Windy City Gridiron - NFL Week 4: Chicago Bears vs Detroit LionsA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2016-10-03T09:00:03-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/129017932016-10-03T09:00:03-05:002016-10-03T09:00:03-05:00Three winners and three losers from Bears vs Lions
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<img alt="Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f7oXMT4WrygkqqBFPTnTLLIrAGM=/2x0:2998x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51158591/611983478.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears played a good football game on Sunday. Here are our winners and losers from that contest.</p> <p id="Cz0pxf">The Chicago Bears entered Sunday with more questions than answers, in all phases of their football team. That includes roster holes, depth concerns, coaching issues, and three units worth of scheming questions.</p>
<p id="rJMHDB">Those questions were what led to an 0-3 start to the 2016 season, and fans sitting at home wondering just how bad this year would possibly be.</p>
<p id="qoWVFF">On Sunday, their second home game of the season almost seemed like a ‘win or else’ situation for John Fox and his crew, and boy did they rise to the occasion. The Lions strolled in with a top-5 offense led by Matthew Stafford, but were sent packing without having scored a single touchdown on the day.</p>
<p id="9ScEdQ">The Bears offense was in a great rhythm for four full quarters, and Soldier Field was rocking for 60 minutes of football.</p>
<p id="JhwXCd"><strong>THREE WINNERS</strong></p>
<ul id="Wjvlvi">
<li>Quarterback, Brian Hoyer: For the second straight game, Hoyer filled in for an injured Jay Cutler, and for the second straight game, he threw for over 300 yards with no interceptions. Hoyer marched the Bears offense up and down the field, threw the football with pinpoint accuracy, and closed out with this stat line: 28/ 36, 302 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 120.1 rating. If Jay Cutler needs another week for his thumb to heal, Hoyer has given this team enough to earn their trust.</li>
<li id="MG9m6o">Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains: Through the first three games, Loggains drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike. His play-calling and scheming was too conservative, often times seeing the offense sputter before it could even get off the ground. But on Sunday against the Lions, he stepped up and called a great game, and had the offense moving at a quickened pace. They played in an impressive rhythm for four quarters, and he got every key play-maker on offense involved.</li>
<li id="3TNmx2">Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio: We mentioned above the top-5 offense of the Detroit Lions... The Bears defensive unit is among the most beat-up and depleted in the league, but Fangio was able to out-scheme the Matthew Stafford- led offense, and sent Detroit home without scoring a single offensive touchdown.</li>
<li id="58AKnM">Honorable mentions: Eddie Royal, Jordan Howard, the entire Offensive Line</li>
</ul>
<p id="ME7Hss"><strong>THREE LOSERS</strong></p>
<ul id="e8v6b7">
<li>Special Teams coach Jeff Rogers: The Bears ST unit has struggled for most of this season so far, and Sunday was no different. Against the Lions, they missed a FG, had a punt returned for a touchdown, and nearly botched an onside kick attempt by the Lions late in the game.</li>
<li id="6H6Mat">Running Back Joique Bell: Is it fair to criticize a guy who only had three carries in the game, and who just got signed by the team a few days ago? Normally, of course not. But in one of Bell’s carries, the Bears were 3rd and short in a critical time in the game, needed a conversion, and Bell took the handoff and passively ran forward. He did not seem to be running with aggression, but more or less floated forward until he was knocked down by the Lions defense. The Bears didn’t convert, and Bell didn’t do anything to ensure he stays on the team if/when Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey come back. [Note: This is probably unfair.]</li>
<li>The guy who ran onto the field in a gorilla suit: </li>
</ul>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A guy dressed as a gorilla wearing an "all lives matter" shirt just ran onto the field at the Bears game <a href="https://t.co/QJLfuS1b1U">pic.twitter.com/QJLfuS1b1U</a></p>— Nik Gaur (@Gaur_Nik) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gaur_Nik/status/782664322241613824">October 2, 2016</a>
