Time for revenge! Following their ugly Monday night loss to the Lions in week five, the Bears have won three in a row and are nipping at the heels of Detroit in the NFC North standings. If the Bears win they’ll be tied with Detroit for second in the NFC North and in prime position for the first Wildcard slot come playoff time. Let’s break down this incredibly important contest.
(6-2) Detroit Lions at
(5-3) Chicago Bears
A lot could be made of Chris Harris’ impact on the Detroit Lions since they claimed him off of waivers, but his impact was probably more significant in preparation and film study than it will be on the field. There was a reason the Bears let him go. He just wasn’t making plays anymore. In their first match-up, the Lion front four made plenty of noise against a developing Bear offensive line. It should be much more of an even playing field today after the improvements that have been made on the line and in the game-planning. Chicago will excel on offense if they can keep Matt Forte on the outside and in space. Detroit’s linebackers are suspect at best in their run defense, so Forte and Marion Barber have to figure heavily in the offensive scheme, regardless of the elements. Ndamukong Suh has been getting a lot of hype this season, but his production has tailed off, especially in his run defense. Expect Barber to run right at Suh just to test his resolve and football acumen. On the outside, all I know is that Earl Bennett needs to be out there as much as possible after the production he showed last week. Devin Hester is active for the Bears, so special teams figures to be its typical explosive self. Cutler has to continue making excellent reads and finding the open man, whoever that may be. Jay’s run of exceptional games has him right knocking at the “elite quarterback” door, so another clutch performance in a big-time environment is just what the pundit ordered.
Word at Soldier Field is that the Windy city is in full effect, which should make for off-target passes. While it could affect Mike Martz’ gameplan, he’s got Matt Forte. It should greatly hinder Matthew Stafford and Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. As good as Stafford’s arm is, he’s not typically accurate enough to make up for this kind of outside variable. Since running back Jahvid Best will be inactive today (big surprise), the Detroit running game will be non-existent. There will be no big plays on the ground this time around from the Lions. Julius Peppers has to take advantage of his superior athleticism against the Lions’ stout tackles and put Stafford on the ground early and often. Like any QB, Stafford can get rattled if you cramp his space. So I want Peppers in his jock.
The Odds:The Bears are a 2.5 point home favorite.
The Prediction:Revenge is a dish best served… windy? I think the Bears take this one at home because they absolutely have to have it.
How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?I’m feeling like it’s a light day, so maybe two or three? That being said, I’ll probably get an aneurysm four minutes in.
Message to the Bears:If you don’t win this game, your postseason hopes are severely hampered, as you’ll have given the Lions the inside track to the first wildcard slot. Give yourself as much help as possible and declaw these kittens.
Go get ‘em Chicago!
