Chicago Bears: 5 Major takeaways from Thanksgiving win over Lions

Defense started out slowly but got it together

The Chicago Bears found out that they’d face Blough the day before the game. The last time they played Detroit, they found out they’d face Driskel the morning of the game. That puts some pressure on the defense since they prepared for someone other than who they expected. Throw in the fact that they didn’t know much of the replacement quarterback and they were at a bit of a disadvantage.

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Just as Driskel did much better in his debut, Blough carved the Bears defense in his first NFL game, let alone start. He took advantage of his opportunity and Lions head coach Matt Patricia allowed him to let it loose. He looked comfortable in the pocket and wasn’t intimidated by the Bears’ elite defense.

The Bears defense didn’t bow out, however. This was a tale of two halves. After struggling early, they settled down and kept the Lions’ offense out of the end zone. After the two consecutive drives that ended in touchdowns, the Bears allowed just two field goals on the Lions’ next nine drives.

Khalil Mack, who had a big impact in last week’s win against the New York Giants, didn’t get any sacks or forced fumbles, but he still had an impact. On several occasions, he pressured Blough into throwing before he wanted. He was consistently in the backfield throughout the game.

Roquan Smith had probably his best game of the season. He recorded 15 tackles ( two tackles for loss) and two sacks. He committed a dumb late hit penalty on the Lions’ final drive that put the ball on the Bears’ 27-yard line but made up for it two plays later when he recorded a 13-yard sack. That set up the play in which Blough threw an interception to Eddie Jackson.

This wasn’t the dominating Chicago Bears defense we’re used to seeing but they did enough to secure the victory. It’s nice to see the offense help the defense for once.