The Bears Den: December 22, 2014 - Week 16 Bears-Lions game reports & reaction

Clausen's OK play changes nothing about Bears' mess - David Haugh: 5-10 Bears' fourth straight defeat merely a reminder why the most popular player in any NFL city remains the backup QB. Without Stafford's two picks and the Lions muffing a punt return, it never would have come down to the final possession.

Clausen’s play doesn’t validate Trestman’s decision - Adam Hoge: Playing the game-manager over the gun-slinger just so you lose by six points instead of 30 isn’t a valid strategy. Either way you lose. If not for the Lions' muffed punt and roughing the punter penalty, would the Bears have scored a single point Sunday?

10 16 thoughts - Brad Biggs: Cutler took the high road, but he and Trestman and are done with one another; no one should be doing cartwheels reviewing Clausen’s performance because Cutler would have been criticized for a 23/39, 181 yards statline.

Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Follow').  If a woodchuck could chuck wood, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck?  Den pic in hi-res.

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Chicago Bears 14, Detroit Lions 20

Lions edge Bears with late-game heroics - (NFL.com) Game report and [Video] highlights.

Game breakdown - The Tribune's drive charts, players of note, and stats from the game.

Game Blog - ChicagoBears.com's situational updates from the field during the Bears' home game against the Lions at Soldier Field.  Larry Mayer's pregame Q&As.

Bears blow fourth-quarter lead in loss - Larry Mayer: The Bears were outscored 10-0 in the fourth quarter Sunday, turning a 14-10 lead into a 20-14 loss to the Lions at Soldier Field.

Despite Lions' miscues, Bears fall 20-14 - Bob LeGere: The Bears were able to get a little spark from Jimmy Clausen, but it wasn't enough to prevent them from plummeting to 5-10 after a loss to the playoff-bound Lions at Soldier Field.

Lions beat Bears 20-14 - James Neveau: Jimmy Clausen threw two TD passes, but it wasn't enough as a late score for Joique Bell led the Lions to a 20-14 win over the Bears on Sunday afternoon.

Jimmy Clausen spark goes out quickly as Bears lose 4th straight - Rich Campbell: Jimmy Clausen was serviceable in his first start, but the Bears can't capitalize on three Lions turnovers and will be playing to avoid last place next Sunday.

Self-destructive Lions find forgiving opponent in Bears - Fred Mitchell: Their indiscretions included a muffed punt, roughing the kicker, careless turnovers, a blocked FG attempt and, of course, controversial plays; luckily for Stafford and the Lions, the Bears are not a very good team.

Bears better than expected but still well short of good enough - Is-Hub Arkush: As poorly as the Lions played and as well as the Bears front lines competed, the Bears might have won the game with Cutler. So, did perhaps Trestman do the Bears a favor with their draft status by starting Clausen?

Rapid Reaction - Michael C. Wright: Jimmy Clausen's performance could give ownership pause regarding what seemed to be an inevitable conclusion (firing) for Marc Trestman.  From the locker room.

Five things we learned from Bears-Lions - Jeff Dickerson: Marc Trestman is worried about his own interests, not the organization's, and needs to be fired, immediately.

No moral victories in close loss - Jon Greenberg: Although Clausen earned plaudits for not playing like Rookie Jimmy Clausen, this was the sixth time in 10 losses that the Bears failed to score 20 points and the third time they managed 14.

Jared Allen: 'No moral victories' - Not-Hub Atkins: Jared Allen led a defensive front that harassed Matthew Stafford and redirected Lions rushing plays for much of the day as the Bears had their best defensive outing in a month, but the five-time Pro Bowler wasn't the least bit impressed.

[Video] ESPN - Jeff Dickerson and Michael C. Wright break down the Bears' 20-14 loss.

[Video] ESPN - Ron Jaworski break down the Lions' 20-14 win over the Bears.

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Offense

Clausen proves he can play in NFL - Larry Mayer: Although winning Sunday's game against the Lions was his primary goal, Jimmy Clausen proved that he can still play in the NFL.

Rusty Jimmy Clausen progressed in loss - Not-Hub Arnold: It may have only shown in a drive or two, but Clausen admitted he needed time to adjust to the speed of the game four years removed from his most recent NFL start.

'Fiery' Clausen gave Bears a chance and a QB with emotion - Patrick Finley goes the body language route.

