The Chicago Bears will be looking for the first win over a division opponent this week, while the Lions will be flying high after snapping their 19 game losing streak dating back to 2007. Chicago defensive line coach/ assistant head coach Rod Marinelli will be facing his former team for the first time. Kickoff will be Sunday at noon Central Time at Soldier Field.
Week 3 Recap
Last week had to be a bittersweet win for Detroit, as their win over the Redskins came in front of the smallest crowd at their home field in 20 years, and with the game being blacked out on television. Nonetheless, owner William Clay Ford says the win was like getting King Kong off their back, and hoping that the win "gets us over that hump and gives us a winning attitude." The Lions set the tone in that game early, stopping the Redskins in the first quarter on a 4th and 1 goal line stand, which set up a 99 yards TD drive. The Lions never trailed in that game, and Matt Stafford looked like the QB the Lions hoped he would be after drafting him #1 overall in this past April's draft.
The Bears got a win of their own last week as well, having traveled to Seattle for what ended up being a much tougher contest than anticipated with the Seahawks. But, after having virtually zero offensive rhythm early in the game, Jay Cutler and company put together a couple of late game drives, and came out with a well earned victory. Cutler ended the day 21/27 for 247 yards and 3 TDs, while Devin Hester and Earl Bennett combined for 9 catches for 156 yards. Matt Forte also had over 100 yards of total offense.
Key Match Ups for Week 4
The Bears defense has definitely shown a bend but don't break pattern this season, and this could end up allowing Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson to develop a good rhythm in the passing game. The Bears have provided a pretty good pass rush this season, but short passes (screens, quick slants, etc) could easily offset any pass rush we may generate against the Lions. Johnson is dangerous when he gets the ball, so Chicago will really have to do a good job of tackling to keep from getting beat by the talented WR.
On the other side of the football, Detroit ranks 30th in the league for passing yards allowed per game (278.7) but 16th in rushing yards allowed (111.3). With Chicago's running game not nearly as effective as last season, we should see a good passing attack at Soldier Field Sunday. Will we get off the bus running? We might, but look for early and often play-action passes from Cutler. The Lions only have one player with more than one sack, and that is from defensive end Jason Hunter, with 2 sacks. Chris Williams should have his hands full this week against the 6'4, 271 lb defensive lineman.
Injury updates for both teams will be coming soon.