Detroit was outplayed for much of the game in Chicago, being out-gained by the Bears by 80 net yards, having five less first downs, and committing more penalties. The one area the Lions did manage to eek out an advantage was in the turnover battle, and that made all the difference. The Bears threw two interceptions, including one to end the game, to the Lions one. The Bears also lost two fumbles, giving the Lions a plus three in the turnover category.
Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers played a great game and blocked a field goal that would have increased the Bears lead. Instead, Bracey Walker picked up the ball and returned it ninety-two yards for a touchdown to put the Lions ahead 10-7 early in the second half. It was the first time in the storied history of the Bears that the franchise has had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, after Bears running back Thomas Jones had scored his second two-yard touchdown, Joey Harrington connected with Az Hakim for the go-ahead score that put the Lions ahead for good. Lions safety Bracey Walker, who scored the Lions first touchdown of the season, picked off Bears quarterback Rex Grossman in the end zone to seal the Lions first road victory of the George W. Bush administration.
Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers fractured his collarbone, the same injury that sidelined him his rookie year, early in the game ending his season. The second-overall pick of the 2003 draft had looked promising during the pre-season and was thought to be forming a dynamic young duo at wide receiver with Roy Williams, but the rookie will now have to prove he is a legitimate number one receiver in the league.
Cornerback Dre' Bly, the Lions only representative in Hawaii last year, sprained a knee ligament. Bly is expected to miss a minimum of two weeks. With the Lions best linebacker, Boss Bailey, already out until November, the injury bug has taken a big bite out of the Lions. Rogers joins fullback Paul Smith, safety Brian Walker, cornerback Dainon Sidney and running back Olandis Gary on the injured reserve list.
The Lions return home to Ford Field next Sunday to face the 0-1 Houston Texans with a good opportunity to start the season 2-0.
