The Detroit Lions were seeking to sweep the season series against the Chicago Bears and continue their undefeated season on the road.

Prior to Week 16, Detroit had tremendous success (6-0) playing away from Ford Field.

After a disappointing loss to the Bills and a gloomy week talking about all the mounting injuries, playing a last-place team was just what Dan Campbell’s squad needed.

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp expressed this week that coaches relish opportunities to coach players who many feel can’t help a football team.

“It (the rash of injuries) definitely impacts us. The way I feel about it personally is it’s an opportunity to become a good football coach. I think that’s the art of coaching,” said Fipp. “It’s not when you have all the players you want and you can go out there and call anything and it all works, everything looks good. With this group, how can we make the most of it? And, I think the best coaches in this league, whether they’re offense, defense, special teams, they end up making the most out of the group they have. So, ultimately for me, it’s a challenge or an opportunity that you embrace.”

After 60 minutes of action at Soldier Field, the Lions got back on track and secured their 13th victory of the 2024 season — a franchise record for wins.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ 34-17 victory, which kept the team undefeated in division play:

 

Defense answers the bell early

After winning the opening coin toss, Detroit’s defense, which has faced increased skepticism after dealing with a rash of injuries the past two months, answered the bell.

Detroit elected to defer and started the game on defense.

Chicago was unable to move the football on its first offensive drive, going three-and-out.

Detroit’s defense, which has not forced many turnovers the past month of the season, got back to its opportunistic ways against the last-place Bears.

Aaron Glenn’s squad forced two turnovers on the Bears’ next two possessions. Detroit was able to recover two fumbles, setting up the offense with decent field position.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was credited with a fumble on a botched exchange that took place on the Bears’ second drive, which Detroit’s Josh Paschal was able to recover.

Wideout Rome Odunze had the ball knocked loose by Amik Robertson and recovered by Jack Campbell on Chicago’s ensuing drive.

Lions capitalize on Bears’ mistakes in first half

Detroit took advantage of the Bears’ defense to get out to an early lead that it never relinquished.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who is now tasked with handling the bulk of the carries for Detroit, secured his 15th touchdown of the season when he scored in the first quarter. Gibbs capped off Detroit’s second drive with a 1-yard touchdown scamper.

After taking a 3-0 lead, Detroit was able to get into rhythm, and moved the football down the field easily.

Two Jake Bates field goals, one from 30 yards and another from 34, assisted Detroit in getting out to a 13-0 first-quarter lead.

Jared Goff has career-long completion to Jameson Williams

Detroit was counting on its offense to take advantage of a Bears defense that gave up 30 points last week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Leading 13-0 early in the second quarter, Goff unloaded a bomb to Jameson Williams that electrified the coaching staff.

The 82-yard reception was the longest grab of Williams’ career, plus the longest completion for the veteran signal-caller.

Williams was flagged early in the game for taunting, which forced Campbell to pull him aside to have words with him, presumably about not falling for traps from Tyrique Stevenson.

The speedy wideout has produced four touchdown receptions of 50 or more yards this year, joining Calvin Johnson (2011) and Cloyce Box (1950) as the only players in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

Jahmyr Gibbs shines with increased role

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was tasked with taking on a bigger role in the offense after the injury to David Montgomery. With Montgomery expected to be out until the postseason, the Lions are going to rely on Gibbs to do even more in the offense.

Campbell said Gibbs would have his workload managed, but the second-year running back had 20 touches in the first half. He ran the ball 17 times for 79 yards in the first half alone, and scored his team’s first touchdown on a 1-yard scamper.

Gibbs added three catches for 40 yards in the first half.

Terrion Arnold tries to jump route, torched by Keenan Allen

After the Lions built a comfortable lead, the Bears did not simply go away quietly. Instead, they made a late charge to keep themselves in the game heading into the locker room.

Lions rookie Terrion Arnold was beaten for a score late in the second quarter, as he tried to jump a route by Keenan Allen that resulted in the veteran wideout beating him for a touchdown. Arnold’s misstep, paired with a bad angle by Ifeatu Melifonwu, made it 27-14 Lions.

Detroit had an opportunity to add points late in the first half, driving the ball into field-goal range for Jake Bates. However, Hogan Hatten committed a false start to force Jake Bates into a 65-yard field-goal attempt. Though Bates’ kick had the leg, he missed it wide right, sending Detroit into the break with a 27-14 lead.

Photo gallery from the Lions’ 34-17 road win over the Bears

Lions run classic fake stumble play

The Lions have become known for running a variety of trick plays.

In Week 16, though, Ben Johnson may have dialed up his best trick play of the season yet.

