Bears vs Lions: Keys to a Chicago Bears Victory
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears have roared to a 3-0 start under new head coach Marc Trestman, creating a little bit of buzz for a team that was feared to be taking a step back after Lovie Smith’s dismissal. Meanwhile the Lions are off to a 2-1 start of their own, nipping at the Bears’ heels. This set up for a key early season divisional battle, with Sunday’s winner holding first place in the NFC North. Let’s look at the Keys to a Chicago Bears victory.
Use Their Aggressiveness Against Them
Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions are aggressive, especially on defense. Use that against them. You know that Ndamukong Suh is going to be fired up to face Jay Cutler and the revamped offensive line. Run some counters and traps at the aggressive line and catch them over-pursuing. Use some screen passes and catch the Lions too far upfield. Matt Forte should be used early and often.
Stop Reggie Bush
Calvin Johnson is going to get his regardless of whether or not a hobbled Peanut Tillman plays. Sure, Nuty has limited Megatron in the past, but with a bad knee and a sore groin, I don’t know if Peanut is up for the challenge.
Nate Burrleson has a broken arm and will miss the game, thanks to some pizzas in his front seat. No confirmation if it was deep dish or not. I’m betting on deep dish. Anyway, no other receiver on the Lions should really be able to hurt you besides Bush out of the backfield.
Bush is a dynamic dual threat that will challenge Bears defenders, especially in space. I don’t think the Bears have a linebacker speedy enough to keep up with Bush out of the backfield, so it could come down to Bears safeties Chris Conte and Major Wright to come up in run support or cover Bush out of the backfield.