Lions Trip Up Bears on the Road

CHICAGO – Alvin Moore plunged in from 2 yards out with 1:59 left to lift the Lions to a 17-14 win against the host Bears.

Detroit (5-3) took advantage on the final drive off a Lew Barnes fumble on a punt return with 3:42 remaining. Big Rich Strenger fell on it on the Bears 27. A pass interference call on DB Reggie Phillips moved the ball to the 9. Three running plays later the Lions had the go ahead touchdown.

Chicago (2-6) tallied the only score in the first 30 minutes when Jim McMahon aired it out to Willie Gault on a 42-yard strike at the 8:30 mark of the 1^st quarter. This came after the Bears were given new life when Keith Ferguson was whistled for offsides during a punt on 4^th and 2.  

The Lions tied it with 4:30 left in the 3^rd when QB Eric Hipple (29-37-309-1 TD-1 Int) connected with WR Jeff Chadwick (11-138-1 TD) on a 9-yard scoring pass. They went ahead 10-7 at 9:59 of the 4^th, following a massive 14-play, 84-yard drive which took 7:34 off the clock. Eddie Murray finished it with a 29-yard field goal.

The Bears responded on the ensuing drive, covering 80 yards and culminating with a 17-yard McMahon to Dennis Gentry scoring toss; 14-10 Chicago.

A Steve McMichael sack on Hipple forced Detroit to punt, but Barnes coughed it up.

The second half of the 1986 ARAIG season begins next week with the Lions hosting the Bengals and the Bears hosting the Rams.

Very fun black and blue division game against Gene.