Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett grades the Detroit Lions after the 23-16 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday:
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford's passing numbers were limited by a conservative game plan and lack of offensive personnel (no Kerryon Johnson or Marvin Jones), but he needs to be better in the fourth quarter. Stafford made two crucial mistakes that cost the Lions the game. He didn’t get the ball out quick enough on the interception that Eddie Jackson returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and he and tight end Michael Roberts weren’t on the same wavelength on his pick in the end zone.