Detroit started the second half with the football, and extended its lead to 34-14.

The latest trick play featured a fake stumble by Goff, along with a drop-and-roll by Gibbs that stifled the Bears. As a result, tight end Sam LaPorta was able to find himself open to secure a 21-yard touchdown reception.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

Former Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph was placed in police custody on Saturday and has been released.

A Dearborn Heights police department spokesperson confirmed to Lions OnSI that Joseph was placed in police custody Saturday morning and that he has since been released.

The spokesperson could not confirm the reason for Joseph being taken into custody. Per the Detroit Free Press, Joseph was pulled over for speeding and arrested for suspicion of operating under the influence. He was reportedly compliant during the process.

Joseph was waived from the active roster on Saturday.

A Lions team spokesperson did not provide a statement when reached for comment, citing that Joseph is no longer on the team.

The Lions also elevated safety Loren Strickland to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Strickland could fill Joseph’s roles on special teams in the immediate future.

The second-year safety made the active roster out of training camp and had appeared in all 14 games of the season. He was primarily a special teams player for Detroit, but had logged defensive snaps at points this year due to injuries in the secondary.

Joseph made his first NFL start in Week 4 when Brian Branch was out. He originally joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023, and spent his rookie year on the practice squad while appearing in two games as an elevation.

Joseph was one of two players waived amidst a flurry of roster moves Saturday, along with wide receiver Maurice Alexander.

Lions waive two players, activate Ifeatu Melifonwu, sign three players

Detroit returned Ifeatu Melifonwu to the active roster off of injured reserve and signed wide receiver Tom Kennedy, outside linebacker Mitchell Agude and defensive lineman Chris Smith to the active roster off the practice squad.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

Detroit Lions season-ticket members have opportunities to decide what additional benefit they can earn from supporting one of the best teams in the NFL.

Fahad Yousif decided to take advantage of the opportunity to be on the field pregame and be part of the National Anthem.

Prior to Lions games at Ford Field, fans assist in rolling out and holding the American flag during the singing of the Anthem.

Against the Packers, Yousif went viral online for jawing with Packers players and head coach Matt LaFleur.

“We’re about 5, 10 yards away from the sideline just kind of looking at all the players, definitely letting them know you’re going down, you’re done, it’s over,” Yousif said, via WXYZ. “I let them know we’re gonna beat you two times, once home, once here and (LaFleur) didn’t like that. Once I did the throat slash, he absolutely lost it, which I understand. I mean, I got caught up in the moment, and the fans, and the adrenaline and stuff, but it was madness.”

The Packers coach expressed a desire for officials to remove Yousif from the field, as he was making a throat slash gesture towards him.

After the video was captured and spread online, Lions security made the decision to eject Yousif at halftime.

“I love the Lions. The moment, I got caught up in it. I do feel a little bit like maybe I may have embarrassed some fans and the organization,” said Yousif. “But that is not my intentions at all. I absolutely love the team. I’m sad it worked out this way, but I’m glad we got that win.”

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

Veteran defensive back Jamal Adams was encouraged by his family to quickly get in contact with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

After being released by the Tennessee Titans in October, the 29-year-old was hoping for another opportunity to join a team that had an opportunity to have playoff success.

Adams has fond memories of Detroit’s defensive coordinator from participating in a Pro Day workout that was being run by Glenn, the Saints defensive back’s coach, prior to being selected sixth-overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

With all the injuries the Lions have been dealt with this season, Glenn decided it was time to get in contacted with the former three-time Pro-Bowler.

Adams made his first appearance at Lions practice Monday, wearing No. 25. He was observed participating in positional drills with the linebackers during the portion of practice open to the media, which is an intriguing development.

“I mean, there’s no better opportunity, man,” said Adams. “Obviously, just being home in Dallas and just continuing to train. When A.G. called, it was a no-brainer for me.”

When asked what his perspective from afar was of the Lions, Adams noted, “We’ve been kicking everybody’s a–. So, I’m fortunate enough, again, just to be on a team that’s rolling like this. Whatever I can do to help, that’s what I’m here for.”

A former All-Pro safety, Adams does possess the physicality to slide down into the front seven and compete at the linebacker position. His versatility will be an asset for the Lions, who are currently navigating a number of injuries to their defense.

“It was definitely something I thought about, you know. If I can get an opportunity with a team that’s obviously winning and a first class organization,” Adams noted. “Obviously when the call came, it was like a dream come true.”

Dan Campbell indicated that Monday’s practice, which was designed to be full speed in the mold of what a Thursday practice would be on a traditional week, would say a lot about whether Adams would be elevated from the practice squad for the Packers game.

