The Detroit Lions aren’t where they were last season at this time, when the team was on top of the NFC North and unstoppable. This year, the team has a 7-5 record is third in the NFC North, while former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are 9-3 and on top.
Even though the Lions beat the Bears back on September 14 in a lopsided 52-21 victory, the tables have turned since then. The Detroit Lions have dropped two of their last three games, and the game they won was against a deflated New York Giants, who didn’t even have their starting quarterback able to play.
So, it’s a scary time for the Detroit Lions. Not to be all doom and gloom, but the team has to make changes if they want to get to the wild card playoffs, and it really starts at the top. The Lions are 2-2 since head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties, and that includes brutal losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers that would have likely been avoided with more conservative decisions.
Now, to make matters worse, amid the Chicago Bears’ rise, Johnson has said some surprising things that may be taken as a dig at his former team.
Ben Johnson Says Unexpected Things About the Detroit Lions
With the Thanksgiving season here, Johnson was asked during a press conference what he remembers about his game last Thanksgiving, which was the Lions against the Bears and ended in a Detroit win and a 23-20 final score.
“Shoot, I don’t remember much about last year,” Johnson said. “I don’t remember much about last week, to be honest with you.”
So, he doesn’t even remember his final year with the Lions, a team that was so grateful to have him leading their offense? At least, Johnson added, “That was a heck of a game, it came down to the wire. Being on the opposing sideline there, it was a good one for Detroit that week.” But, he was quick to add, “That’s about all I remember, though.”
Chicago Bears Are Closer to the Playoffs Than Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions’ chances of making the playoffs took a nosedive over Thanksgiving weekend. The team, of course, is locked in third place in the NFC North behind the Bears and Packers, according to research from the NFL, and their postseason odds have fallen to 32 percent, down from 73 percent a few days ago, according to research from SI.
The difference-makers this weekend were the Lions losing to the Packers and the Bears wiping out the Eagles. Chicago’s win means they’re a solid No. 1 in the NFC North, and that hurts the Lions’ chances of getting a wild card spot.
The Lions are in a rough spot right now, and honestly, it feels a little personal. This team has fought so hard for years, but the momentum just isn’t swinging their way when they need it most. Every game ahead feels heavier, every mistake feels bigger and every missed chance stings a little deeper.
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