The Detroit Lions got back on the winning trail last Sunday with a 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears. It was Detroit’s 13th win of the season, a new franchise record, and a big nerve-settling win following the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Here are three key takeaways from this game.
Jared Goff Ticked Another Box
Before this game, Jared Goff’s record at Soldier Field read like this: 55% pass completion rate, six touchdowns to nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 64.9. Soldier Field has often tortured Goff, but the 30-year-old delivered a serene performance on Sunday.
The headline numbers were 23 completed passes, three touchdowns, and a passer rating of 137. The headline plays were an 82-yard bomb to Jameson Williams and the ‘stumblebum‘ touchdown to Sam LaPorta.
“Jared Goff can’t play in the cold”
pic.twitter.com/CD0sVZNuLp— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 22, 2024
Moreover, the veteran was once again excellent in the play-action game. Goff completed 14 of 16 on his play-action pass attempts for 243 yards per Next Gen Stats. It was the best play-action performance from any quarterback this season.
However, it was not just the big things that made Goff’s performance noteworthy. The Californian demonstrated the subtle skills that have helped him become an on-field general. Goff superbly used his cadence on a fourth-and-one to get Chicago’s defenders to jump and earn a free first down.
Later in the game, Goff pump-faked a Bears defender out of his shoes on the primary read before firing the ball down to Williams, who was open and used his speed to create a chunk play.
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner views these plays as positive because of the quarterback’s smart decision-making, accuracy, and game understanding.
Those two plays encapsulated how much rhythm and confidence Goff played with. It was a pro’s performance. Goff will never dazzle anyone with his athleticism, but he played one step ahead of the defense on Sunday.
Christian Mahogany Rose to the Challenge
Rookie Christian Mahogany started at left guard on Sunday, and the rookie stepped up to the challenge with aplomb. Graham Glasgow’s injury provided Mahogany with the opportunity, and the rookie impressed.
Christian Mahogany’s rookie debut was impressive. He was flying off of the ball, getting into his fits, intersecting targets on the move, seeing things well and clearing the pocket when uncovered pic.twitter.com/R8Y3lN1bR3
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 23, 2024
Per Pro Football Focus, Mahogany earned an 82.5 pass-block grade, allowing one pressure and no hurries on 33 pass-blocking reps.
Mahogany demonstrated versatility with his gap and duo blocks and additionally displayed great athleticism when climbing levels to find blocks. Amon Ra-St. Brown’s touchdown perfectly captured Mahogany’s ferocity and hunger for work.
Head coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that veteran Glasgow will return to the lineup if fit; Mahogany made a big impression on Sunday.
Jameson Williams’ Big Day
Jameson Williams’ game started poorly as he got caught taunting Tyrique Stevenson. The duo clashed on Thanksgiving at Ford Field, and it felt like another frustrating afternoon was on the cards for the Alabama speedster.
But Dan Campbell corralled his player and gave him a big talking-to on the sideline. Williams returned with a vengeance. The St. Louis native hauled five catches on seven targets for 143 yards and one touchdown.
Dan Campbell talks with Jameson Williams on the sidelines after his taunting penalty
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/JNNBwICXDz
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2024
Williams’ entire repertoire was on show against Chicago. The Detroit Lions used him at each level, finding matchups and getting him space to run into. It was an explosive performance for the ultra-talented wide receiver.
Jameson Williams generating 150 yards on six touches vs the Bears. The Lions just continue to evolve his use
His ability to catch in traffic, route running, & movement in space have drastically improved. Not just a vertical threat pic.twitter.com/NEXKuLEzTy
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) December 22, 2024
And his superstar wide receiver teammate was full of praise for Williams after the game:
“He’s just getting better as a whole, person, and player, and it’s showing on the field. I know he’s excited; we’re excited for him. But I told him, ‘You gotta get 1,000 before the season’s over,’ so we’re gonna make sure we get that.”
Williams is 110 yards short of the 1,000-yard barrier. His infectious enthusiasm and childlike demeanour have helped him become a fan favorite among Lions fans.
What Next for the Detroit Lions?
The Detroit Lions travel to Santa Clara for a Monday Night Football clash with the San Francisco 49ers.