Eddie Jackson returned an interception 41 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with six minutes remaining, and the Chicago Bears held on for a 23-16 Thanksgiving Day victory over the host Detroit Lions.
Chicago quarterback Chase Daniel, who had not started a game since Dec. 28, 2014 when he played for Kansas City, completed 27 of 37 passes for 230 yards and two scoring passes. Daniel filled in for Mitchell Trubisky, who missed the game with a shoulder injury but is reportedly expected back in Week 13.
Tarik Cohen caught seven passes for 45 yards and a touchdown for the Bears (8-3), who won their fifth straight.
Matthew Stafford completed 28 of 38 passes for 236 yards for Detroit (4-7), but threw two critical fourth-quarter interceptions.
The Lions were missing two key offensive players, as running back Kerryon Johnson and receiver Marvin Jones sat out with knee injuries.
Stafford’s 43-yard pass to Kenny Golladay set up LeGarrette Blount’s second 4-yard touchdown run of the game, giving Detroit a 13-9 lead with 1:35 left in the third quarter. The Lions’ 2-point conversion attempt failed.
The Bears regained the lead with 13:40 remaining on Daniel’s 14-yard pass to Cohen, capping an 82-yard drive. Detroit tied it with 7:44 left on Matt Prater’s 20-yard field goal.
The Lions then forced a punt, but on the next snap, Jackson stepped in front of tight end Michael Roberts and sauntered 41 yards into the end zone to give the Bears a 23-16 advantage with six minutes left.
Stafford responded by driving the Lions 64 yards into the red zone, but he was intercepted by Kyle Fuller in the end zone with 1:07 left. Detroit still had three timeouts remaining, but Cohen’s 10-yard carry on third-and-9 let the Bears run out the clock.
Chicago led 9-7 at halftime.
Detroit created the first opportunity of the game when cornerback DeShawn Shead forced a fumble against tight end Trey Burton, and linebacker Jarrad Davis returned it 20 yards to the Chicago 40.
The Lions methodically drove for nine plays and finished off the drive on Blount’s 4-yard run with 9:03 left in the first half.
Chicago later got on the board on Cody Parkey’s 40-yard field goal.
The Bears moved ahead in the final minute of the half on Daniel’s 10-yard strike to Taquan Mizzell. Chicago tried a 2-point conversation, but Daniel’s pass was incomplete.
–Field Level Media
