With an explosive and well-balanced offense that ranks second in the NFL in total yards, fourth in rushing, and fourth in passing, the eighth-year veteran has led the Lions to the top of the NFC North standings. With a 99.1 passer rating, which is eighth in the NFL, and a career-high 68.4 percent completion percentage for 2,504 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions, Goff is having an incredible season. His 43-to-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio is the best in the league since the 2022 season began.
Since joining the Lions in 2021, Goff has faced the Bears in four games. Despite being sacked eight times, he has thrown for 961 yards with eight touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 118.6 passer rating. The Bears, who have only logged 13 sacks, will need to make Goff uncomfortable in the pocket. They strengthened their pass rush on October 31 when they acquired defensive end Montez Sweat in a trade with the Commanders.
In the Bears’ most recent contest, the fifth-year player led an enhanced pass rush. Sweat produced eight pressures and three quarterback hits in a 16–13 victory over the Panthers on Nov. 9 at Soldier Field. This helped open up opportunities for fellow linemen Rasheem Green, Justin Jones, and Yannick Ngakoue to record sacks.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus compared the signing of Sweat to the Colts’ 2020 signing of DeForest Buckner, a free agent defensive tackle, during Eberflus’ tenure as Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator.
“Very similar,” Eberflus remarked. “He’s an All-Pro, a top player, and someone who can have an impact on the quarterback. The effect, which I dubbed the “Tez Factor” the other day, is clearly visible. Last week, we had several excellent pressures, hits on the quarterback, and a couple of sacks. That needs to go on. It greatly aided in our reporting. That’s evident to you. Without a doubt, that pressure led to many incomplete passes.”
On Sunday, the Bears defense elevates its game significantly against the Lions. Detroit is the only team in the NFL with running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tight end Sam LaPorta among its four players with at least 400 yards from scrimmage and four scrimmage touchdowns.
Eberflus remarked, “This offense is definitely a good offense.” It requires a lot of skill as they pass the ball to various players and force you to defend it both vertically and horizontally. It will present a significant challenge to us.”