“Yeah, there again, we brought in he and Kwon Alexander, Myles Adams and Jonah Williams,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket. “So we’ve got some guys that we’re gonna get a look at and see, with what we have on this roster, who we can use, how we can use them, what gives us the best chance. There may be a place, there may be a place here for Jamal and today’s gonna tell a lot. This will be our full speed today, we’re gonna get really good movement. So we’ll have a whole better feel by this afternoon, five, six-o’clock tonight.”

Adams first impression of Detroit’s popular head coach was similar to what many new players who join the Lions’ roster express.

“He’s fired up. He’s very energetic,” said Adams. “That’s a coach that you will run through the wall for. It’s no secret to why Detroit is very good. So again, I’m just very excited to be here.”

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions are facing a Chicago Bears team that are coming off of another tough loss.

Despite tying the game late, the Bears went on to lose to the Vikings in overtime, 30-27, dropping their fifth consecutive game and dipping their record to 4-7.

For Dan Campbell’s squad, three key contributors may not be available, especially with the upcoming game occurring just four days after a 24-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts.

Detroit’s fourth-year head coach expressed, “It’s going to come down to the wire with a number of them. That’s the challenge with the short week. The good news is, I think most of these are not some long-term thing, but the problem is three days to turn around and play. That’s where it becomes a bit of an issue. So, if we can’t, we’re prepare like we always are. Next man up. You got to hold the line, do your job and go compete.”

When asked specifically about which three players are the toughest to decide upon, Campbell noted three key players who have helped the team win nine consecutive games may not suit up.

“Right now, I mean, Decker, CD (Carlton Davis), Leaf (Kalif Raymond). Saint’s (Amon-Ra St. Brown) a little banged up. We’ll see how he recovers.”

 

Message during short week of preparation

For the Lions, the message this week is about healing up and preparing mentally for another NFC North matchup.

Detroit has not won on Thanksgiving since back in 2016. Quarterback Jared Goff expressed postgame the seven-game losing streak is one the current team would like to end.

“Message is really recovery. Rest, recovery and the mental work,” said Campbell. “It’s how fast can you recover, get your body right, get your mind focused on the job at hand, because you’re not going to get the physical. Block out all the distractions. That’s one thing, the distractions are on us, not on them. We got all our family here, friends, all that. You got to block it out, tell them you love them, and you’ll see them him after the game.

“That’s kind of the challenge with all this,” Campbell continued. “This team’s been in, they’ve lost a couple of heartbreakers in the last two weeks. But they’ve been in a bunch of these tight races, and they just keep coming back for more. So they’re hungry for a win. We got our hands full.”

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions are at the point in their 2024 season where health and recovery are of the utmost importance.

Detroit is currently in the midst of a stretch in its schedule where it will play three NFL games in a span of 11 days.

“That’s where we’re at. Everything that you do that’s in front of you, how well can you recover? How much study can you put into this? Hydration, how well can you sleep at night? Just the discipline of everything,” Dan Campbell told the Lions flagship radio station prior to the team’s Week 12 game against the Colts. “All of that goes a long way. We’re in the time of year where you’re trying to alleviate stress off your guys as much as possible, so that they can go be at peak performance on Sundays.”

Detroit entered its contest against the Colts seeking to earn its ninth consecutive win, in front of many supporters who made the relatively short trip to Lucas Oil Stadium.

After 60 minutes of action, the Lions were able to defeat the Colts, 24-6, improving their record to 10-1. Unfortunately, injuries piled up for Detroit’s roster throughout the course of the hard-fought contest.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ Week 12 victory and ninth consecutive win.

Difficulty with Richardson’s athleticism early

Indianapolis won the opening coin toss, and elected to start the game on offense.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was benched earlier this season in favor of Joe Flacco, was able to use his athleticism and ability to scramble to aid the Colts’ offense. The physical signal-caller called his own number on a couple of occasions ealry in the game.

On the opening drive, the young quarterback rushed for 35 yards on three carries. The Colts’ six-minute drive stalled out near the end zone, as Matt Gay connected on a 27-yard field goal to give his team an early 3-0 lead.

Detroit’s defense had given up points on its opponent’s opening drive in eight of its previous 10 games.

Jahmyr Gibbs sparks offense

Detroit’s talented running back was an integral part of the team’s first touchdown drive.

Jared Goff faced pressure from the Colts’ defensive line on the Lions’ opening possession, taking the team out of field-goal range.

On Detroit’s opening possession, David Montgomery saw the bulk of the carries.

Gibbs was the back tasked with shouldering the load on Detroit’s second drive. The former first-round pick secured 23 yards on the ground, and capped off a nine-play, 60-yard drive with a 1-yard scamper. It gave Detroit the 7-3 lead, early in the second quarter.

