Tag: Chicago Bears

Lions’ Thanksgiving Player of the Game: David Blough

The Detroit Lions lost their fifth in a row on Thanksgiving, but third-string quarterback David Blough impressed and is Lions Wire’s Player fo the Game.

Lions fans got a surprise yesterday when it was announced that David Blough was starting at quarterback. In his first NFL game, no less.

The undrafted Purdue quarterback who led his team to upset Ohio State in 2018 was called on to replace backup Jeff Driskel, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

While hopes weren’t up too much before the game, Blough brought his A-game. He completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay to mark the first completion of his career.   He went on to have a great game in replacement.  He was 22-for-37 for 280 yards, and a passer rating of 101.2.

Despite the fact that the Lions lost the game, it was a very good effort for a third-string quarterback playing for the very first time in the NFL.

Twitter exploded after Mitch Trubisky mysteriously bailed on a play

What is this guy doing?

There probably isn’t a more embattled QB in the NFL than Chicago’s Mitch Trubisky. He’s our new Blake Bortles, but he plays in a market where people actually care. So that’s been rough on him.

The No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL draft has struggled this season, while quarterbacks taken later in that draft — notably Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Houston’s Deshaun Watson — have thrived.

That’s not completely fair to Trubisky. Watson and Jackson were no doubt underestimated due to lingering — and completely racist — doubts from some scouts about black QBs, but drafting QBs is difficult and always has been.

Still, Trubisky has not helped himself in recent weeks with lackadaisical looking plays, like this one late in the second quarter of the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions.

That’s 3rd and 4 in the red zone with half a minute left in a close game. A first down there would have been significant, given how poorly the Bears had played in general to that point. Instead, head coach Matt Nagy, his soul decimated, opted to kick.

Troy Aikman, a QB who took too many shots to the head when he played, had a charitable interpretation of what had happened.

Others, and Bears fans in particular, were no quite so … restrained.

It only got worse for Trubisky when the planned half-time show malfunctioned, causing televisions to go blank. Jokes flowed.

It doesn’t look great that Trubisky’s bizarre run came on the heels of this, perhaps the worst attempt at running an option I’ve ever seen from a QB.

Let’s not go to the easy “Mitch Trubisky isn’t tough enough” complaint here; just look at this hit he took earlier in the game.

But as Trubisky gets outplayed completely by some former Purdue QB who went un-drafted earlier this year, it’s abundantly clear that he’s not in the right headspace right now to make use of his physical talents.

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Lions Highlights: Marvin Jones TD gives Lions 14-7 lead on Thanksgiving

Detroit Lions Highlights: Marvin Jones TD gives Lions 14-7 lead on Thanksgiving

The Detroit Lions have scored two unanswered touchdowns in their Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Bears. After Chicago took the lead, Detroit answered with a 75-yard touchdown to Kenny Golladay.

Minutes later, the Lions took the lead when QB David Blough found Marvin Jones for his second touchdown pass of the game. Check out Jones’ ninth touchdown catch of the season below:

Lions Highlights: WR Kenny Golladay gets loose for 75-yard TD reception

Detroit Lions Highlights: WR Kenny Golladay gets loose for 75-yard TD reception

The Lions gave up an early touchdown to the Bears, but backup quarterback David Blough connected with wide receiver Kenny Golladay on a 75-yard strike to tie the game up at seven.

This was only Blough’s second pass of his NFL career.

Detroit has the ball back with minutes left in the first quarter.

 

 

Lions’ rookie David Blough starts with 75-yard TD pass

David Blough of the Detroit Lions will never forget his first completion, a 75-yard TD against the Bears on Thanksgiving.

Talk about a great way to start your NFL career. The Detroit Lions turned to David Blough against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. The rookie from Purdue completed his first NFL pass in a huge way, connecting with Kenny Golladay on a 75-yard score. It came on his second attempt, after an incomplete pass.

The play came on third-and-10 and Blough found a wide-open Golladay with a perfect pass.

Blough followed up his first completion on the next drive with a touchdown pass to Marvin Jones. Jr.

Blough becomes the first QB to throw a TD on his first completion since Matt Ryan, who did it on his actual first pass.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons’ Ryan threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Jenkins on his first pass in the NFL 1:27 into the game against the Lions in 2008.

Ryan became the first quarterback to throw a touchdown on his first NFL pass since 2000 when New England Patriots’ Michael Bishop did so against the Indianapolis Colts.

Check out the how other QBs did on their first passes by clicking here.

Blough was not drafted after spending 2014-18 at school as a Boilermarker. He signed with the Cleveland Browns and subsequently was traded to Detroit.

Some interesting nuggets:

He threw for more than 9,700 yards and 69 touchdowns at Purdue. Blough played in 44 games. He also caught four passes as a Boilermaker, including one for a TD as a senior.

