4 Bears thoughts entering Week 11 against the Detroit Lions
Thought No. 4: The preview of the Bears vs. Detroit Lions
You could not find two organizations that are literally heading in the opposite directions the Bears and the Detroit Lions. It all started a year ago when they faced each other at Solider Field. You will remember the Bears held a two-touchdown lead in that ball game, and Fields had another spectacular touchdown run as well. Yet the Lions won 31-30, and they are 14-4 since that game. The Bears lost the remaining games, including a 41-10 blowout lost in Detroit, and sit at 3-7 entering this contest.
This game comes down to whether Matt Eberflus' defense will be able to slow down their attack, led by Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has become a hot coaching candidate this season thanks to their success, and the Bears fans who are clamoring for a coaching change will get a close look at him and how he attacks the Bears' defense. If the Lions win, you can bet that his stock will rise among the disgruntled Bears fans.
The Bears will face another former Bear, David Montgomery this week. He and the rookie Jahmyr Gibbs will test the Bears' run defense which has been very strong. They have struggled all season with the running backs, who can catch out of the backfield. They will have a huge challenge when Gibbs catches the ball out of the backfield.
The Bears will also be tested by another standout rookie in tight end Sam LaPorta. He has the ability to stretch the field and the linebackers and safeties will have to be disciplined throughout the game.
Can the Bears show up and be competitive the entire game in a noisy atmosphere? The Bears played poorly against the Minnesota Vikings following Thursday night's win against Washington. The history is not on the Bears' side. I do think having Justin Fields back in the lineup will help, but the Lions are a much better team now and the Bears will likely lose in the end.