It was unimpressive statistically, but Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears dominated the Detroit Lions in the second half en route to a 48-24 win on Sunday.
Even though Detroit’s offense ran 76 plays compared to Chicago’s 50 and racked up nearly 400 yards, it wasn’t enough to overcome losing the field position battle. All of the Lions’ 13 drives started from within their own 30-yard line. Out of the Bears 13 drives, only three started behind the 30. With that kind of field position, Jay Cutler didn’t have to throw for 300 yards to get the victory.
It was a tale of two halves at Soldier Field, as the Bears and Lions engaged in a shoot-out in the first half. Matthew Stafford routinely found Calvin Johnson all over the field, including a 54-yarder on the first play of the game. A 61-yard Matt Forte run set up an Elway-like helicopter dive from Jay Cuter into the endzone. Despite that inspirational score, Detroit struck right back with a 72-yard drive for their second TD.
After another short field, the Bears squared the game again with a Kellen Davis endzone snag. Tommie Harris intercepted an errant Stafford pass on the Lions following drive to set up another touchdown, this time on fourth and goal to Greg Olsen. (For the second week in a row.) Still, the Lions were not out.
With 14 points in the first quarter, and a short Kevin Smith TD run to close out the half, the Lions held their ground. That would end when halftime was over.
And..... seeya.
The key play of the game came when the electric Johnny Knox returned the second half opening kickoff 102-yards for a touchdown, breaking a 21-all tie. From there it all went downhill for Detroit. Their next four drives ended in three 3-and-outs and a lost Stafford fumble. Chicago’s defensive line teed off on Detroit’s rookie QB, sacking Stafford five times, including an ugly takedown from Adewale Ogunleye that took Stafford out of the game with a knee injury (which was said to have popped out and then popped back in).
Ouch.
Chicago poured on the points with two Robbie Gould field goals in the third and two rushing touchdowns in the fourth. One of those was another Forte special, this time taking it 37 yards to pay dirt.
Apparently attendees also bought tickets to a gun show.
Now, as fine a win as this was, (and let’s face it, it was) there are some negatives to examine. First, it took Lovie Smith a full half to realize Zack Bowman wasn’t getting the job done against Calvin Johnson. Johnson gained 119 of his 133 receiving yards in that first half, matching up against the smaller Bowman. When they went to Charles Tillman in the second half, Johnson was limited until he went out with a leg injury of his own.
Ron Turner still did not call a solid offensive game. Some of his decisions are plain idiotic, like the screen pass to Devin Hester at the goal line. When you’re four yards away from the endzone, why pass it backwards? The defense only has so much field to cover, it’s not going to take them long to reach the receiver. It also doesn’t help that Hester also injured his shoulder on that play. Turner needs to get this offense right, because with Cutler at the helm there are no more excuses.
This following week the Bears have a bye, and it could not come soon enough. Johnny Knox and the aforementioned Hester left this game with minor injuries. However, they along with linebackers Pisa Tinoisamoa and Hunter Hillenmeyer should be able to return week six against the Falcons. The only question is who starts at middle linebacker: Nick Roach or Hillenmeyer? Questions to be answered another day.
For now, relish the week off and your Bears’ surprising 3-1 record. Thanks for reading! Look for my Opening Drive later in the week!
