Motown Meltdown: Lions Run Over Bears 40-32 to Leap into First Place in NFC North
Defensive Holes
Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) go after a lose ball during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears did a decent job slowing down Calvin Johnson, holding Megatron to just 4 catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. What they forgot to do was put a hat on Reggie Bush. Bush was all over Ford Field, lighting the Bears up for 139 rushing yards and 34 receiving yards with a spectacular touchdown run to boot.
The game got away from the Bears in the second quarter, where the Lions went off for 27 points and a stretch of 24 unanswered when Reggie Bush really took over.
The defense was able to settle down in the second half and get some pressure on Matthew Stafford, but it wasn’t enough. Stafford had a pretty tame game by his standard, only throwing for 242 yards and 1 touchdown. They were able to keep the score relatively close by forcing four David Akers field goals. They also continued their ball hawking ways, forcing a couple of fumbles and getting a Major Wright interception.
Lance Briggs led the way for Bears defenders with 9 tackles while Julius Peppers accounted for the team’s sack and forced fumble. Peanut Tillman gave it a go and made his impact felt. He had a patented Peanut Punch, but the Bears were unable to recover. He did a decent job on Megatron and had stints in the game when Zac Bowman had to come in and spell him.
It wasn’t all on the defense. The offense gave the ball away and set the Lions up for short scoring drives. The Special Teams didn’t do the Bears many favors either.
Special Teams No-Shows
Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Micheal Spurlock (15) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
I have been unimpressed with the Bears special teams and coordinator Joe DeCamillis so far this season. They have been torched for more long returns this season than I can remember in Dave Toub’s entire tenure with the team. Michael Spurlock torched the Bears for a huge 57 yard punt return to set the Lions up with another short field. The rest of the afternoon, the Bears seemed content to punt it directionally out of bounds for shorter than necessary punts. Punt the ball and cover it; no tricks or special formations needed.
Late in the game, with the Bears trying to claw their way back in, they tried two onside kicks. Both went the same way and neither was even remotely successful. I know that the conversion rate for onside kicks is very low to begin with, but give yourself a chance. Robbie Gould has never been a good onside kicker, but I really would have liked to see something more imaginative on the second attempt after the first went so poorly. On a positive note, Robbie Gould did go 3/3 on field goals.
Devin Hester had another rough day at the office; making questionable decisions on when to bring the ball out and failing to make any impact plays. He also fumbled and was fortunate that the Bears were able to recover.
Up Next…
We’ll get a chance to do a little scouting on Monday night, as the Saints host the Miami Dolphins. They’ll head to Soldier Field on a short week. If you thought the Lions offense was tough, just wait until Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham come to town next week.
Who do you blame most for the Bears’ loss: offense or defense? Vote in our poll and post your Comments.