The Bears need to put the heat on Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Detroit Lions haven't had a winning season since 2000. They finally managed to win a game last Sunday, snapping a 19-game losing streak with a 19-14 victory over Washington. The chances of them coming into Chicago and winning for a second consecutive week? Next to none, right? The oddmakers certainly think so, installing the Bears as 10-point favorites.
So why do I get the feeling that this one will be another nail-biter?
Without a consistent running game, defenses can continue to bring the heat against Jay Cutler, who has displayed outstanding escapability in the pocket, sidestepping pass rushers and avoiding sacks. But without adequate time to unload the ball, Cutler will be limited in his ability to make big plays. We've seen flashes of game-breaking ability from Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and the rest of an inexperienced receiving corps, but the whole package won't come together until the ground game gets going and Cutler isn't spending half the game running for his life.
As Sun-Times Bears columnist Mike Mulligan wrote this week, the Bears are a work in progress, but the best is yet to come. They are 2-1 thanks in large part to blown field-goal attempts by the Steelers' Jeff Reed and the Seahawks' Olindo Mare. Now the Lions come into to Soldier Field at just the right time -- undoubtedly satisfied about having beaten the Redskins, but with no expectations of winning back-to-back games. And they are just the sort of beatable opponent this Bears team needs, with a bye week looming.
I'm picking the Bears, 27-19. What say you? Post your prediction here, anytime between now and kickoff on Sunday.
Come on Bears, keep up the momentum!
Let's not start the game behind and hope for some missed field goals to get back into this game. Luckily Cutler has been up to the challenge of not only bringing this team back from being behind, but also cover up for that terrible run game.
Speaking of which, I said last week that if you can't run against the Seahawks, your running game is in major trouble. Well, I'm gonna repeat that and say if you can't run against the Lie-Downs then your running game is in major trouble. Forte, you are killing my Fantasy football team! Get it together man! No excuse for this. Bears had to run play action on the goal line just to score last week. Pathetic.
Lions have some talent. Especially at Wide-out with Megatron. Charles Johnson is one of the best, and Tillman better be concentrating on making the tackle or else he'll be having more Julius Jones moments of getting roasted (like a peanut). Kevin Smith has some skills as well, so they can not fall asleep and expect to win.
Watching last weeks game, I'm starting to think that Hunter getting hurt and the insertion of Nick Roach at MLB might turn out for the best since Nick is a much better athlete and is able to cover more ground. Hunter is probably best suited for an outside position. Luckily either way, Briggs has stepped up his game. Lance will be a Pro Bowl lock this year.
I can see the Bears crowd being jacked up, especially if Chi-town gets the Olympics.
Final predictions,
Bears 27 Lions 20.
Cutler throws a couple of TDs, and hopefully Matt Forte gets his first rushing touch down of the season. It's not that hard Matt, Cedric Benson is making it look easy.
This should be a yawner (that's why I'm playing golf on Sunday) unless the Bears are looking ahead to road games at Atlanta and Cincinnati, which could be tough games.
Still, Bears have been playing down to their level of competition.
If Lions get an early lead, look for the Bears to do a mini-panic, but prevail at the end 21-17.
If Bears get an early lead, they coast 24-10.
You're right Stu, we need to get something going to take the heat off Cutler. I can see right away that Forte is not running with any UMPH; it's been obvious. I hope he and the line heal together, and the sooner the better.
Two things will help the offensive situation until the running factor figures in; more screen passes and more two-tight end formations. Well, we all know we can scratch the former. The screen passes are a major reason I don't feel Ron Turner is not a bonifide professional offensive coordinator. The Bear screen passes are probably not even worthy of Pop Warner!!! You make the call.
As for the two-tight end formation; I think Jay and the Boys can make a killing with it this weekend. It's something we need to work on more, it utilizes two of our most accomplished receivers, it'll keep teams off balance if, Knucklehead up there, can mix in play action with it, especially on first down. Oh, did I mention the running game would benefit the most!
