Darius Slay intercepted Mitchell Trubisky twice, including one to end the game as the Detroit Lions (8-6) came away with a 20-10 win over the Chicago Bears (4-10) on Saturday afternoon at Ford Field.
Matthew Stafford was sharp despite heavy pressure, throwing for 237 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Lions led from start to finish, a rare complete performance this season. This was a game that the team needed to keep their playoff hopes alive and they answered in a big way.
Quandre Diggs continues his impressive transition to safety, getting one of Trubisky’s three interceptions when he picked him off in the end zone to kill a promising Bears drive. Diggs also recorded a sack.
The Lions still need help to have a chance at an NFC wild-card spot or, somehow, the NFC North divisional crown if the Vikings lose out. The Lions can only control what is in front of them and for two straight weeks, they’ve answered the bell with the season on the line.
Caldwell’s detractors will be upset that this could validate keeping the fourth-year Lions coach, but he deserves credit for getting his team ready to play on a short week. The Bears aren’t going anywhere this season but still thrashed the Bengals, 33-7, just a week ago. Check out my three stars that helped lead Detroit to victory.
3 Stars of the Game:
1. Darius Slay
Slay got two interceptions today, and now leads the league with seven total on the year. He’s been a leader in the secondary and Detroit would be lost without Slay and Glover Quin holding things down on the back end. Just another Pro-Bowl worthy performance from one of the best corners in the game.
2. Quandre Diggs
Diggs notched three tackles, a sack and an interception in the end zone. He was moved to safety as the Lions are playing Teez Tabor more at corner. So far, Diggs has made them look wise in making the move with a jump in production over the past few weeks.
3. Eric Ebron
Another week, another good performance from Eric Ebron. He pulled in the kind of athletic grab in the red zone that he was expected to make with regularity when selected 10th overall in 2014. Ebron’s been a big part of the past two Detroit victories and deserves credit for another impressive showing.
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