Lions Rout Bears 52-21 in NFC North Clash

The Detroit Lions decisively defeated the Chicago Bears 52-21 in a divisional game marked by heightened emotions due to former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now coaching the Bears. Lions defensive back Brian Branch described the game as "personal," citing feelings of betrayal after Johnson left Detroit for a rival team. Jared Goff led the Lions with 334 passing yards and five touchdowns, including three to Amon-Ra St. Brown, as Detroit bounced back from a season-opening loss. The Lions' defense played a key role by forcing turnovers and taunting Johnson with a reenactment of his own "stumblebum" play, which they had used against Chicago the previous season. The Bears struggled with multiple turnovers, penalties, and injuries, while Detroit's offense efficiently converted scoring opportunities, including a decisive fourth-and-goal touchdown pass just before halftime. This victory improved the Lions' record to 1-1 and underscored their dominance in the NFC North over the Bears, who fell to 0-2.