You're at home against a not-too-strong opponent; work some kinks out. There'll be no excuses after the bye week when we get healthier and the line has had 5 weeks together. I wish I had Turners' seat for 1 Sunday so everyone could see that an armchair construction electrician can call a game better than he; for all the world to see what's been holding us back while the 'D' has been carrying the load during the good years. Cutler's making him look better, but it'll be just a matter of time before Jay starts to shake his head, ala Griese during the Philly 'he-called-the-plays-himself' victory. That was no mirage!
Forte has a stronger showing, the defensive line one-ups it for Marinelli, and Olsen, Davis and Clark will keep Detroit off the field for much of the game:
Bears-34 Lions-13
I think the Bears will win, but doing so is not going to be easy. The Lions are a much better team this year and definitely are going to give all they have in this game. Last year they gave the Bears fits and are likely to do the same this year.Still, the Bears are simply better in all phases of the game : Bears 35-21
It would be a real problem to lose this week, but at this point I'm less concerned with the record than with how the team plays. To pick up on the observations in the fourth paragraph, the fate of the season hangs on the development of the O-line. If they come along, then we can run the ball and have time for some big plays; maybe we can get a lead once in a while. In recent history the defense has been left on the field too much of the time, and in a lot of difficult situations where they were supposed to perform miracles. Result: fatigue and injuries. This year the defense is better than we had any reason to expect. Special teams have had some bloopers but some good plays too. They will be all right. What we need is some run blocking and pass protection. It takes somebody smarter than me to figure out what all those big guys are supposed to do with all their arms and legs, and when. I gather it's complicated. But I hope they can work it out or bad things rather than good will happen.
Lions 17 Bears 14 Lions win in overtime.
bears 27 lions 14 i really think we need to get the running game going and the sooner the better i'd rather not have jay slinging it around for 40 plus passes but a win is a win is a win
Instead of taking the heat off of Cutler I say take it off of Forte.
The Lions have a really bad secondary and Cutler should be able to pick them apart.
If and when that happens then the running game will have holes to run through.
Instead of establishing the running game to set up the pass try doing it the other way around against this team.
Their front 7 is much better than the secondary so take what they give you.
Bears 24 Lions 10
Bears are playing to their competition because of their coach. Lovie likes to keep it close. We play not to lose - instead of win. Lions are a team to easily overlook (especially going into a bye and playing at home), and that makes this game the MOST DANGEROUS. Bears probably don't see it this way, but having two weeks to sulk on a division loss - especially after we just lost the Olympics - will be a huge downer and reason for the writers and fans to really pound them.
BECAUSE the Bears play to their competition they have to treat the Lions like a wounded animal. They are young and hungry! They plan on building on their success and have every man on their team focussed on THIS game which they believe they can steal. They truly have a "ONE AT A TIME, WE ARE IN IT TOGETHER, US AGAINST THE WORLD" mentality and that looms ominous for the Bears. Bears need to bring it because good teams definitely beat the teams they are supposed to. I know this is the NFL, but this is a big statement game for the Bears. Its telling of this organization from top to bottom and they better not lose focus - AND WIN. Minnesota and Green Bay are not going to lose many.
Bears should be 0-3, but... they should win this one...But...Jason Hanson kicks 15 freaking field goals...with both legs....So Bears fans can get a good idea of what their first two wins this year looked like...
I can't see the Bears losing this game....but they need to....this gay little lucky streak needs to end sooner or later...and Detroit would be perfect in that capacity
Lions 24 Bears 21
Da Bears can't be stopped. Cutler lights it up and Forte rolls. Bears 31-7!!!
oh and another prediction...jeb=JulieB...Men don't use the word snarky
and Culzie..let me settle the debate on Rex once and for all.."Is he even still on the Roster in Houston?"...3rd string?...and TJ...splitting carries in NY...and been in the league for ten years.....and averages 4 ypc for his career....Benson won't do either...now shoo
I think this is the week that the running game gets going. When the running game gets going the play action passing game will come alive and the big plays will be there. I also expect a big game from Olsen. When the Detroit LB's cheat up to stop the run, Olsen can slip through and get down the seem. Although the Lions appear to be an improved team, their defense stinks. The Bears have enough weapons to find the holes and take advantage of them. Additionally they are coming to Chicago where they wont have the crowd behind them cheering them on. Road games are tougher for young players who feed off the crowd. If the Bears can get to Stafford he will start tossing up INT's. I'm not saying that the Bears will blow them out but I think a 2 touchdown victory is within reason.
agree with Dan 17-14 in ot
RMNixon:
Yo Tricky! I voted for you in '72, and except for the fact that you're dead ... I'd vote for you again!!!
