NFC North Know-It-All: Week 11

The NFC North is still tight as Week 11 wraps up. The Lions lost a close one in Pittsburgh, the Packers struggled to score against the Eagles, and the Vikings just got stomped by the Seahawks. Okay, but what’s it all mean for the Bears?

NFC North Standings

Detroit Lions: 6-4 (3-1 in division)

Chicago Bears: 6-4 (2-2 in division)

Green Bay Packers: 5-5 (2-1 in division)

Minnesota Vikings: 2-8 (0-3 in division)

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions failed to hold their lead and fell apart in the second half of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to a 37-27 loss. Calvin Johnson failed to have a single Matthew Stafford pass in the second half after scoring two touchdowns in the first half.

The Lions running game fell victim to the terrible conditions at Heinz Field on Sunday. As the field got sloppy, Reggie Bush had less success. Unlike a typical carry game when he takes 20 or more handoffs, Bush only had 12 carries for 31 yards. His backup, Joique Bell had more success running the ball (49 yards on 9 carries) before he sustained an injured ankle. Head coach Jim Schwartz has Bell on a day-to-day/week-to-week basis at the moment. From now on, Bush will be taking the full load. The question is: who will be second in line? Former Illini running back Mikel Leshoure has been in the doghouse for a while so it could be former Notre Dame star Theo Riddick. Yuck.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is quick, but isn’t the fastest wideout in the league. Yet, the Detroit Lions secondary couldn’t stop him whatsoever. Brown had 147 receiving yards off  seven receptions and two touchdowns. For a team with playoff hopes, letting a guy like Brown get as open as he did on one of his touchdowns is unacceptable. I’ve preached this before: the Lions secondary are susceptible to big plays.

Nate Burleson is very close to returning to help his Lions out. Jim Schwartz said on Monday that he might be back for Week 12.

The Lions will be hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers–who are coming off their second win in a row after dropping their first eight –on Sunday at noon central.