Bears Defense Dominates in 13-7 Win Over Lions

Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) recovers a fumble by Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) at the goal line during the third quarter at Soldier Field. The Bears won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

The 13-7  score was not reflective of the defensive dominance that the Bears exhibited.  Until the closing moments, it appeared as though the Bears would get their first home shutout since 1993 and the first vs the Lions since the 60’s.  It was a darned impressive performance including a few red zone takeaways that kept the Lions stuck on a goose egg much of the game.

Charles Tillman blanketed the Lions big threat Calvin Johnson all night while Lance Briggs continues his All World play at linebacker.  Brian Urlacher moved better than he did all season while the defensive line continued to mix youth and energy with savvy and experience.  The only thing that was missing was a defensive touchdown, but you won’t hear a lot of complaints from a Bears unit that limited the once-feared Lions offense to a single, garbage time score.

For the offense, if you missed the opening drive, you missed the bulk of the highlights.  Jay Cutler led an impressive opening drive and that was about it.  The Bears added a couple of Robbie Gould Field Goals and had another blocked in a night where the offense struggled a bit.  The offensive line looked overmatched by the Lions front for much of the night, especially in the passing game.  A lot of the offense’s limitations were the result of a hurt (not injured) Jay Cutler.  He clearly wasn’t himself after a vicious hit delivered by Ndamukong Suh.

Stay tuned for plenty more coverage including a status on Jay Cutler’s bruised ribs and other injury news.  That’s it for my abbreviated postgame report.