By:Jeremy T. Ballreich
In a season that largely felt like a narrative of “what could have been” for the Detroit Lions, Sunday’s finale at Soldier Field provided a cinematic, grit-and-glory conclusion that reminded the NFL why this team is never truly out of a fight. The Lions walked out of Chicago with a 19-16 victory, courtesy of a walk-off, 42-yard blast from kicker Jake Bates, effectively sweeping the season series against the NFC North champion Chicago Bears.
For the Lions (9-8), the win was a bittersweet validation. For the Bears (11-6), it was a sobering reality check as they head into the postseason. But for the fans, it was a showcase of a veteran quarterback’s ice-cold composure and a coaching rivalry that is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing chess matches in the league.
The Master vs. The Student: Campbell Remains King
The looming storyline all week was the reunion between Lions head coach Dan Campbell and his former offensive architect, Ben Johnson. After three years of helping Campbell build Detroit into a powerhouse, Johnson took the reigns in Chicago this season and immediately transformed the Bears into division champions.
However, the “student” has yet to find the answer for the “master.” With Sunday’s result, Ben Johnson is now 0-2 against Dan Campbell in his debut head-coaching season.
While Johnson’s offensive scheme managed to orchestrate a furious fourth-quarter comeback—erasing a 16-0 deficit in the final fifteen minutes—Campbell’s trademark “blue-collar” resilience won out. Johnson’s decision to punt on fourth-and-5 from the Detroit 31 with two minutes remaining proved to be the fatal stroke. He bet on his defense to get the ball back; instead, he handed the keys to a quarterback who has spent the last two years thriving in exactly that scenario.
Jared Goff: The Definition of Poised
If there were any doubts about Jared Goff’s long-term viability as the face of this franchise, he silenced them with a surgical performance on Sunday. Goff finished the day 27-of-42 for 331 yards, but the box score barely scratches the surface of his impact.
Throughout the 2025 season, Goff has been a model of precision under pressure, and Sunday was no exception. Even as the Soldier Field crowd reached a deafening roar during Chicago’s late rally, Goff remained unshakeable. On the final drive, starting from his own 37-yard line, Goff was a man on a mission. He connected on a crucial 26-yard strike to Amon-Ra St. Brown (who finished with 139 yards) to pierce the heart of the Chicago defense and move the Lions into striking distance.
Goff’s ability to “keep the main thing the main thing” has been the heartbeat of this team. While other quarterbacks might have panicked after seeing a 16-point lead evaporate, Goff’s eyes never left the prize. He operated the two-minute drill with the calm of a veteran who knew exactly where the soft spots in Johnson’s defense resided.
The Legend of Jake Bates
Every great Detroit story needs a hero, and in 2025, that hero has often worn number 34. Jake Bates, the UFL standout who captured the city’s heart, stepped onto the frozen sod of Soldier Field with the weight of the season on his shoulders.
As the clock ticked toward zero, Bates drilled the 42-yard field goal straight through the uprights, punctuating a performance where he accounted for 13 of the team’s 19 points. It was a fitting end for a player who has been a revelation for the Lions’ special teams, providing a sense of security that the franchise has lacked for years.
Game Summary & Key Stats
Final Thoughts: Ending on a High Note
The Lions will not be playing in the postseason this year, a fact that Dan Campbell admitted was “pissed” about during his post-game press conference. Yet, there is a profound sense of pride in how this team finished. They didn’t just win; they beat their rival twice, they spoiled the Bears’ momentum heading into the playoffs, and they proved that the culture built in Allen Park is bigger than any one coordinator.
Ben Johnson may have the division crown, but for now, Dan Campbell still has his number.
Final Score: Lions 19, Bears 16
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