The Detroit Lions will close out the 2025 campaign with one final matchup against the rival Chicago Bears, who have officially won the NFC North Division title for the first time since 2018.
The game will take place at Soldier Field, the venue that former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now calls home as the rookie head coach of the Bears. In just his first season on the job, he’s taken them to the NFL Playoffs as division winners, while his former club will officially be finished for the season after Sunday’s game.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who took over the play calling duties from Johnson’s replacement John Morton earlier in the season, joined 97.1 The Ticket for his weekly interview on Tuesday morning and was asked about the differences that he’s seen in the Bears since his former protege took over.
“They’re more polished,” Campbell said. “Any time that you come in and bring in new players, they brought in a lot of free agents and the players who were there are new to what they’re trying to implement. It’s going to take a minute to get your system up, and they’ve done a good job.”
Campbell continued saying that not only are the Bears crisper and more polished this season under Johnson, but that their defensive takeaways have been a key factor in their success.
“They’re more polished, man, they’re more sound on offense and defense, certainly defensively,” he said. “The big thing there is takeaways. Man, they’re getting the takeaways. They lead the League in defensive takeaways, and really nobody’s close to that. So, it’s become part of what they do, and the yards are irrelevant. When you’re able to take the ball away and give it back to your offense, that’s the most important stat you can have.”
“Ben’s got the system in, and everything is much more crisp,” he said. “The run game is where it all starts for them, and they’re able to run it. They rush for well over 100 (yards) a game, easy. And that offensive line is doing a really good job.”
“It’s a much more polished team than it was before, and it’s no wonder why they’re winning.”
The Bears currently lead the NFL by having caused 32 opponent turnovers.
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Dan Campbell Explained That Sunday Is Not A Meaningless Game
While there are fans of the Lions who can be excused for believing that Sunday’s game doesn’t have any meaningful merit considering that their season is over afterward with no chance of the playoffs, Campbell doesn’t view it that way.
Campbell reiterated his comments from earlier in the week that he views it as an opportunity for
“Well any time that you line up to play in this League, coach or player, it’s meaningful,” he explained. “We’re fortunate that we have an opportunity to do this, man. Not everybody gets to do this, and yes it stinks that we’re out with one left, but I don’t view it as meaningless. Sometimes this is the best way to find out what you’ve got in the building.”
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The Lions Close Out Their Disappointing Season Against the Bears
For the Lions, there will be plenty of “what ifs” following Sunday’s matchup against the Bears, regardless of the outcome.
Numerous Lions players suffered season-ending injuries, including Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph.
While injuries inevitably shape the course of every NFL season, there were several moments when the Lions’ on-field performance failed to match the intensity and focus that defined last year’s 15–2 campaign.
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