With his touchdown, Gibbs became the third player in franchise history to score 10 or more touchdowns from scrimmage in their first two seasons. He joined a pair of franchise greats in Barry Sanders and Billy Sims as players to achieve that feat.

The former first round pick was able to secure another touchdown rush in the third quarter that extended Detroit’s lead to 21-6.

David Montgomery added a score to put the Lions in front, 14-6, which was his 11th touchdown of the season.

Vildor starts in place of Arnold

After suffering a groin injury earlier in the week, rookie starting cornerback Terrion Arnold was ruled out and replaced in the lineup by Kindle Vildor. Indianapolis quickly began targeting the backup corner with deep passes, and he avoided an early mistake when Anthony Richardson overthrew Alec Pierce.

However, Vildor would later be beaten a pair of times on Indianapolis’ second scoring drive. First, he was beaten on an out-route by Adonai Mitchell. Then, he was beaten on a long pass from Richardson to Pierce.

Fortunately for the Lions, the Colts’ drive stalled out, in part thanks to a drop in the end zone by tight end Drew Ogletree. Two early trips to the red zone for the Colts both ended in field goals, a testament to the Lions’ bend-but-don’t-break style.

Lions’ offense effective on third down

Detroit’s offense was able to march down the field on its opening possession of the second half.

Part of the reason for the success on offense was the Lions’ execution on third down.

Goff was able to lead the offense on a 54-yard drive, all the way down to the Colts’ 14-yard line, to start the third quarter. On third down, the offense was able to start five-of-eight.

Campbell faced a decision on 4th-and-1, and decided to remain aggressive. Unfortunately, the Colts’ defense was able to quickly penetrate into Detroit’s backfield, stuffing Montgomery short and preventing the Lions from extending their 14-6 lead.

Photo gallery from the Lions’ 24-6 road win over the Colts

Injuries pile up

The Lions’ first scoring drive of the second half was a fateful one. On the punt return, Kalif Raymond was injured. Offensive tackle Taylor Decker left just plays later, after getting rolled up on during a sack of Jared Goff. Both players were ruled questionable to return.

After that, Montgomery would also exit the game. Following Gibbs’ second score of the game, Montgomery was taken to the locker room, while Decker was being evaluated on the training table. Montgomery was ruled questionable to return with a shoulder injury.

Decker returned to action on the following drive, while Raymond was eventually ruled out.

Then, in the fourth quarter, cornerback Carlton Davis suffered what appeared to be a left knee injury. He proceeded to limp off the field.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The Detroit Lions have been able play complementary football the past several weeks.

Heading on the road, it was paramount for Dan Campbell’s squad to be on its game, as there has been increased chatter this week about the team’s potential to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

“It goes down to that every week. First of all, don’t beat yourself,” Campbell told Fox 2 Gameday Live. “Make that opponent earn everything they get. And then, your best foot forward. How do we get a little bit better and improve against an opponent who really plays the game a lot like we do? So, this is gonna be an excellent battle.”

Lions fans again traveled well to Houston to observe one of the top teams in the NFC. With several players and coaches having ties to the area, playing well and executing were even more paramount.

Detroit did not play its best brand of football, as turnovers mounted and Houston took advantage early of a defense that did not have its new defensive end, Za’Darius Smith, in the lineup.

After 60 minutes of action, the Lions battled and left NRG Stadium with their eighth victory of the season, extending their winning streak to seven games.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ 26-23 victory against the Texans:

 

Texans in passing lanes early, force interception

After winning the opening coin toss, Detroit elected to receive the football to start the game.

Jared Goff, who has been efficient and playing his best football over the course of several weeks, was picked off by safety Jimmie Ward on a pass intended for running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Safety Jalen Pitre was able to deflect the pass that resulted in the early turnover.

It was Goff’s first interception since September, giving the Texans prime field position.

After starting on the Lions’ 33-yard line, C.J. Stroud led the Texans on an eight-play drive that culminated in a Joe Mixon 8-yard touchdown rush. It gave his team an early 7-0 lead.

The Texans forced another interception in the second quarter, when pressure impacted Goff’s ability to release the football quickly. Goff’s pass intended for LaPorta was picked off by linebacker Henry To’oTo’o.

First quarter does not go Lions way

It was an uncharacteristically rough start for Campbell’s squad in the first quarter.

After going three-and-out on its second offensive possession, punter Jack Fox did not deliver one of his better punts, only netting 40 yards.

The Texans were able to gash Aaron Glenn’s defense on their second offensive possession. Without Za’Darius Smith, Stroud was able to evade pressure, and find Mixon for a 36-yard gain.

