoring affair.
The Second Half: A Scoring Explosion
The second half of the game was a different story. Both teams came out firing, and the scoring started early. The Bears struck first, with a touchdown pass from quarterback Jay Cutler to tight end Martellus Bennett. The Lions answered back with a touchdown of their own, a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The score was tied at 7-7, and the game was just getting started.
The Bears took the lead again in the third quarter, with a touchdown run by running back Matt Forte. But the Lions answered back with another touchdown pass from Stafford to Johnson, tying the game at 14-14. The Bears took the lead yet again, with a field goal by kicker Robbie Gould. But the Lions weren't done yet. Stafford led the Lions on a game-winning drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to running back Theo Riddick with just 29 seconds left in the game. The Lions won the game 34-17, in what would become one of the most memorable Thanksgiving Day games in recent memory.
The Aftermath: A Memorable Game
The game was memorable for many reasons. It was a back-and-forth battle between two division rivals, with both teams fighting for their playoff lives. It was a game that featured big plays on both sides of the ball, from Johnson's two touchdown catches to Riddick's game-winning score. And it was a game that showcased the resilience and determination of the Detroit Lions, who refused to give up even when things looked bleak.
The Legacy: Lions Thanksgiving Day Tradition
The game also added to the Lions' storied Thanksgiving Day tradition. For almost 90 years, the Lions have been a fixture on Thanksgiving Day, and they have provided fans with some of the most memorable moments in football history. From Barry Sanders' incredible runs to Calvin Johnson's amazing catches, the Lions have given fans plenty to cheer about on this special day. And the 2014 game against the Bears will go down as one of the most exciting in that long and storied history.
In conclusion, the 2014 Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game was a classic. It was a game that showcased the best of the Lions, from their resilience and determination to their ability to come up with big plays when it mattered most. And it was a game that added to the Lions' long and storied Thanksgiving Day tradition. As we look back on that game, we can't help but feel grateful for the memories it provided, and we look forward to many more memorable Thanksgiving Day games in the years to come.
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