Win Probability Added: +44.38
NEP: +6.20
We all know Detroit Lions fans are masochists. To stick with a franchise that had a combined 8-40 record from 2008 to 2010 means you’re a glutton for some serious punishment (looking at you, Cleveland Browns).
Quarterback Matthew Stafford takes this to all new levels, though, giving up just enough turnovers to keep the games interesting and allow him to be a comeback hero. I kid, of course, but that’s what it felt like late in the fourth quarter between the Lions and their rival, the Chicago Bears.
Stafford has had some bad arm punts in the past, but this one was pretty darn ugly. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin had been having a strong day as the slot receiver/possession target, but he and the quarterback were not on the same page here.
A slow break outside coupled with Stafford throwing the ball behind his out-cutting receiver meant Bears cornerback Cre'von LeBlanc could jump the route and take the ball back 24 yards to the house to put the Bears up by four with half a quarter to play.