It's finally upon us. The Chicago Bears are opening up their season on the lake front and are welcoming in the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Despite winning only two games last year (and none the year before) the Lions are slowly progressing towards respectability. A win in Chicago on Sunday would go a long way. Can the Bears fend them off in the windy city or will their preseason woes continue in the regular season?
(0-0) Detroit Lions at
(0-0) Chicago Bears
Showing no signs of explosiveness in the preseason, the Chicago offense should have a chance to get on track against the Lions. Jay Cutler should be able to pick apart a porous Detroit secondary that might be without starting safety Louis Delmas, the only real play-maker in the back seven. Where the Bears may run into trouble is in the trenches. Chris Williams is going to need some help against end Kyle Vanden Bosch, likely in the form of a tight end or running back chip-block. Freakishly strong Ndamukong Suh is going to give Roberto Garza and Olin Kreutz fits up the middle and shouldn't see many single blockers if the Bears intend on keeping Jay upright. If I ran the Bear offense, I would establish Matt Forte and Chester Taylor early and bring the Lions into tight coverage to guard against the run. If they're expecting the pass, then gash them with the run. Since the Lion secondary is so weak, the downfield throws will eventually open up and Cutler will be able to take advantage on play-action throws if they've made a concerted effort to set-up the defense. If they don't score in the high 20's, Mike Martz's offense should feel ashamed.
As out-matched as the Detroit defense will be, Chicago's will have just as many problems, if not more. Certainly the Bears will have the same advantage on the line thanks to the presence of Julius Peppers. Sending him against Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus on the outside will undoubtedly result in hits on second year-QB Matthew Stafford. Even using Peppers on the interior could work against this Lion offensive line. Where the Bears will see issues is in pass coverage. With Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Bryant Johnson at receiver and Brandon Pettigrew at tight end, the Lions are going to get yards in chunks. If the Bears hold true to their corner depth chart, Zack Bowman should match-up with Johnson and Burleson will see Tillman across the line. If safety Danieal Manning gets Pettigrew duty, look out.
Odds:
Bears are currently 6.5 point home favorites.
Prediction:
As much as I've heard experts picking the Lions, I just can't get behind a team that is 2-30 the past two years. They're certainly a better team, but not a good one.
Message to the Bears:
Don't lose. Seriously. You don't want to see what happens if you do.
Happy Jay Cutler Day and happy football everyone!
