(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.
Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears"