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<p id="zCwwRQ">Who were your winners and losers from Sunday?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/3/13142028/three-winners-and-three-losers-from-bears-vs-lionsDane Noble2016-10-02T15:08:32-05:002016-10-02T15:08:32-05:00Bears vs Lions Final Score: Brian Hoyer leads Chicago to 17-14 victory over Detroit
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<img alt="NFL: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nGijw5b5OFPJImgWZiXxF7MKNhA=/0x480:1588x1539/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51155977/usa-today-9584631.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears finally got their first win of the 2016 season, thanks to tough defense and Brian Hoyer’s command of offense</p> <p id="x8WfJT">The Chicago Bears did something on Sunday that surprised fans and critics alike: They dominated the Detroit Lions on both sides of the football, and walked away from Soldier Field with their first win of the 2016 season. Of course, that’s pretending like the special teams play didn’t screw up, but we’ll talk about that later.</p>
<p id="5lcG4t">Before the game, many were wondering if the beat-up Bears roster could compete with the Detroit Lions, who are no longer the NFL’s red-headed step child... But on Sunday, not only did the Bears compete— they won definitively both offensively and defensively.</p>
<p id="lWg7Fs"><strong>GOOD JOB, BRIAN HOYER</strong></p>
<p id="Elz5ep">The Bears quarterback position continues to be a lightening rod for attention, and with Jay Cutler injured and inactive for the second week in a row, backup Brian Hoyer took the reins and led the Bears offense into battle. And for the second straight game, Hoyer threw for over 300 yards, made zero mistakes, and spread the ball around like smart quarterbacks do.</p>
<p id="76X3b1"><strong>GOOD JOB, DOWELL LOGGAINS</strong></p>
<p id="xzINkF">When Adam Gase left Chicago for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job, the Bears promoted Dowell Loggains into that role for two reasons: 1- He would run basically the same system that Gase had found success with, and 2- Because of the development of Jay Cutler under his tutelage while quarterbacks coach.</p>
<p id="yOi2Za">However, in his first three games of the 2016 season, the new Bears OC drew sharp criticism for his vanilla play-calling and passive approach to game-planning. Things weren’t looking good for Loggains’ long-term prospects, but on Sunday against the Lions, he might have turned things around.</p>
<p id="maONZ1">The offense was moving at a great rhythm in all four quarters, with a good blend of rushes and passes. Loggains did a great job today.</p>
<p id="E84qK9"><strong>GOOD JOB, DEFENSE</strong></p>
<p id="mFsnWE">Despite a few drives where the Bears defense couldn’t find ways to stop the Lions from eating up yards, they held strong when it mattered most. Most notably, on a goal-line stand in the 3rd quarter when the Lions marched down the field without much effort, the Bears front-7 stood their ground and forced Detroit to kick a field goal.</p>
<p id="0mdE6q"><strong>WHAT’S UP WITH THOSE SPECIAL TEAMS, YO?</strong></p>
<p id="i2Hudy">We know Jeff Rogers worked for John Fox in Denver and is generally considered a good coach, but the Chicago Bears special teams has had some issues this year. On Sunday, they missed a field goal by Connor Barth, gave up a punt return touchdown, and almost completely screwed up the Lions final onside kick attempt.</p>
<p id="gFuAy2">They need to shore that up, and quickly, because special teams contribute to wins and losses about 75% of NFL games.</p>
<p id="PF3SfN"><strong>FINAL STATS</strong></p>
<p id="0RPpCl">Brian Hoyer: 28/ 36, 302 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 120.1 rating</p>
<p id="XKW610">Jordan Howard: 23 rushes, 111 yards | 3 receptions, 21 yards</p>
<p id="UZmHan">Eddie Royal: 7 receptions, 111 yards, 1 TD</p>
<p id="8KktoY">Kevin White: 6 receptions, 55 yards (<a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13140062/chicago-bears-kevin-white-ankle-injury-detroit-lions-nfl-2016">INJURY UPDATE HERE</a>)</p>
<p id="plpLdA">Alshon Jeffery 3 receptions, 46 yards</p>
<p id="2VXcEh">Zach Miller: 3 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD</p>
<p id="59Fb0r">Kudos, Chicago Bears. You got a win. Up next: Indianapolis Colts</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13140378/bears-vs-lions-final-score-brian-hoyer-leads-chicago-to-17-14-victory-over-detroitDane Noble2016-10-02T14:20:15-05:002016-10-02T14:20:15-05:00Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 4th Quarter Open Thread
