Ranking Detroit Lions' Top Plays of 2020: No. 5
In this story:
Even though 2020 only resulted in five wins, there were plenty of positive moments for the Detroit Lions.
This is the sixth part of a 10-part series.
No. 10 play of 2020: Jeff Okudah’s first career interception.
No. 9 play of 2020: D’Andre Swift’s hurdle against Washington.
No. 8 play of 2020: Stafford and Hall connect on 73-yard pass.
No. 7 play of 2020: Marvin Jones trucks Chicago defender in season opener
No. 6 play of 2020: Adrian Peterson shows off strength with physical touchdown vs. New Orleans
The Detroit Lions traveled to Chicago in Week 13 of the regular season with a lot to prove.
It was the organization’s first game after firing general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia, and the Lions were looking to salvage the season.
With a 4-7 record, all hope of a winning season was not lost. The rest of the schedule was not favorable by any means. But, a rejuvenated squad under interim head coach Darrell Bevell took the field in the Windy City, looking to start a fire.
Yet, as time dwindled down, the Bears found themselves in control.
A rushing touchdown from David Montgomery late in the first half gave Chicago a 10-point lead heading into the break.
Although the Lions would cut the deficit to three points on two separate occasions, the Bears possessed the ball, up 30-27, with just over 2:00 to play.
After the Lions stifled the Bears on two consecutive runs, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky dropped back to pass on a third-and-4 from his own 17-yard line.
Remember, Trubisky had broken the hearts of Detroit fans already once before in 2020, leading the Bears' comeback victory in the season-opener.
Romeo Okwara wasn’t about to let that happen a second time, though.
Okwara rushed around Chicago’s right tackle, and snuck a hand on to the ball, forcing it free from Trubisky’s grasp. The Lions recovered the fumble at the 7-yard line, putting themselves on the doorstep of victory.
For Okwara, it was the landmark moment of a breakout season.
Okwara posted a career-high 10 sacks on the season, and forced three fumbles -- one of which he recovered himself.
Ultimately, his strip sack in Chicago led to an Adrian Peterson touchdown run, and the Lions left with a win.
The win was the last of Detroit’s season, as it dropped its final four games.
Okwara elected to re-sign with the Lions in the offseason, and is expected to be a vital part of the team's pass-rush in 2021.
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