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Fans react to Detroit Lions comeback to give franchise best start in 61 years

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Fans react to Detroit Lions comeback to give franchise best start in 61 years


The Detroit Lions tested fans’ blood pressure with a nail-biting 31-26 win over the Chicago Bears that featured a 12-point comeback in the final five minutes.

The Lions had to overcome numerous mistakes for the first 55 minutes of the game, but delivered on both sides of the ball in the clutch moments to secure the win. The comeback started with a 32-yard touchdown to Jameson Williams, who ran past both the cornerback and safety on a deep corner route and twisted to haul in the catch to cut the deficit to 26-21 with three minutes left.

The ensuing Bears’ drive only took 15 seconds off the clock as the Lions stuffed two straight runs up the middle and called timeouts. On third down, Justin Fields dropped back to pass, but narrowly missed an open Tyler Scott on a deep shot to force a punt.

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TRENDING: Detroit Lions prove they’re really good by winning game they had no business winning

Detroit executed a perfect two-minute drive capped off with a David Montgomery 1-yard touchdown against his former team with 29 seconds left. The 11-play drive heavily featured both running backs as Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery combined for seven touches for 57 yards and the score on the final drive. Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had another touchdown this week, also had crucial catches to move the chains and keep the drive alive.

The massive comeback was necessary because the Lions turned the ball over four times for the first time since 2022, three of them being Jared Goff interceptions. It was only the third time in his career Goff threw three interceptions and the first time he has done so as a Lion.

The first two interceptions led to zero points in the first half, but a Craig Reynolds fumble on a kickoff return and Goff’s third interception led to 10 Chicago points. Detroit’s defense had a much better performance than last week in Los Angeles, and executed the “bend don’t break” principle effectively. The Lions forced four Chicago field goals despite giving up 334 total yards, which kept them in the game long enough to complete the comeback.

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The Lions are now off to their best start in 61 years. Fans praised the late game effort while also sharing some laughs about the Bears’ incompetence. The ultimate feeling, though, was the game was another example of the Lions shedding some of the demons of their long-haunted past.





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Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster

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Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster


Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s name is being floated around as a top candidate for a head coaching vacancy within the NFC North.

Johnson is reportedly intrigued by the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job, which opened after the Bears fired Matt Eberflus on the day after Thanksgiving. Some analysts viewed the Lions’ 34-17 win over the Bears on Sunday, which featured one of the most unique trick plays of the season, as an audition from Johnson for the vacancy.

It’s worth noting that Johnson turned down interest from teams across the league to remain with the Lions after last season, and could be in position to do so again depending on how the team’s season finishes.

The Bears job is one of several expected to be open, but it’s the one that Johnson has been associated closest to at this point. With the success that Johnson’s offenses have had over his three years as coordinator, and the proximity that the Bears have to Detroit as members of the NFC North, it is a natural pairing.

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However, there’s more elements to a potential pairing that could be cause for concern. For starters, the Bears have struggled mightily as of late. They haven’t finished with a winning record since their 12-4 season in 2018, and have made just one other playoff appearance (2020) in that time span.

There has been disfunction throughout the organization this season, as they’ve lost nine games in a row dating back to a Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.

Additionally, there’s concern about the longevity of general manager Ryan Poles, and the team’s ownership, the McCaskey family, has drawn criticism from the fan base for its decision-making.

Because the Bears have struggled, and looked hapless at points, Johnson likely wouldn’t be easily enticed to inherit this situation.

MORE: Ben Johnson Expected to Interview With Bears, ‘Intrigued’ by Job

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However, the Bears also do have some elements working for them. Most notably, Johnson would get the opportunity to work with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The USC product has shown some promise throughout a rookie season that has lacked significant wins, but one filled with promise.

Johnson had high praise for Williams when asked about him by Lions OnSI leading up to the Week 16 game. He has thrown for 3,271 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions over the course of his first NFL campaign.

It’s easy to see why the Bears would be interested in Johnson. He’s the creative architect of one of the league’s best offenses and has played a vital role in Jared Goff’s career revival over the last several seasons.

What the 38-year-old coach has done with Goff has been well-documented. If he were to strike up a relationship of this nature with Williams, he could make the young passer into one of the league’s best talents at the position.

Williams has good weapons around him that could allow him to succeed in the right scheme. Chicago could also have another high draft pick depending on where they finish, which will allow whomever takes over as coach to add another highly touted piece to the roster.

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Additionally, it’s expected that the Bears will break ground on a new stadium next year with hopes of finishing construction in 2028.

Ultimately, it’s been reported that Johnson won’t interview for jobs simply to say he did it. Rather, he is expected to be selective and interview for positions that he would want to take. If he does take a meeting with Chicago, which he is reportedly expected to do, it would be a sign that he would want the job.

Johnson’s focus in the current future remains on bringing a Super Bowl to Detroit this season. If he were to do that, it would make the potential pill of him taking over in Chicago much easier to swallow. However, the Bears’ interest will make the offseason very intriguing as Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both navigate their futures.



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Metro Detroit weather forecast Dec. 24, 2024 — 11 p.m. Update

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Metro Detroit weather forecast Dec. 24, 2024 — 11 p.m. Update


WEATHER


The Local 4Casters track the latest weather alerts in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Get the most updated information here: https://www.clickondetroit.com/weather/



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Auto shop hosting free oil change giveaway in Detroit on Christmas for those in need

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Auto shop hosting free oil change giveaway in Detroit on Christmas for those in need


DETROIT (WXYZ) — FastLane Oil Change in Detroit is giving back this holiday. 

The shop on W. 8 Mile Road near the Soutfield Freeway is gifting 25 free oil changes and wiper blades for people in need Wednesday on Christmas Day.

And it doesn’t end there. Customers in line behind the first 15 cars will get half off a regularly priced oil change.

To add to the holiday giving, the business is helping a mother of nine get her car back on the road with new brakes, rotors, pads and filters for free. It’s something that she says significantly help her this holiday.

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“A stress that was lifted off of my shoulders because this was something that was gonna need to be done sooner than later, but I was putting it off because it wasn’t in the budget, especially right now,” Rashanda Martin said.

In addition, the Blazin’ Grill right next door to the car shop is giving away 100 free meals on Wednesday. The free and half-off promotions will run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The offers are good for Christmas Day only for families and individuals in need.





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