The Chicago Bears had a chance to tie or win their game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day – but time ran out while they were able to take advantage of a timeout.

Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked with 32 seconds left, but the Bears strangely didn’t stop the clock.

Williams then hit the ball with seven seconds left, knocking wide receiver Rome Odunze to the ground – the ball hitting the turf as the clock reached zero, giving the Lions a 23-20 victory.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus watches the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday. (Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The lack of a timeout was very unpopular with many on social media, who immediately began calling for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus’ job.

But Eberflus had his reasons.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to pass during Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

The Lions made franchise history at 11-1 after fending off the Bears on Thanksgiving

Considering the ball was at the Detroit 41 on the final play of the game, the Bears could have gained a few yards and then called a timeout to score a game-winning field goal.

But Eberflus said Williams waited too long to start the play — Eberlus wanted the ball to travel with about 18 seconds left, but it wasn’t snapped for another 11 seconds.

It was the Bears’ sixth straight loss, with each of their last two against NFC North rivals ending with just a field goal.

The Lions are now 11-1, their best start in franchise history, as quarterback Jared Goff threw two touchdowns, both to tight end Sam LaPorta, who finished the game with three catches for six yards.

Goff completed 21 of 34 for 221 yards, with wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the field with 73 yards on five receptions.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to pass in Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit. (Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, Williams turned things up in the second half, passing for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Keenan Allen had 73 yards while DJ Moore managed 97 yards.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.