If our situations were reversed and I was dead, I'd still be able to vote for you because I live in Chicago. The fine residents of our grave yards cast almost 100,000 votes for JFK back in 1960, cheating you out of the election. I know because my grandfather was one of them. He was a registered Democrat, and Daley's father firmly believed that dead people shouldn't necessarily lose all of their rights. (so long as the deceased wasn't a Republican)
Talk about dirty tricks.
If Hitman picked us to win we're gonna lose. Even he knows that. But again I'm going to use my will and will them to a win. Bears 24 Lions 13. Lions have already given it their all. They won last week and they will win maybe 2 more this season but not against us. Don't be surprised to see a few injuries in this game. All Lions. Sometimes when people give up laying down hurt is one of the ways to do it. I expected that A.P will get 8 carries for 36 yards. and Forte will get 12 carries for 54 yards. Cutler will throw for 280 on 24 attempts with 16 completions. But hey, I don't make predictions, right.
Man,hitman, Rex has crawled up the roster and is waiting for schaub to get hurt again......you will see. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Regardless of what happens in Sundays game, they will fall in the power rankings somehow,someway. I am thinking Detroit will have a big letdown at some point. You can't just turn on a switch and start winning consistently....didn't we learn that from the CUBS????
what the hawks do today? I was gonna watch it, but I feared seeing
mayo on top of fries in the stands. Why didn't the Black Hawks go
to Copenhagen??? They were closer than anyone else from Chicago?
That seems kind of snarky. Man snarky that is.
Stuck:
Mayo on fries?
My wife is from Russia, and has never been much into junk food, but one day one of her Russian girlfriends stopped by and brought with her some fast food from McDonalds that included the obligatory side of fries. Fishing for condiments, she opened the fridge and immediately went for the mayo.
I was disgusted to say the least, and banished her from our humble abode forever.
I think she was a Packer's fan.
I see Julie on Facebook, she is too busy calling for a IOC recount to post as jeb.
Thomas jones is splitting carries? Bwahahahaha what a cop out.
Benson is the #3 running back in the league right now and he has played a tuff schedule.
Rex will always know that his greatest sports accomplishment was taking an NFL team to the Superbowl....Hitman, your greatest sports accomplishment was getting a strike on the beer frame of slide-it-bowling!
I think the Bears could use a "laugher." Hopefully, it happens on Sunday. The chances should be in their favor.
Grady Jackson is doubtful, so the Bears may finally highlight a running game. The O-line is looking better,and with Des back in to block a fairly banged -up Lion defensive line, the Bears could well play ball control this game. All three of their backs could get into the act, and Cutler can relax a little instead of having to pull games out at the last minute.My 35-21 prediction might be a bit high for a ball-control game, but I'll stick with it anyway.
wow culzie..your talent evaluation skills.... and skewed view of what leads a team to the superbowl... and how your friend tried to make it with the cow.... and you pushed him aside...and made it with the cow
thank God for biological impossibilities....I wanna burger
I think the bubblegum and paperclips start to give out this week along the OLine and the bye week will give the morons an extra week to realize they don't have replacements...
How long until Rivera and Singletary come home?
