The Chicago Bears have publicly questioned the integrity of the Detroit Lions following a bizarre sequence at the end of the first half on Sunday, where rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa made a stunning one-handed sideline catch that set off a storm of controversy.
According to Bears players and staff, the game clock appeared to freeze for nearly two seconds after the catch, giving Detroit an “extra play” they used to score a critical touchdown before halftime. “The clock doesn’t just stop like that,” said one anonymous Bears assistant. “It felt like someone hit pause for the Lions.”
Chicago media outlets have echoed the sentiment, suggesting possible “clock manipulation” or officiating favoritism. Slow-motion footage shared on social media shows the clock hesitating between :02 and :01 while Lions players hurried to the line, fueling speculation that the referees were influenced by the home crowd or the league’s desire to see Detroit thrive.
Despite the media storyline, Goff says the Lions weren’t trying to send a message to former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (now with the Bears) when they beat Chicago. Goff said he respected Johnson, but their focus was simply on winning.