Andy Dalton completed 24-of-39 passes for 317 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the Bears' 16-14, Thanksgiving win over the Lions.
For better or worse, Dalton helped save coach Matt Nagy's job with his first 300-yard game of the season. Touchdown drives were elusive, though Dalton did help orient the Bears for three field goals, including the game-winner with :01 remaining. That one could have been a touchdown with the Bears having 1st-and-goal from the four, but this being Nagy, the field goal was the play. Dalton's touchdown was a 17-yard strike to Jimmy Graham of all people. For the second straight week, the Red Rifle relentlessly worked his connection with Darnell Mooney, finding the sophomore speedster for 5/123 on eight targets. Justin Fields (ribs) is expected to be healthy enough to return for Week 13 against the Cardinals, but Dalton probably gives the Bears their best chance to win right now.
Nov 25, 2021, 4:08 PM ET