Was there ever a better day for the Bears-Lions rivalry to be showcased then Thanksgiving Day? These games were special to me living in NJ, and getting the rare chance to see my team on national television. Even when we were visiting friends or relatives, I made it my business to see the entire game by hook-or-crook.
The first game that I remember well was the Bears 1977 thanksgiving showdown in Detroit. The Bears were 6-5 at the time with great aspirations of making the post-season for the first time since the 60's. The Lions were 5-6 and still mathematically in the hunt. The Lions took the field pumped-up and determined to
give their fans a memorable performance. The Lions drew first blood on a TD pass from Greg Landry to David Hill to take a 7-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, and led at the half.
In the 3rd quarter, it was all Chicago. QB Bob Avellini began the 17-0 run with a
42 yard TD pass to Bo Rather, and a 75 yard catch-and-run to Walter Payton. Kicker Bob Thomas capped the 3rd quarter bum-rush with a 29 yard field goal. The score was 17-7 at the end of 3, and the Bears never looked back. Avellini and Payton sealed the game in the 4th quarter with short TD runs. After the "smoke" cleared, the Bears left the
Silverdome with a 31-14 mauling of the Lions and a 7-5 record.
In 1980, the Bears met the Lions again on Turkey-Day, but things were a bit different in this game. The Bears trailed 10-3 at the half, then fell behind in the 3rd quarter 17-3. All seemed lost, plus the Bears came into the game with a 5-8 record
and were pretty much out of playoff race. However in the 4th quarter, QB Vince Evans took charge of the game throwing a TD pass to Bob Fisher, and running for another with seconds left in regulation. Suddenly the game was tied 17 all. Then came the most electrifying moment of the game in OT. Reserve RB Dave Williams took the opening OT kickoff 95 yards to the house giving the Bears the game 23-17 before stunned Detroit crowd (see Youtube Video).
Yes, when I remember Thanksgiving games our Bears have played, I always remember these two games vividly. The Bears never fared to well on Turkey-Day in Dallas, but honestly to a Bear fan those games never meant much unless the stakes were high (regarding post-season play). Today the Bears will continue their long and needed rest for their game against the Eagles and Mike Vick this Sunday.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING BEARS & ALL BEAR FANS!!!