The only way Stafford will beat us is if Jimmy Fallon has a plate-hitting contest for 21 points given to the winner. Then they would win 34-24 instead of the 24-13 I predicted. Still, I'm sure that Cutler would probably beat Stafford at plate-hitting as well. After watching the Seahawks again on WOW! Cable HDDVR I have to admit that that 3rd and 1 Wolfe run was supposed to go to the right and he went up the middle. Not Turner's fault. All the blockers set up and went right and he went middle. Follow your blocks Wolfie. Thank goodness for slo-mo in Hi Def. It's incredible. You see so much better than tape or even disc on replays. Cutler's fumble was because of Curry beating Olsen who still can't block when it matters. Turning it over that deep gave them 3 points but no TD which was a result of Coach Smith's play calling on D. Since taking over he seems to be more involved in the game. Acting more like the head coach that everyone wants. He even smiled on the last defensive play and hugged Roach for stopping Jones. Cutty6 is really reined in and playing head and shoulders better than anticipated. Especially after the Green Bay game. Funny how coaching is easier with a stud QB? The bombs aren't needed but it's good to know that he could if we wanted it. For people saying that we are lucky that Mare missed two without Jones getting that one TD on an ill-advised strip attempt they never got into the end zone. Take a couple miscues out and it still wasn't close to being a loss. That's why (cliche) you play 60 minutes a game. The whole 60.
I predict a slaughter of biblical proportions.
It'll be like throwing the Lions to the Bears.
After the game Da Coach will put out a lit cigar on Wayne Fontes' forehead.
Bears 162/ Lions -37
Go Bears!
Mark,
Why stop at 162 and why do you give the Lions only 37 negative points? This is not giving "da Coach" the credit he so richly deserves my friend! Bearrrrsssssssss
(I hope my wife isn't watching me type this.)
P.S. I'm not a "cage fighting fanatic" but I might pay to see one between Wayne Fontes and Forrest Gregg.
P.S.S. What would a match between a real adult male lion and an adult male bear be like? We might need to make sure that it's a grizzly bear.
I thought the constant mention of Kyle Orton was dumb.
What is with the Rex Grossman talk?
Let go of the loser mentality already.
"P.S.S. What would a match between a real adult male lion and an adult male bear be like? We might need to make sure that it's a grizzly bear."
No contest; the Bear wins walking away.
First of all a full grown male grizzly is nearly eight feet tall on it's hind legs, outweighs an adult male lion by roughly 500 lbs., and has claws and jaws are huge in comparison. Besides ... the lion is a lazy creature, dependent upon it's females to put food on the tundra. While bears hibrinate for months at a time in the winter, lions are known to sleep all year long.
Just imagine a lion taking a swipe at a grizzly bear with one of it's front paws, and then imagine the bear (who is unlikely to turn the other cheek) returning serve.
Game, set, match.
In fact, only Da Coach himself would be capable of defeating a grizzly bear in a cage match, and might be required to give the bear a handicap.
Go Bears!!!
Knock it off Francis!
GO BEARS!!!
Mark, you are trying to surpass Tim with stories that peak our curiosity. Just leave horticulture out of it and we're good to go. And Gig, a cage match between Greggs and Fontes would end with Greggs stomping Fontes. I remember one game when he was the Packer coach and he was seething about something and he looked like he could actually kill someone. Fontes always looked like he was a chef or a plumber.
It's the first quarter, and Detroit has march into our end zone twice already. They didn't even break a sweat.
Cover Two?
It's more like our defense is asking the question, "Cover who?"
I wonder what lame comments HaterNation (hitmans new nic) will think up now...
GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok ... I can live with the Bears coming up 114 points short of my rather conservative prediction, but what's up with allowing Detroit to score? The oddsmakers in Vegas are laughing at me.
To make amends, I predict that nobody will score on the Bears next week.
Book it.
Philtration, will you stop mentioning Rex youknowwho already? It's
getting tiresome.
I'm just like an ex wife; gone but not forgotten.
Hey ... it beats a blank.
Hitman is going to have to roll with all these punches. I just heard the Raiders coach is going to be arrested for something. Saw it on Yahoo. I used to love the Raiders back in the Jim Plunket, Marcus Allen, and Bo Jackson days. I will never forget Bo running over Brian Bozworth.
"Hitman is going to have to roll with all these punches."
He's punchy enough as it is.