Lions Beat Former OC Ben Johnson in Chicago, Finish 9–8 and Miss Playoffs
Nice win. Tough environment. Division rival. Season finale.
And none of it really mattered.
The Detroit Lions closed their season with a 19–16 road win over the Chicago Bears, finishing 9–8 — a respectable record that still left them watching the playoffs from home. You can appreciate the effort, tip your cap to the professionalism, and still walk away feeling empty. This game summed up the season perfectly: solid football, flashes of control, familiar flaws — and a reminder that almost doesn’t count in the NFL.
But let’s be honest — from my perspective, the only real reason to tune in was to see if the Lions could beat their former coach again. Like a lot of Lions fans, there was some real enjoyment in watching the camera cut to Ben Johnson on the sideline, knowing how badly he wanted this one. I don’t think anyone in Detroit was rooting for him Sunday. This isn’t a Matthew Stafford situation, where he was traded away while the Lions were still rebuilding, allowing fans to root for him from afar.
This was different. Johnson left at the height of the Lions’ ascent — right as Detroit was becoming a yearly Super Bowl discussion — and he left for a division rival. That doesn’t earn nostalgia points in this town. There’s no warmth there, no “good for him” sentiment. It was satisfying to see Detroit beat him again. And yet, that’s the part that stings — even after losing twice to the Lions, Johnson still gets the last laugh, heading to the playoffs while Detroit packs up its lockers.
The Game Itself — Control Without Comfort
Statistically, Detroit dominated this game.
More yards. More first downs. More time of possession. Better efficiency across the board. It was honestly surprising the Bears were even hanging around late.
But football doesn’t reward stat sheets — it rewards finishing.
Chicago stayed alive because of one man: tight end Colston Loveland. The former Michigan Wolverine was unstoppable, repeatedly finding soft spots and extending drives. The Lions never truly solved him, and he almost single-handedly dragged the Bears to a late comeback.
Detroit controlled the trenches — and did so without Penei Sewell, marking the first game in five years without him. That alone was impressive. The offensive line held up, Jared Goff was comfortable, and the run game did enough to keep balance.
And yet… it still felt fragile.
Lions Built a Lead, but Let the Bears Back In
The scoring reflected the kind of game this was. Detroit built its lead methodically, opening with field goals of 34, 30, then added a second-quarter touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Jared Goff to Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions would then add a 25 yards from Jake Bates to go up 16-0.
Chicago’s offense was quiet until the fourth quarter, when the Bears struck twice — first on a touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker, then on a short score to Colston Loveland that tied the game. Bates, who earlier missed from distance, delivered when it mattered most, knocking through a 42-yard field goal as time expired to secure the win.
Goff, St. Brown, and a Defense That Showed Up
Jared Goff delivered a steady, composed performance. Nothing flashy, nothing reckless — just efficient quarterback play that gave Detroit a chance to win.
Amon-Ra St. Brown was, once again, exactly who he always is. Reliable. Tough. Unbothered. He remains the heartbeat of this offense.
Defensively, this was one of the better performances of the season. The Lions tackled well, limited explosive plays, and forced Chicago to earn everything. If this version of the defense had shown up more consistently earlier in the year, we might be telling a very different story today.
Dan Campbell — When Aggression Works… Until It Doesn’t
Dan Campbell coached a mostly solid game.
He took points when they were there — four field goals, all of which mattered. That discipline ultimately won the game.
But there was that moment.
Early in the fourth quarter, with the game tied and momentum on their side, Detroit faced a 3rd-and-1 at the Bears’ 41-yard line — a prime spot to lean into clock control and physical football. Instead, Dan Campbell got a little too cute. From the shotgun, Jared Goff handed to David Montgomery, who was supposed to throw it back to Goff on a wheel route.
Chicago didn’t bite for a second. The Bears sniffed it out immediately, resulting in a five-yard loss and forcing the Lions to punt.
Chicago marched right down the field and tied the game.
Watching Campbell on the sideline afterward, you could almost see the regret. Two runs. One yard. Drain the clock. Go up two scores. Instead, the door cracked open — again.
Detroit survived it this time. But those moments define seasons.
The Meaning — Or Lack Thereof
This win didn’t change the outcome.
The Lions missed the playoffs. Finished last in the NFC North, tied in record with Minnesota but losing the tiebreaker. Chicago didn’t even need this game — their playoff position was secured elsewhere.
So what does this win really represent?
A reminder that Detroit will be in the conversation again next year. A reminder that they can beat anyone on a given Sunday. And a reminder that winning every other week doesn’t get you where you want to go.
Some fans loved the win.
Some were furious it cost draft position.
Some didn’t watch at all.
I land squarely in the middle: too little, too late.
Bigger Picture — Changes Are Coming
This roster isn’t static.
The offensive line could look very different next season. Taylor Decker’s future is uncertain. Graham Glasgow may not be back. Injuries exposed depth issues up front and along the defensive line that must be addressed.
Unless the Lions improve the trenches — meaningfully — this team won’t take the next step. An easier schedule helps, but it doesn’t fix structural flaws.
What this game does show is that the Lions still have a window. It just isn’t as forgiving anymore.
Stat Capsule 🦁
Final Score: Lions 19, Bears 16
Record: 9–8 (Missed Playoffs)
Team Control
- Total Yards: Detroit 433 | Chicago 270
- First Downs: 26 | 16
- Time of Possession: 35:45 | 24:15
Key Performers
- Jared Goff: 27/42, 331 yards, 1 TD
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 11 catches, 139 yards
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 80 rushing yards
- Jake Bates: 4/5 FG, game-winner from 42
Notable
- First game without Penei Sewell in 5 years
- Lions went 2–0 vs Chicago this season
- Finished last in NFC North despite winning record
Final Thought
No one was celebrating in Detroit last night.
Lockers are being cleaned out today. That’s the truth that matters most.
This win didn’t erase the season’s disappointments — it simply gave the Lions something to feel slightly better about on the way out. Depending on your lens, that’s either progress… or a reminder of how far there still is to go.
A full season wrap-up is coming. There’s more to unpack.
So how should Lions fans really feel about this one — a satisfying win over a familiar face, or just another reminder of what still needs fixing? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Lion’s Den — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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