The Detroit Lions stunned the NFC North champion Chicago Bears with a 19-16 victory sealed by Jake Bates’ 42-yard field goal as time expired. Jared Goff directed five scoring drives, guiding the Lions to regroup after losing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. Despite the Bears’ late surge, the Lions found a way to close out the win.
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Lions beat playoff-bound Bears 19-16 on Bates’ 42-yard field goal as time expires
Photo by Timeswv
Key Takeaways:
- Jake Bates kicked a 42-yard field goal as time expired.
- The Lions lost a 16-point lead but regrouped in the final minute.
- Jared Goff led five scoring drives to keep the Lions in the game.
- The final score was 19-16 in the Lions’ favor.
- The Bears are the NFC North champion, underscoring the impact of the upset.
A Dramatic Finale
As time ticked away in Detroit, the Lions found themselves tied with the playoff-bound Chicago Bears. The game hinged on a 42-yard field goal attempt by Jake Bates, who calmly sent the ball through the posts just as the clock hit zero. That decisive kick capped an intense matchup, giving the Lions a 19-16 victory.
Dominating Early
The Lions started strong, building a convincing lead that reached 16 points. Their success rested on Jared Goff’s steady quarterback play; he orchestrated five scoring drives that placed Detroit in firm control heading into the fourth quarter.
Late-Game Collapse
All seemed well for Detroit until Chicago’s offense ignited in the fourth quarter. The Bears, already confirmed as NFC North champions, mounted a furious comeback that erased the Lions’ lead. Momentum appeared to swing in Chicago’s favor as they revitalized their passing game and found success on the ground.
Goff’s Steady Hand
Despite the Bears’ rally, Jared Goff showed composure under pressure. His calculated passing and timely decisions kept Detroit moving forward just enough to set up one final opportunity. That chance emerged on the game’s last drive, where Goff positioned his team for Bates’ dramatic kick.
Sealing the Upset
Bates’ 42-yard field goal not only halted the Bears’ comeback but also served as a testament to the Lions’ resilience. For the Chicago Bears, the loss offered little immediate consequence in the standings, but for Detroit, the win was a hard-fought statement of tenacity and poise in the face of mounting pressure. The final 19-16 result stands as evidence of the Lions’ ability to rally when it mattered most.