An offensive holding penalty derailed the Texans’ drive, as they took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.

Jameson Williams sparks offense

Returning from a two-game suspension, the speedy wideout helped to spark Detroit’s offense.

Early in the game, Houston’s defense was swarming to the football and making life difficulty for Goff and Co. An early deep try in the first quarter to Williams fell incomplete.

However, Williams was able to make his presence felt on the following series with a pair of long third-down connections with Goff. The first came on a bobble that he held onto for 23 yards on third-and-16, with the second being a 13-yard gain on third-and-6.

The veteran quarterback was able to lead Detroit on a 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown toss to tight end Sam LaPorta.

Run game struggles in first half

The Lions’ offense struggled for much of the first half to find a rhythm. For a team that prides itself on being able to run the ball effectively, their normally potent run game was nowhere to be found.

Jahmyr Gibbs managed just 15 yards on six carries, while David Montgomery had four carries for six yards. As a result, the Lions were made one-dimensional. With the Texans getting pressure against the Lions’ offensive line, many of Goff’s passes were hurried or off-target.

The Lions were without Taylor Decker, and his absence was felt as the likes of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry were able to put heat on Goff throughout the game.

While the Lions’ defense managed to hold the Texans to field goals on three consecutive possessions, the offense failed to generate momentum and went three-and-out on back-to-back drives. The defense cracked on Houston’s final drive of the half as Stroud hit John Metchie for a touchdown to put Houston up 23-7 going into the break.

Jake Bates makes 52-yarder at buzzer, Lions overcome Jared Goff’s 5 INTs to rally past Texans 26-23

Chance for momentum thwarted by another Goff interception

Goff had his most turnovers of the 2024 season against DeMeco Ryan's defense.

In a moment that will be remembered fondly, since most interviews conducted by coaches at halftime and at the start of the third-quarter are filled with cliches, Campbell's message of needing turnovers was timed perfectly, as cornerback Carlton Davis opened the third quarter intercepting Stroud when the interviewed aired.

Unfortunately, Detroit's offense could not capitalize, as Goff threw his fourth interception of the ballgame and the second to cornerback Kamari Lassiter.

After a touchdown on their following possession, Goff was picked off for the fifth time on a deep pass intended for Jameson Williams.

The veteran cornerback was able to intercept Stroud again in the third quarter, which were the first two interceptions by Lions cornerbacks this season.

Photo gallery from the Lions’ come-from-behind, 26-23 win over Houston on Sunday Night Football

LaPorta sets up score

Tight end Sam LaPorta has had a quiet first half of the season, but found his groove against the Texans.

He scored the team's first touchdown on a well-schemed play-action pass, then helped set up the team's third-quarter touchdown with a 37-yard catch. His score came at a big point in the game, as he cut the Texans' lead to 10-7.

However, LaPorta suffered a shoulder injury on the third-quarter catch, and was ruled questionable to return.

Detroit's offense was able to scratch and claw its way back to tie the game at 23 in the fourth quarter. Jake Bates was able to connect on a 58-yard field goal to tie the game, giving Detroit's defense a chance to force a stop.

Stroud was unable to lead his team on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, as kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn missed a 58-yard field goal.

Detroit capitalized on the field position, and moved the football in position to set up Bates for the 52-yard, game-winning kick.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

The debut of new Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith is likely on hold.

After joining his new squad Friday, the team has reportedly decided not to play the veteran against the Houston Texans.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “Lions new pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was acquired in a trade on Tuesday, is not expected to play for Detroit tonight, I’m told. Not quite ready.”

The 32-year-old was set to be on his bye week, but ended up in Motown at the trade deadline.

This week, Smith took a couple of days to visit property in Florida to assess damage from the hurricane and to get things in order. He expressed gratitude to reporters that the organization allowed him some time off.

During his initial media session with reporters, Smith did express a desire to suit up on Sunday Night Football.

Next week, Detroit plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.

 

Wearing No. 99 in Detroit

In order to wear No. 99 in Detroit, Smith had to cough up some money to Brodric Martin.

“They was like, ‘Man, you got three options.’ You can get any number in the 70s, any numbers in the 80s, and I think it was 60s,” said Smith. “And I was like, ‘No way.’ I was like, ‘Who have No. 99?’ And they told me who it was.

“And, we looked his number up and called him real quick,. Thankful to him, a guy from Alabama, man – Tuscaloosa — had a chance to talk to him for a little while, and I had to pay up a little bit. But, all is well. I got No. 99 now.”

While Smith did not give up the exact value, he indicated it was a number that ended with three zeroes.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions