Detroit took a very conservative approach on offense Thursday in their 23-16 loss to the Bears. Quarterback Matthew Stafford said that was a product of what they saw on film from Chicago, and not because they were shorthanded on offense.
The Lions were without veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (knee) and running back Kerryon Johnson (knee) due to injuries. They've been without wide receiver Golden Tate since the trade deadline.
Thursday's game plan called for running the football with LeGarrette Blount – which they did with pretty good success – and getting the ball out of Stafford's hands quickly.
"They played a lot of two high safeties, some off corner," Stafford said after the game. "You know, these guys are good, good defense. To get guys down the field you got to hold the ball and holding the ball against these guys is not a good recipe for success. So we tried to get the ball out as quickly as we could."
Stafford finished completing 28-of-38 passes for 238 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions late in the fourth quarter that helped Chicago seal their eighth victory of the season and continue to lead the NFC North.
Stafford's lone completion on a pass that traveled beyond 15 yards down the field was a nice 43-yard completion to Kenny Golladay in the second half after Golladay got matched up on a linebacker.
The other time Stafford threw the ball beyond 15 yards it was picked off in the Bears end zone by Kyle Fuller to thwart Detroit's attempt to tie the game with just over a minutes left in the contest.
The logic of the game plan makes sense. The Bears did sack Stafford six times and hit him eight times total in the first meeting between these clubs earlier this month, also a Bears win (34-22). Stafford said after the game Detroit's cautious approach wasn't influenced by that game.
"I think it's just influenced by what you see on tape when you see them play," he said. "Teams that hold the ball against those guys don't get the ball off quite a bit. So just tried to make sure we mixed it up and for the most part, I don't have those two turnovers, I don't make those poor plays, right where we want to be."
View in-game photos from the Detroit Lions Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears.
Detroit Lions offense during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates (53) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) rushes the passer during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) and Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) sack Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) and Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) sack Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) and Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) celebrate a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) and Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) celebrate a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Michael Ford (38) celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) forces a fumble during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) returns a fumble recovery during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrates a fumble recovery during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrates a fumble recovery during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates a touchdown run during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates a touchdown run during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) celebrates a stop during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) returns a punt during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) and Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) celebrate a forced fumble during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) catches a deflected pass on fourth down during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fans during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Bruce Ellington (12) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) catches a deflected pss on fourth down during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) catches a deflected pss for a first down during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) and Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) celebrates a tackle for loss during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive huddle during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris ignites the engine during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fan during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) and Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah (94) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) and Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) and Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) rush the passer during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Michael Ford (38) breaks up a pass during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) celebrates a sack during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
But against a defense as good as Chicago's, offenses have to take an occasional shot down the field to keep them honest. If they don't, it's only a matter of time before someone like Eddie Jackson decides to cheat and jump a route, and that's what happened late in the fourth quarter on his game-winning 41-yard pick-six.
"I don't know if it was conservative or we're just trying to go down and give ourselves a chance to win, which we had multiple situations there where we could've put ourselves in a situation to win," Lions head coach Matt Patricia said after the game.
"We're doing the best we can with all of it – short week, game-plan, really good team, good pass rushers, good cover guys, different personnel for us. But I wouldn't say (we were conservative), I just think we were trying to grind the game out. It's a 60-minute game and that's what we were trying to play."
