Week 4: Bears vs. Lions 5 Questions with SideLion Report

For this weeks edition of 5 Questions, we contacted Zac Snyder from SideLion Report.

Dec. 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Chicago Bears defeated Detroit Lions 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, all we heard in the media was how undisciplined the Lions were. Do you see the Lions becoming a more disciplined team under Jim Schwartz this year?

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz looks on during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The big difference is that he didn’t have the off-field issues that they had in the previous offseason. That took some players being shown the door and others doing some growing up and the locker room definitely seems more stable. The Lions still have had their problems with penalties, but given their reputation, I don’t think that is something that can change overnight. There have already been examples this year of the Lions being flagged for penalties when other teams likely would have received the benefit of the doubt.

Who is going to win the battle, Kyle Long or Ndamukong Suh?

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) knocks down Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during 2nd Half of a game at Ford Field. Bears won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Mmmm, this is the matchup I’m most excited to see. It sounds like Kyle Long has been excellent so far this season but so has Suh. I have to give the edge to the player who has three seasons, not three games, under his belt. The problem for Long is he could win a lot of the individual battles but lose the war, so to speak.

What is the Lions most favorable matchup against the Bears?

I really like the way the Lions passing game matches up with the Bears defense. With Reggie Bush expected back on Sunday, the Lions can trot out legitimate threats to test all levels of the Bears defense through the air. I’ll give Calvin Johnson the advantage over any corner and I don’t expect the Lions to miss a beat with Ryan Broyles making up for the loss of Nate Burleson. With options all over the field, Matthew Stafford can neutralize the opportunistic Bears defense by not forcing the ball where it shouldn’t be thrown.

What is the Lions most unfavorable matchup against the Bears?

What worries me going into this game is Jay Cutler’s level of play so far this year. If the Bears line can keep him relatively clean and Cutler keeps getting the ball out of his hands quickly, he can find success. The Lions are still vulnerable in the secondary and I would feel a lot more comfortable if the front seven can force the return of the old Jay Cutler.

What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?

After two weeks on the road and first place on the line, the Ford Field crowd should be amped up. That was a big factor in the Lions 2011 win over the Bears on Monday Night Football and could have a negative impact on those young Bears linemen. The Lions offense has mostly been sharp this season and that continues in a Lions win, 27-23.

I want to thank Zac Snyder from SideLion Report for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our 5 Questions about this weeks matchup of the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Make sure to check out SideLion Report to find out more about the division rival Detroit Lions.