Blough led Purdue to a 49-20 victory over Ohio State in 2018, the last loss the Buckeyes have suffered. Blough completed 25-of-43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State has won 17 in a row since.

He is a magician, per the Detroit Free Press:

How Golladay got so open:

WATCH: Bears offense scores on opening possession vs. Lions

The Bears offense did the impossible and scored on their opening possession for just the second time this season.

One thing that the Chicago Bears offense has struggled to do this season was get off to a quick start. They managed to do just that against the Detroit Lions.

The Bears drove 50 yards in six plays to jump out to a quick 7-0 lead over the Lions. Mitchell Trubisky was 4-for-4 for 31 yards on the drive, which culminated in a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Allen Robinson.

Return man Cordarelle Patterson cranked off a 57-yard return to open the game, which set the Bears up at the 50-yard line.

Chicago scored on their opening possession for just the second time this season.

The Bears and Lions are tied 7-7 early in the first quarter.

Bears Week 13 Inactives: Taylor Gabriel, Ben Braunecker among inactives vs. Lions

The Bears released their inactives against the Lions, which includes the absences of Taylor Gabriel, Ben Braunecker and Sherrick McManis.

The Chicago Bears released their inactives ahead of today’s game against the Detroit Lions, and there are no real surprises considering Wednesday’s practice report.

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, tight end Ben Braunecker, right tackle Bobby Massie, cornerback Sherrick McManis, tight end Adam Shaheen, linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson are all inactive for this Thanksgiving Day game.

With Gabriel’s absence, wide receiver Riley Ridley is active for the second time in his career and figures to get some action today.

The Bears are thin at tight end with Braunecker and Shaheen being inactive, which leaves them with Jesper Horsted and JP Holtz at tight end.

On the offensive line, Cornelius Lucas will start for the injured Massie, who is expected to be out for a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars is also active for the Bears.

Here are the Lions’ inactives, who will be without Matthew Stafford, Jamal Agnew and Damon Harrison.

Lions Week 13 inactives: Damon Harrison OUT, Tracy Walker and Da’Shawn Hand ACTIVE

Detroit Lions Week 13 inactives include Damon Harrison being ruled out, while Tracy Walker and Da’Shawn Hand are active.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) have announced their inactives ahead of their Week 13 matchup with the Chicago Bears (5-6) on Thanksgiving day at Ford Field.

Let’s take a closer look at the seven inactives for each team:

Lions Week 13 inactives

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
IOL Beau Benzschawel
OG Oday Aboushi
NT Damon Harrison (knee)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
CB Michael Jackson
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Stafford, Melvin, and Agnew were ruled out on Wednesday and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jeff Driskel at quarterback, Amani Oruwariye at outside corner, Ty Johnson on kick returns and Danny Amendola on punt returns.

Marvin Hall (foot) was also originally ruled out on Wednesday but was later placed on injured reserve with a foot injury in order to make room for Chris Lacy on the active roster.

Harrison is the surprise inactive today. After dealing with a groin issue for over a month now, a knee and calf injury popped up this week, with the knee being listed as the problem on Friday. On a short week, he was apparently not able to heal up enough.

Benzschawel, Aboushi, and Jackson are back on the inactives list after being on the active roster last week due to injuries.

Bears Week 13 inactives

WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion)
TE Ben Braunecker (concussion)
TE Adam Shaheen (foot)
RT Bobby Massie (ankle)
DL Abdullah Anderson
LB Danny Trevathan (elbow)
S Sherrick McManis (groin)

Gabriel, Braunecker, Shaheen, Massie, and Trevathan were slated for starting roles and will nee dot be replaced.

Lions Week 13 comprehensive depth chart

A comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions depth chart as they prepare to host the Chicago Bears in Week 13 on Thanksgiving day at Ford Field.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

Here’s a look at how the Lions roster sets up for their Week 12 matchup in Washington.

Note — you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (9) — Ruled out
Jeff Driskel (2) — Questionable, may be active but will not start
David Blough (10) — Lions announced Blough will start
TE Logan Thomas (82) — Emergency QB

Running back

Bo Scarbrough (43)
J.D. McKissic (41)
Ty Johnson (31)

Third down back

J.D. McKissic (41) — Change of pace
Jamal Agnew (39) — Gadget option

H-back/Fullback

Isaac Nauta (89)

Wide receiver

Kenny Golladay (19)
Marvin Jones Jr. (11)
Danny Amendola (80)
Chris Lacy (15) — promoted on Wednesday

Slot receiver

Danny Amendola (80) 
T.J. Hockenson (88)

Tight end

T.J. Hockenson (88) — Questionable
Jesse James (83)
Logan Thomas (82)
Isaac Nauta (89)