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<img alt="Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sAq6d5MZi7W56j2remxzb28Oim8=/2x0:2998x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51155545/612039884.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears are looking to get their first win of the 2016 season.</p> <p id="VWSmGA"><strong>**SCORE UPDATE**</strong></p>
<p id="o5wIGM">Chicago Bears 14</p>
<p id="YLX50z">Detroit Lions 6</p>
<p id="2G2gWn">—-———-————</p>
<p id="LMa92u">After having a quiet 2nd quarter, the Chicago Bears came out swinging in the 3rd. Brian Hoyer showed excellent command of an offense that is playing at an uptempo, rhythmic pace under the play-calling of Dowell Loggains. The new Chicago Bears offensive coordinator has gotten his share of criticism to start 2016, but so far this week, he’s called a good game.</p>
<p id="Dh3779">The Bears defense had a great goal-line stand against the Lions in the 3rd quarter, holding Detroit to only a field goal after marching downfield almost unchallenged.</p>
<p id="ivGcUk">Matthew Stafford has kept his composure, but for the most part, has struggled to get anything going against a Bears defense that’s playing with speed and aggression.</p>
<p id="RJg3uQ">Can the Bears keep the momentum going and close out this game with their first victory of 2016? Stay tuned...</p>
<p id="gLflyP">This is your Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 4th Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13140034/chicago-bears-vs-detroit-lions-3rd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2016-10-02T13:35:06-05:002016-10-02T13:35:06-05:00Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 3rd Quarter Open Thread
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<img alt="NFL: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ShUeUeXntkCpaIWBWa1ExbcHhoc=/0x0:1791x1194/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51154825/usa-today-9584478.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below as our game day coverage continues!</p> <p id="Cu3is2">**SCORE UPDATE**</p>
<p id="urJqru">Chicago Bears 7</p>
<p id="iKxAMw">Detroit Lions 3</p>
<p id="ur3fF9">____________________</p>
<p id="Mdnp4m">The Chicago Bears had a great first quarter, moving the football on offense and holding Matt Stafford and the Lions offense at bay on defense.</p>
<p id="G3JkFx">The second quarter saw more of a defensive battle each way, with the Bears picking up an unfortunate amount of penalty flags along the way.</p>
<p id="VHdDMm">The offensive line is holding up well against the Lions front-7, and Brian Hoyer is playing good football. In the first half, he completed passes to six different receivers, with Dowell Loggains running an efficient scheme with an uptempo rhythm.</p>
<p id="YoaSVB">The Bears dominated Time of Possession, but that was despite the one negative from the first half: A sludgy running game. The Bears have tried getting the running game going with both Jordan Howard and Joique Bell, but so far, it’s been ineffective at best.</p>
<p id="jxQ5dg">Soldier Field is rocking, but can the Bears come out strong in the second half? Stay tuned...</p>
<p id="iC75v5">This is your Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 3rd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13139404/chicago-bears-vs-detroit-lions-3rd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2016-10-02T12:41:22-05:002016-10-02T12:41:22-05:00Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 2nd Quarter Open Thread
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<img alt="Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BsAKchcg4mOuwDdOa04zZoRbY6Y=/0x112:3764x2621/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51153885/611972490.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Join us inside as our live discussion continues!</p> <p id="AaF70y"><strong>**SCORE UPDATE**</strong></p>
<p id="KOsE68">Chicago Bears 7</p>
<p id="cIUSpb">Detroit Lions 0</p>
<p id="nVReKB">———-——————</p>
<p id="gAGtXs">The Chicago Bears returned to Soldier Field in hopes of getting their first win of the season in front of a home crowd, and things started off well enough against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.</p>
<p id="BLP8sl">Despite their first possession leading to a punt, the Bears offense bounced back in their second possession, with Brian Hoyer leading his team down the field for a touchdown.</p>
<p id="QqAC0q">The offensive line looked good early on, providing solid pass protection for Hoyer as he completed passes to four of five different receivers in his first two possessions.</p>
