Joe's Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears

One thing is for sure going into this Sunday’s match-up at Solider Field: these aren’t the 2008 Lions. Know how I know that? The 2009 Lions have won a game. It happened just last weekend against the Redskins. Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is hoping to turn it into a streak, with the Chicago Bears playing their second victim.  

For Jay Cutler and the offense, it should be a fairly simple philosophy: don’t turn the ball over. Detroit’s defense is allowing an average of close to 29 points a game and 400 yards to their opponents this season. Options on the ground or through the air should be open to Ron Turner and this still-developing offensive system. The wide receivers must continue to make strides with Cutler, but their progression has been a pleasant surprise after the fervor from writers (including me) over the off-season. 

Greg Olsen should see less double coverage as the receivers threaten more, and getting him open is paramount to Chicago’s success. Thankfully, tight end Desmond Clark is expected to return to action on Sunday, lessening the burden on Olsen’s shoulders.  

For the offensive line, an emphasis should be placed on opening up holes for Matt Forte and the running game. Their lack of cohesiveness has shown through three games, as the Bears are only averaging 71 yards on the ground per contest. With Cutler under center, there should be plenty of room to run if their blocks are executed properly. (That goes for you too Olsen.) Fortunately, Detroit’s big defensive tackle Grady Jackson is listed as questionable with a knee injury. At 345 pounds, he’s not an easy man to move around.

Focusing on Lovie Smith’s defense, this contest should play right into their strengths. Charles Tillman should be matched-up with the dynamic Calvin Johnson for most of the game. Tillman is much better-suited against bigger receivers and Johnson certainly is a beast. Zack Bowman’s youth will be pitted against veteran receiver Bryant Johnson, so he should have the speed to make-up for any mistakes. If he plays, Lions running back Kevin Smith will not be 100% due to a shoulder injury, which could give more opportunities for a fumble-forcing defensive unit.  

Linebackers Hunter Hillenmeyer and Pisa Tinoisamoa are both expected to miss another week, so Nick Roach and Jamar Williams will start alongside Lance Briggs this week. Roach and Williams filled in admirably last week, so let’s see how they fare with a week’s preparation under their belt. 

Against rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, Chicago must do a better job of disguising their coverages. Lovie Smith loves to blitz, and Sunday will naturally be no exception. But Stafford must not be allowed to make easy reads against Smith’s cover-two scheme. His fellow rookie, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, could have a monster day finding soft areas in the middle of the field if the pressure doesn’t get to Stafford quickly.  

Matthew Stafford getting ready to sling it against the 'Skins. 

Just like last week, Chicago has no business losing this game to an obviously lesser opponent. Still, no game in the NFL is a lock. Lovie Smith’s team must earn their victory against a now-rabid Lions squad. Finishing the first quarter 3-1 would be a welcome surprise for most fans. Especially this one.  

Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend’s games! Be sure to check out my Opening Drive of Week 4 and to follow me on Twitter for in-game tweets and analysis!