Clausen a ray of sunshine in stormy Bears season - Rick Morrissey blames Jay Cutler for never rolling out.  [Yeah, that's when I stopped reading. The rest of it ~might~ be a good article... but then again that would be a first for Morrissey, and I've a lot to get through. - Den]

/facepalm - Barry Rozner: "The fact that a lack of humiliation is something of a victory speaks to the horrific nature of the 2014 season, and the fact that Cutler played no role is merely further proof of the negative effect he has on a coaching staff, his teammates and the crowd." [This is why I've improved at typing with one hand. Honest. - Den]

Jimmy Clausen deserves another start - Michael C. Wright: It’s probably too late to save Trestman’s job but if Clausen closes on a positive note, it at least gives ownership pause when making decisions about the futures of Trestman, Cutler and even Emery.  Cutler 'great' at preparing Clausen for start.

Bears just can’t seem to win with Jimmy or Jay - Rick Telander: Another loss. Cut it however you want. All it proves is that you can get a moderately interesting defeat from a sub dude who’s making $645,000 this year, the same way you can get one from a man making $22 million. The only difference is potential.

What did Clausen give the Bears? Reasons to fire Trestman and Emery - Steve Rosenbloom: If the Lions mistakes gave the Bears a lot of chances, and the Bears offense proved to be what we thought it was, no matter who was at QB, that indicts Trestman.

Cutler subject of much speculation after benching - Adam L. Jahns: With conflicting national reports on whether he would be traded and a Mike Shanahan sighting offering support for his former pupil, rumors and speculation on Cutler’s future are rampant.  Rich Campbell: Shanahan-Cutler reunion in Chicago?

Jeffery's drops prove crucial in Bears' failed upset bid - Dan Wiederer: Alshon Jeffery was the first to admit his struggles Sunday added yet another stain to the team's frustrating season.

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Defense

Bears defense continues to grow - Mini-Larry: Motivated by an earlier performance and a cheap shot, the Bears defense stepped up and had one of its best games of the season Sunday versus Detroit.

Bears' defense unhappy in loss - Joe Aguilar: The defense made plays but, in the end, the Bears missed multiple tackles on Joique Bell's go-ahead rushing TD from 17 yards out in the fourth quarter. And they lost their fourth game in a row.

Defense incensed after Raiola stomps on Ferguson - Mark Potash: Dominant D-line won’t erase the stain of several abominable performances, but it was at least a sign that Mel Tucker and the defense have the ability to learn.

Raiola denies intentionally stomping Ferguson - Dominic Raiola said his stepping on Ego Ferguson's leg was "not intentional" and that he did not see Ferguson on the ground.  *cough*.

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More from the game

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Willie Young exits with Achilles' injury; more balanced gameplan helps Bears, Clausen; O-line juggling, WRs drops; more from the game.

Game notes - Seth Gruen: Alshon Jeffery blames himself for dropped passes; Bears' failure to score at Lions' 1-yard line.  Adam L. Jahns: Clausen's pass attempt to Eben Britton; Marquess Wilson avoid injury.

Game notes - Dan Wiederer: Bears not buying Raiola's explanation for stamp on Ferguson's ankle; Willie Young's season over with Achilles injury; teams very different on key 4th down attempts; more from the game.

Game notes - Bob LeGere: Groy, Ola holding the line for offense; Martellus Bennett "didn't connect" with Clausen in passing game; more from the game.

Game notes - Not-Hub Arkush: Jimmy Clausen impressive, but supporting cast drops ball; Lions play dirty; Willie Young suffers Achilles injury.

Game review - Not-Hub Fishbain with what worked, what didn't, and the three moments that mattered in Sunday's Bears loss.

Bears quotes - ChicagoBears.com: Inside the locker room with quotes from Bears players.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Top plays from Bears-Lions at Soldier Field. [Funnily enough, they didn't do one of these highlights compilations for Bears-Saints...]

Photos - From ChicagoBears.com ... Daily Herald.

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Game grades

[Video] ESPN - Michael C. Wright's game ball goes to Jimmy Clausen for throwing for 181 yards and two TDs.

Game grades - Jeff Dickerson hands 'em out.

Game grades - Mark Potash: Defense has solid performance in loss.

Moon Mullin's game grades: QB - RB - WR/TE - O-line - D-line - LB - DB - coaching.

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Fröhliche Weihnachten, und ein gutes neues Jahr.