Starting offensive line

Taylor Decker (68) — LT
Joe Dahl (66) — LG
Frank Ragnow (77) — C — No longer listed with an injury designation
Graham Glasgow (60) — RG
Rick Wagner (71) — RT

Reserve offensive line

Kenny Wiggins (79) — RG, LG — Not listed with an injury designation
Tyrell Crosby (65) — LT, RT
Graham Glasgow (60) — C
Oday Aboushi (76) — RG, LG
Beau Benzschawel (63) — Emergency IOL

Interior defensive line

Damon Harrison (98) — NT — Questionable
A’Shawn Robinson (91) — 3T
Da’Shawn Hand (93) — DDE, 3T, NT — Questionable
Mike Daniels (96) — 3T
John Atkins (99) — NT

Defensive end

Trey Flowers (90) — DDE, 3T — Questionable
Romeo Okwara (95) — DDE, JACK, 3T

Pass rushing linebacker

Devon Kennard (42) — JACK
Christian Jones (52) — SAM, JACK
Jahlani Tavai (51) — SAM, JACK

Off-the-ball linebacker

Jarrad Davis (40) — MIKE, WILL
Christian Jones (52) — WILL, MIKE
Jahlani Tavai (51) — MIKE, WILL
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — MIKE, WILL
Miles Killebrew (35) — WILL, Hang Safety
Steve Longa (54) — MIKE, WILL

Cornerback

Darius Slay (23)
Justin Coleman (27)
Rashaan Melvin (29) — Ruled out
Amani Oruwariye (24)
Mike Ford (38)
Jamal Agnew (39) — Ruled out
Dee Virgin (30)
Michael Jackson (28)

Slot cornerback

Justin Coleman (27

Safety

Tracy Walker (21) — Questionable
Tavon Wilson (32)
Will Harris (25)
C.J. Moore (49)

Third-safety

C.J. Moore (49)
Miles Killebrew (35) — WILL, Hang Safety

Kicking team

Matt Prater (5) — placekicker 
Sam Martin (6) — punter, kickoffs, holder — Not listed with an injury designation
Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

Jamal Agnew (39) — punt and kick returner — Ruled out
Danny Amendola (80) — reserve punt returner
Ty Johnson (31) — reserve kick returner
J.D. McKissic (41) — reserve kick returner

Kick coverage

C.J. Moore (49) — gunner
Dee Virgin (30) — gunner
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
Steve Longa (54) — five-phase specialist

Teams final injury reports

Lions’ injury designations — Matthew Stafford ruled out, Frank Ragnow in

Injury update: The Lions will start David Blough with Jeff Driskel nursing a hamstring injury

Injury update: Lions place Marvin Hall on injured reserve, promote Chris Lacy

Bears’ injury designations — 6 ruled out

Lions Wire game prep articles/media

Barry Sanders will be Lions honorary captain

Rookie expectations: Amani Oruwariye preparing for another start

5 Bold predictions for the Lions on Thanksgiving

Listen: Erik Schlitt on The Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast: Episode 130

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the Thanksgiving Day matchup with Bears Wire

How to watch the Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears in Week 13 on Thanksgiving Day

Everything you need to know about how to watch the Detroit Lions vs the Chicago Bears in Week 13 on Thanksgiving.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) will host the Chicago Bears (5-6) in Week 13 on Thanksgiving at Ford Field and the Lions are still hoping to get their first victory with Jeff Driskel under center.

Here’s everything you need to know for how to watch or listen to this week’s game.

How To Watch

When: Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Referee: Jerome Boger

Vegas Watch: Bears -2.5, Over/Under 39.5

TV: FOX

Broadcast crew: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews (field reporter), and Kristina Pink (field reporter)

Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free)

How to listen

Detroit area radio: WJR 760 AM radio

  • Announcers: Dan Miller, Lomas Brown

National radio: Westwood One:

  • Announcers: Ryan Radtke, Ross Tucker, Hub Arkush (field reporter)

SIRIUS: 82 (Chi), 83 (Det)

XM: 225 (Chi), 226 (Det)

Teams final injury reports

Lions’ injury designations — Matthew Stafford ruled out, Frank Ragnow in

Injury update: The Lions will start David Blough with Jeff Driskel nursing a hamstring injury

Injury update: Lions place Marvin Hall on injured reserve, promote Chris Lacy

Bears’ injury designations — 6 ruled out

Lions Wire game prep articles/media

Barry Sanders will be Lions honorary captain

Rookie expectations: Amani Oruwariye preparing for another start

5 Bold predictions for the Lions on Thanksgiving

Listen: Erik Schlitt on The Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast: Episode 130

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the Thanksgiving Day matchup with Bears Wire