<p id="yOIU9M">The Bears defense also looked good early on, causing the Lions to have to punt on their first two possessions.</p>
<p id="j0zNZr">Can the Bears keep up the momentum and finally notch their first win of the year? Or are they who we thought they were, and we haven’t seen them fall apart yet?</p>
<p id="Gx3eFw">This is your Bears vs Lions 2nd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13138888/chicago-bears-vs-detroit-lions-2nd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2016-10-02T11:45:03-05:002016-10-02T11:45:03-05:00Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 1st Quarter Open Thread
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<p>The Bears return to Soldier Field for Week 4, still in search of their first win in 2016.</p> <p id="z7COfc">The Chicago Bears had high hopes for their 2016 season, the second that general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have had together. But the injury bug has bitten repeatedly and depth issues have been exposed... And the Bears are 0-3 to start the regular season.</p>
<p id="054wBn">Chicago returns to Soldier Field for the second time this year, in hopes of notching their first win of the season. The Detroit Lions are coming to town riding high, as they have dominated Chicago in recent years.</p>
<p id="PwFewb">Can John Fox, Dowell Loggains, and Vic Fangio put together some sort of gameplan that can be effective for their depleted roster? Or will the Lions roll into Soldier Field and send Bears fans home disappointed again?</p>
<p id="lPo7dR">One thing we haven’t seen as much as last year, especially on the offensive side of the football, are in-game adjustments to scheme and play-calling. Loggains has big shoes to fill since Adam Gase left for Miami, but his time is running out to win this team over.</p>
<p id="id2q8c">This is your Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions 1st Quarter Open Thread.... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13137656/chicago-bears-vs-detroit-lions-1st-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2016-10-02T11:11:45-05:002016-10-02T11:11:45-05:00Bears vs Lions game ticket features Robbie Gould<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/phil_rosenthal/status/782612664400879616">Bears vs Lions game ticket features Robbie&nbsp;Gould</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>This is... odd.</p></p></div>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13138306/bears-vs-lions-game-ticket-features-robbie-gouldDane Noble2016-10-02T10:38:39-05:002016-10-02T10:38:39-05:00Bears vs Lions inactives: Jay Cutler inactive for second straight game with thumb injury
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<img alt="Bears QB Jay Cutler" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lDJ5SkXLjUBbbQNFyxaPRdpiozs=/0x24:3000x2024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51152361/610478850.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears annouced their list of inactive players for Week 4.</p> <p id="didHpD">The Chicago Bears hope to get their first win of 2016 in front of a home crowd at Soldier Field on Sunday— a crowd that will be more than likely weary and restless from the opening kickoff— but with the injuries that have mounted so far this season, knocking off the Detroit Lions could prove to be a significant challenge.</p>
<p id="Vtwjgv">For the second straight week, they will have to take on that challenge with their starting quarterback being placed in the inactive list. Jay Cutler suffered a sprained thumb on his throwing hand two games ago, and while he returned to practice this week, he didn’t do much while he was out there.</p>
<p id="j8oAVL">The full list of inactives:</p>
<ul id="K3XZSo">
<li>QB Jay Cutler</li>
<li id="QYYQqZ">RB Ka’Deem Carey</li>
<li id="BlUWrI">RB Jeremy Langford</li>
<li id="A583CR">OL Eric Kush</li>
<li id="ripK7g">DB Deon Bush</li>
<li id="tS7M9J">DL Eddie Goldman</li>
<li id="gLp9Km">LB Danny Trevathan</li>
</ul>
<p id="cxz22C">Here are some injured Bears who are ACTIVE for the Lions game:</p>
<ul>
<li id="9io60o">Tracy Porter </li>
<li id="OgzXU2">Sherrick McManis </li>
<li id="fimVCy">Josh Sitton </li>
<li id="e2Kbay">Willie Young </li>
<li id="JjA2HS">Jonathan Bullard </li>
<li id="W5TyeL">Harold Jones-Quartey</li>
</ul>
<p id="klXoGb">Brian Hoyer gets his second straight start at quarterback, with rookie Jordan Howard getting the nod at running back.</p>
<p id="23i4XA">Stay tuned...</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2016/10/2/13137988/bears-vs-lions-inactives-jay-cutler-inactive-for-second-straight-game-with-thumb-injuryDane Noble