The Detroit Lions didn’t hold back on Sunday, dropping 52 points on the Chicago Bears in a commanding 52-21 victory. The offensive explosion came close to matching the franchise’s all-time single-game scoring record, while setting a new mark with an average of 8.8 yards per play.
Still, one late-game decision stirred some debate. With less than eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and already leading 45-21, Detroit faced a fourth-and-goal at Chicago’s 4-yard line. A field goal would’ve stretched the margin to 27 points, essentially sealing the game. Instead, Dan Campbell’s offense stayed aggressive, and Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for their third touchdown hookup of the afternoon.
The move raised questions: Was this a subtle message directed at Bears head coach Ben Johnson, Detroit’s former offensive coordinator? Or was it simply the Lions flexing their offensive firepower to remind the league they’re still one of the most dangerous units around?
If Johnson felt disrespected, he didn’t show it after the game. He downplayed the notion entirely.
“What’s he supposed to do there? It’s fourth-and-goal,” Johnson explained. “Sure, he could’ve gone for the field goal, but that’s not how they play. They go for it in that spot. He did what he always does.”
That’s about the end of it. With Johnson brushing it off, there’s no controversy to dwell on. Chicago just happened to be the latest victim of Detroit’s high-powered attack, joining teams like the Titans and Jaguars who endured the same fate last season. And chances are, the Bears won’t be the last.
