Dynamic Duo: Reader and Smith Make Impact on Pass Rush
The Detroit Lions withstood a furious second half rally from the Chicago Bears to win their 10th straight game and cement the best start in franchise history with an 11-1 record. The Lions shut the Bears out in the first half and did just enough to emerge victorious, by a final of 23-20.
Detroit’s dominant first half gave way to some struggles in the second half offensively, while the Bears found a groove led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. However, some poor clock management by Chicago at the end of the game ultimately helped the Lions escape.
STUD: DT DJ Reader
The veteran defensive tackle had his best game as a Lion Thursday, notching four tackles, a pair of sacks and three quarterback hits. He dominated at the line of scrimmage, putting plenty of pressure on Caleb Williams. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Reader had a season-high seven pressures.
Reader was part of a well-rounded defensive attack. Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alim McNeill and Za’Darius Smith were all getting after Williams throughout the afternoon. Muhammad, Reader and Smith each had takedowns of Chicago’s rookie quarterback.
Detroit was banged-up up front, as both Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike suffered injuries that ended their day. As a result, the Lions relied on their depth to pick up the slack.
DUD: WR Jameson Williams
Williams had an overall solid day on Thursday, making five catches for 28 yards. He also had an awe-inspiring hurdle on an end-around, but he was the culprit of a crucial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The wideout was run out of bounds and was on his way back into play when he appeared to exchange words with Bears’ cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. The result was Williams tossing the ball into Stevenson’s face, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty. This halted Detroit‘s momentum on a drive that would end in a missed field goal.
