The Lions improved to 8–2 in Week 11 with one of their most thrilling wins of the season, rallying from a 12-point deficit with 4:15 remaining in the game for a 31–26 victory over the Bears.
Detroit’s offense had arguably its worst offensive performance of the season, committing four turnovers and possessing the ball for less than 20 minutes of the game. And the Lions’ defense couldn’t contain Chicago’s Justin Fields when he decided to run, allowing 102 yards to the quarterback.
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Everything appeared to add up for a Lions loss, which made their comeback win especially improbable. However, one statistic distilled just how unlikely Detroit’s win was and how disheartening the loss was for the Bears.
According to ESPN Chicago (1000 AM) statistician Doug Colletti, teams that forced more than three turnovers and possessed the ball for more than 40 minutes had a 48–0 record before Sunday’s result.
From Doug Colletti…
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) November 19, 2023
Since 1932, no #NFL team with a +3 turnover margin & 40min time of possession had EVER lost that game.
Teams were 48-0 until the #Bears lost today.
It’s not an overstatement to call this a historic loss.@ESPN1000
“It’s not an overstatement to call this a historic loss,” ESPN 1000 host and former Bears receiver Tom Waddle said on social media.
That could make Sunday’s loss even more painful to the Bears and their fans. Chicago had the Lions beaten and let the game slip away in a way that was nearly statistically impossible.
However, the Bears have the consolation of likely holding two of the top five selections in next April’s NFL draft. Chicago should have the No. 1 overall selection as a result of an offseason trade with the Panthers (1–9). And the Bears are currently in position for the No. 4 pick with their 3–8 record. That should make Sunday’s defeat sting much less.
