NFL Thanksgiving Review: Thrilling Games and Controversial Endings
The NFL’s Thanksgiving slate provided fans with exciting football, featuring close contests and dramatic finishes. From a controversial clock management decision in Detroit to playoff implications in Dallas and Green Bay, here’s a comprehensive look at the day’s action.
Bears’ Late-Game Blunder Costs Them in Detroit
The Chicago Bears suffered a heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions in the day’s opening game, marred by a puzzling clock management decision in the final seconds.
With the Bears trailing by three and driving for a potential game-tying field goal, head coach Matt Eberflus opted not to use the team’s final timeout, leading to a chaotic and unsuccessful final play.
Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback, had engineered an impressive comeback from a 16-0 deficit, throwing three touchdown passes to bring Chicago within striking distance.
However, as the clock ticked down with the Bears at the Lions’ 41-yard line, Williams was forced to hurry a deep throw to Rome Odunze that fell incomplete as time expired.
Eberflus defended his decision post-game, stating, “I like what we did there. Again, once it’s under 12 (seconds) there, you’re going to call timeout there, you don’t have an option”. However, players and fans alike were bewildered by the events’ sequence.
Keenan Allen, Bears wide receiver, summed up the team’s confusion: “I seen the Detroit Lions walking on the field, I’m like, ‘Damn, (what) they are doing? What’s going on?’ I didn’t realize the time had run out”.
The loss dropped the Bears to 4-8 on the season, while the Lions improved to an impressive 11-1 record – the best start in franchise history.
Cowboys Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
In Dallas, the Cowboys continued their improbable late-season playoff push with a 27-20 victory over their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants. Despite playing without starting quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas improved to 5-7 on the season.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush performed admirably, throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown. However, running back Rico Dowdle stole the show, rushing for a career-high 112 yards and a score.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed cautious optimism after the game, saying, “Well, where we are, I haven’t had time to think past even the quarter, as far as can we get us a win. This is the NFL. Any team can give you the loss”.
Packers Dominate Dolphins in Green Bay
The final game of the day saw the Green Bay Packers put on an offensive clinic, defeating the Miami Dolphins 30-17 at Lambeau Field. Quarterback Jordan Love tossed two touchdown passes, both to Jayden Reed, while running back Josh Jacobs continued his impressive streak of 100-plus scrimmage yard games.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised his team’s performance, calling it a “total team win.” The victory improved Green Bay’s record to 9-3, setting up a crucial NFC North clash with the Lions next week.
As the NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition continues to provide thrilling entertainment, these games will be remembered for their dramatic finishes, playoff implications, and the ongoing debate surrounding the Bears’ clock management mishap.