The Detroit Lions' defense kept Matt Forte in check Sunday. It even held Jay Cutler to 123 yards passing. The Lions' offense -- explosive for most of the season -- had an opportunity to win this matchup, but two crucial Matthew Stafford interceptions did in Detroit. Together, they are the subject of this week's Anatomy of a Play.
Down 20-6 at halftime, Detroit needed a lift. After forcing a three and out on the Bears' opening drive of the third quarter, the Lions took over at their own 20. On second-and-8 from the 22-yard line, Stafford had tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler on the left side of the formation -- Pettigrew in the slot, Scheffler out wide. Pettigrew drew double coverage from Chicago's Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, leaving Scheffler in single coverage on the edge. Stafford made the throw to Scheffler, but the ball was significantly underthrown. Bears safety Major Wright made the easy pick and returned it for the score.
Down 27-6, the Lions got the ball right back and again the possession ended in a hurry. On third-and-2 from the Detroit 42, Stafford targeted Calvin Johnson. The play likely called for Johnson to run the short slant, but with cornerback Charles Tillman playing tight man coverage, Johnson broke his route at the last second. But it was too late. Stafford threw the slant and Tillman intercepted it with ease. He too returned it for the score.
After just six offensive plays in the second half, the Lions' 14-point deficit had doubled. It proved too big of a hole for Detroit to dig out of and the Lions fell to the Bears 37-13.
