6 Takeaways from Lions' 31-30 Win over Bears

The Detroit Lions advance to 3-6 on the 2022 NFL season.

All week, the emphasis for the Detroit Lions' defense was stopping the run and limiting the impact of quarterback Justin Fields. 

Despite attempts at preparing for a player of Fields' caliber, it proved to be much more difficult to execute on the road at Soldier Field. 

Both the Bears and Lions used long drives in the first half to control the clock, but it was Fields who electrified the crowd and the viewing audience with his elusiveness. 

Prior to the hard-fought divisional matchup, the Lions' record in one-score games was 3-10-1 the last two seasons. 

Despite struggling in the third quarter, Detroit was able to rebound in the fourth quarter to earn a victory on the road against the Bears.  

The win was Dan Campbell's first road victory as head coach of the Lions. 

With the win against its NFC North rivals, Detroit advances to 3-6 on the season. 

The team will go out on the road again next week to face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. 

Here are six takeaways from the Lions' 31-30 win over the Bears. 

Jeff Okudah earns first career pick-six interception

Trailing, 24-17, after D'Andre Swift brought the team within a score, Justin Fields threw an errant pass that was intercepted by Jeff Okudah. 

It was Okudah's first time ever returning an interception back for a touchdown, and it was his second career pick. 

For Detroit's defense, it was the first pick-six since 2018, and its first one in Chicago since safety Ray Oldham accomplished the feat back in 1982.

Pick 6
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Justin Fields is a wizard

Unfortunately, as early as the first offensive play of the Lions' Week 10 game at Soldier Field, Detroit's defense did not answer the bell. 

Julian Okwara lost contain on the Bears' first play, which allowed Fields to rush for a gain of 27 yards. 

The Bears were able to rush for 70 yards on their opening drive, as Fields engineered an eight-play, 60-yard drive that was capped off by a 33-yard field goal. 

Fields himself had 47 total yards rushing in the first series, and finished the half with 69 yards on the ground. 

His touchdown scamper showcased why many NFL teams are seeking mobile quarterbacks. He eluded Isaiah Buggs and Aidan Hutchinson on his way to the end zone, to tie the game at 10. 

The second-year quarterback marched his team right down the field on the Bears' first possession of the second half, giving Chicago a 17-10 lead.  

After a costly interception, Fields rebounded quickly with a 67-yard touchdown scamper, which gave the Bears a 30-24 lead. 

Why Goff time is ticking in Motown………. pic.twitter.com/X5cs4Z9eLH

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) November 13, 2022

Wow pic.twitter.com/MZgNudah7Y

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) November 13, 2022

Amon-Ra St. Brown proves why he is top offensive weapon

Heading into the game, the Lions struggled significantly to extend drives on third down. 

A concerted effort was certainly made by Detroit's offense to involve its best offensive weapon early in the game. St. Brown was able to extend drives with early receptions, and by earning yards after the catch.  

With the Bears' defense more than willing to play in soft coverage against Detroit's wideouts, St. Brown certainly took advantage. 

By the midway point of the second quarter, Detroit's second-year wideout had secured six receptions for 86 yards. 

Jared Goff relying on tight ends, running backs in red zone

Detroit decided to take the early field goal when it marched into Bears territory on its first offensive drive of the game.

After the Bears tied it up, Goff marched the offense down the field, and again the Lions were faced with a fourth-down decision.

This time, Campbell left the offense on the field to attempt to secure a touchdown. 

A quality play call resulted in tight end Brock Wright producing his first touchdown of the season. 

Since Week 9 against the Packers, Goff has thrown three consecutive touchdowns to tight ends, following the trade of T.J. Hockenson.

Both D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams scored second-half touchdowns to aid the offense. 

Late in the fourth quarter and while trailing, 30-24, Goff led the team on an eight-play, 91-yard drive that was capped off by a Williams touchdown. 

Goff found Tom Kennedy for a 44-yard gain that put the Lions in position to take the lead late. 

Wright call on 4th down❗️#DETvsCHI | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/p1lVN3vswB

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 13, 2022

Lions cannot match Bears' intensity in third quarter

For the past several weeks, Detroit has simply been unable to match the intensity of their opponents following the halftime break. 

In a tied ballgame, Detroit's offense had two third-quarter possessions, but could not mount anything. Both drives resulted in punts. 

The Bears were able to take advantage of the break, and scored two touchdowns to enter the fourth quarter with a 24-10 lead. 

Tight end Cole Kmet proved to be too much of a challenge for Detroit's underwhelming defense, as he was on the receiving end of two touchdowns in the third quarter. 

Fields was able to find Kmet streaking wide open for a 50-yard touchdown, which extended the Bears' lead to two touchdowns. 

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Lions lose veteran defensive back at Soldier Field

Unfortunately, the injury woes continued for the Lions. 

Veteran safety DeShon Elliott did not participate in the second half, after he was placed in concussion protocol. 

In the first half, two defensive linemen went to the locker room: Josh Paschal and Julian Okwara. 

Luckily, both were able to return to action. 

After a penalty negated a Bears interception, wideout Trinity Benson was helped off the field to the locker room. He was pushed down to the ground by cornerback Jaylon Johnson.