Tag: chicago bears

Injuries could be issue as Lions look to snap Thanksgiving losing streak

ALLEN PARK — It’s Thanksgiving week which means the Detroit Lions are cramming six days of preparation into three. 

On Thursday they will try to snap a seven-game Thanksgiving losing streak when they face the Chicago Bears (4-7). 

“Nobody likes losing, I don’t want to lose. I don’t want to lose a game, I don’t think any of us do. But it’s more so it’s about a division opponent at home, the next one in front of us, more so than we don’t want to lose the Thanksgiving game,’’ coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. “We don’t want to lose, period.’’

At the same time, winning on Thanksgiving makes dinner a little tastier. That’s something that center Frank Ragnow longs for. He was drafted by the Lions in 2018 and has never won a Thanksgiving game.

“I’d really like to enjoy Thanksgiving. Usually in the past years it’s been like I don’t really want to talk to my family, all upset about everything. I’d really like to enjoy Thanksgiving and put on a show for the crowd,” Ragnow said.

“It’s such a special unique thing to Detroit, and need to capitalize on it and make it as special as it is,” Ragnow said. “I think we’ve all got that in the back of our mind.”

The coach said this week is about rest, recovery and mental work. The team had a walk-through on Monday with another planned on Tuesday.

Injuries could be an issue for Thursday after the Lions were banged up following Sunday’s 24-6 win at Indianapolis.

Campbell said decisions on some of the injured could come down to the wire. He’s most concerned about the availability of LT Taylor Decker (knee), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee), Carlton Davis III (knee, thumb) and WR Kalif Raymond (foot). 

None of them would have practiced on Monday, per the estimated practice report.

RB David Montgomery (shoulder) and DT D.J. Reader (illness) also would not have practiced. 

The good injury news is that CB Terrion Arnold (groin), who didn’t play on Sunday, would have had a full practice.

Five reasons the Lions continued their win streak by dropping Colts, 24-6

The Colts continuously shot themselves in the foot, and the Lions took advantage in a 24-6 win on Sunday in Indianapolis. Detroit (10-1) has now won 10 games in  back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history.

It marked their ninth straight win and a 10-1 start to the season which ties the 1934 Lions for best start in franchise history. 

The records fall like dominos each week.

While praise has been heaped on Jared Goff and the offense from the get-go the defense continues to shine. The Lions have allowed just 12 points — four field goals — in their last 10 quarters. 

“We asked a lot of our defense today and they did a great job,’’ coach Dan Campbell said.

The Lions took a 14-6 lead at the half and added another touchdown in the third quarter followed by a 56-yard field goal by Jake Bates.

Campbell once they were able to get the lead they were able to keep the Colts at arm’s length which was the goal.

The Lions once again elevated their road warrior status, earning a perfect 6-0 road record this season. In 2022, Campbell’s second season, the Lions were 0-11-1 on the road with him as coach. Since then they are 16-5.  “If you can win on the road you’re normally a pretty darn good team,’’ Campbell said.

Five reasons why Lions won:

ONE: The Colts moved the ball downfield on their first two possessions, but the Lions red zone defense is tough and forced the Colts to settle for field goals. Campbell said typically good red zone teams can run the ball. “We’re really good at shutting down the run,’’ Campbell said. The Colts were 0-for-2 in the red zone, while the Lions were a solid 3-of-4. QB Anthony Richardson started off solidly and was effective running the ball, but he had seven straight incompletions in the second half. 

TWO: Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery once again powered the offense combining for 172 scrimmage yards. Gibbs (21 carries, 90 yards) scored a pair of rushing touchdowns while Montgomery (8 carries, 37 yards) had one. Both are a double threat. Montgomery had three catches for 36 yards while Gibbs had three catches for 9 yards. Montgomery went out late with a shoulder injury “We have two bell cows and it’s rare,’’ Goff said. “We do, we have two guys you can hand the ball to a ton. One goes down for a little bit, the other guy steps up. It will happen both ways throughout the year. We’re lucky to have both of them and they do a helluva job.’’ They are the first running back duo in NFL history to each rush for 10-plus TDs in consecutive seasons.

THREE: Jared Goff was Jared Goff. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Sacked three times, Goff remained patient and threw the ball away when he had to. 

FOUR: Remember the old days – prior to Campbell’s arrival – when the Lions would often kill themselves with penalties and lost so many games because of it. The Colts hurt themselves with 10 penalties for 75 yards, several of the whistles negated plays that had gained good yardage. Again, credit the Lions defense.

FIVE:  The Lions defense adjusted following the loss of Alex Anzalone and cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Colts targeted Kindle Vildor, who filled in for Arnole, often. He struggled a bit but the defense was able to handle business. “It’s honestly just the next man in and no excuses, we have a great room and guys who push each other every day,’’ said Jack Campbell who called the plays in Anzalone’s absence. Arnold was questionable for the game so he may be ready to play on Thursday. 

INJURIES: Dan Campbell didn’t have specifics on injuries to Carlton Davis (knee), Montgomery (shoulder), Kalif Raymond (foot) and Taylor Decker (knee and ankle). Decker was able to return to the game but was pulled out again. They have only four days to heal until Thanksgiving.

UP NEXT: Chicago Bears (4-7) at Lions (10-1) at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at Ford Field.

Lions Dan Campbell on his continuing message to Jared Goff: Cut it loose

ALLEN PARK — Lions quarterback Jared Goff, coming off a 5-touchdown game in the win over the Broncos, will face new challenges against a tough Vikings (7-7) defense on Sunday. With a win, the Lions (10-4) would capture the NFC North title. 

Coach Dan Campbell said his message to Goff this week is the same. The coach is not bothered by the fact that six of Goff’s 10 interceptions have come against NFC North opponents. He doesn’t blame Goff completely for the turnovers.

“He’s done a good job and I think really the most important thing is, cut it loose. That’s the message, it’s not the other way,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday. “I go back to this, he’s one of the biggest reasons we’re sitting at 10-4. Right now it’s him playing loose and trust what your eyes see, play the progression and throw with conviction.’’

Campbell said it doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen if Goff lets it fly, but then they have to find a way to overcome it.

“We sure don’t want him tightening up and worrying about all of that. Just go out like he did last week, put the work in and cut it loose,’’ the coach said.

Goff ranks third in the NFL with most 20-plus yard passes with 59 – behind Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud. He also ranks third in most 20-plus yard touchdown passes with 11, behind Tua Tagovailoa and Purdy who each have a dozen.

His five touchdown passes last week matches the franchise record and his own single-game career high. 

“That’s the farthest thing we’re from here is conservative and Dan sets the tone on that certainly for our whole team and his attitude,’’ Goff said. “We follow suit.”

In Week 15, Goff surpassed 25 passing touchdowns on the season becoming the first player in franchise history to throw for at least 25 touchdowns in consecutive seasons. He had 29 in the 2022 season.