Monday Night Football: Detroit Lions Pumble Rival Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions beat rivals Chicago Bears in what was the undefeated Lion’s first Monday night football game in 10 years.
Matthew Stafford, Lions’ quarterback, credited the Detroit crowd for helping the team win in a 24-13 victory.
"It was electric," Stafford said, according to NFL networks. "Our fans came out and did an unbelievable job."
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However, Bears’ coach Lovie Smith said the crowd was distracting.
"We were going against a loud crowd, but that isn't an excuse," Chicago coach Lovie Smith said. "Pre-snap penalties kill you."
The penalties Smith spoke of took over the first quarter with 10 penalties for 69 yards between both teams in the first quarter.
Stafford found his flow on Monday night, throwing 19 of 26 for 219 yards and two TDs. One of Stafford’s touchdown passes connected with Lions’ tight end Brandon Pettigrew from 18 yards.
The QB’s second touchdown pass landed with record-breaking wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who holds an NFL record of nine TD catches in five games.
Smith said his defense was not working hard enough to stop the Lions who built up momentum in the third quarter.
"Can't give up the big plays," Smith said. "Their defense made us earn everything. We didn't do the same."
Lions’ running back Jahvad Best also had a career night, running the second highest NFL record of 88 yards on his way to a touchdown in the third. Smith expressed his disappointment in his team after watching Best perform Monday night.
“Hard to swallow," Smith said, according to NFL networks. "Jahvid Best is a good player, but we can't let that happen."
However, Best said the undefeated team is working hard for the deserving city of Detroit, that has come through tough economic times recently.
"Some of our guys were on the team, so they know what the city's been through," Best said, according to NFL networks. "They know what this team's been through. I can definitely feel the sense of how hungry the city is."
