CHICAGO -- A few thoughts on the Detroit Lions’ 20-14 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
What it means: The Lions are in the playoffs, but right now they don’t look like a team that might have a long stay. The Lions again struggled on offense and special teams, but they won their 11th game of the season -- tying the second-best total in franchise history.
There has to be concern with the way Detroit is winning games right now. Against teams in the bottom half of the league such as Minnesota and Chicago, the Lions can get away with not playing well and winning. They won’t be able to do that from now on -- a matchup with Green Bay looms next Sunday, followed by playoff opponents.
Stock watch: Rising -- Calvin Johnson. He gained more than 100 yards in a game for the 44th time in his career, eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season for the fifth straight season and continued to make big plays in the second half of the season for Detroit. He had six catches for 103 yards against the Bears.
Rising -- Glover Quin. The safety effectively ended the game Sunday with an interception. His seventh pick of the year leads the NFL, and he has an interception in his last four games. He has been playing well enough in the second half of the season that he should be considered for the Pro Bowl.
Falling -- Jeremy Ross. The Detroit punt returner hasn’t broken through on much this season and he had a disastrous first half, muffing a punt inside the Detroit 20. It was recovered by the Bears and set up Chicago’s first touchdown.
Dominic Raiola’s questionable play: The longtime Lions center was caught on film committing what looked like an extremely dirty play, stepping on Chicago defensive lineman Ego Ferguson’s ankle in the third quarter. Ferguson had to be helped off the field after the play. This isn’t the first time Raiola has done something questionable this season, as he was fined for his antics on the final drive of the game against New England last month.
Game ball: Joique Bell was held out in the first quarter, but when he returned Sunday, he again gave Detroit a potent running game. Yes, he got help from Reggie Bush for the majority of the game against the Bears, but Bell’s juking, spinning 17-yard game-winning touchdown run gave the Lions yet another fourth-quarter comeback victory. Bell had 13 carries for 74 yards.
What’s next: The Lions go to Green Bay for next Sunday's regular-season finale with the NFC North title on the line.
