SLR Predictions: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
By Zac Snyder
Latif: I think we can officially say that this season has gone from promising to somewhat disappointing to no hope whatsoever. The Bears come in at 8-3 and are riding a four game win streak.
On offense, Stanton at his best is the guy we saw against the Giants, when he completed 21 of 31, but still had two turnovers. The bigger issue will however be the lack of running game from the Lions. Chicago is second in the NFL against the run and is one of the best defenses in the NFL (something that they don’t much credit for). If the Lions can run the ball and Stanton puts up similar number as he did against the Giants, the Lions maybe have a shot.
On Defense, the strategy should be simple: stop the run, force the Bears to pass and turn them into a one dimensional team. Jay Cutler has been better than last season, but he has still thrown 10 picks in 11 games.
Ross: The Lions got screwed the last time these two teams met. The Bears won 19-14 due to a questionable call on Calvin Johnson’s “catch”. The Lions will be looking for revenge but it will be difficult with Drew Staton, the third string quarterback, under center for the Lions.
The Bears have a record of 8-3 and have exceeded expectations this year. They are lead by their veteran defense including (Urlacher, Briggs, Peppers). Chicago has the 2nd best run defense in the league (80.5 ypg) and we all know how bad the rushing attack for Detroit is. However, the Bears offense isn’t the best, they rank 28th in total offense. The Lions need to watch out for Johhny Knox, he leads the Bears in receiving and has incredible speed.
Chicago’s defense is going to have a feast with our third string quarterback and our lack of a running game. The Lions lose their 19th consecutive NFC North game. Bears 27, Lions 10
Scott: This matchup does not look good for the Lions on paper. The Lions start Drew Stanton, their 3rd string quarterback who makes his second career start. The Bears front seven will get after the Lions with their quickness and athleticism. Look for Drew Stanton to go to Calvin Johnson down the field a lot in this game, as well as Brandon Pettigrew in the check down game.
On defense the Lions are much better at home and they will pressure Cutler and try to get him to make mistakes. He will if they can get enough pressure on him but the loss of Kyle Vanden Bosch does not help the Lions chances. Cutler and the Bears offense will make some big plays and for the Lions defense it will be about minimizing those chances. Look for the special teams to give the Lions a shot in the arm also.
The bottom line here is that Drew Stanton will almost have to play to perfect game for the Lions to win this game and the defense will need to apply pressure all day on Jay Cutler to keep this one close. Bears 31, Lions 23
Brian: After the much talked about week one match up, a classic NFC North battle resumes in Detroit. The Detroit Lions look to take revenge on the top of the Division Chicago Bears at Ford Field. As the Bears continue to soar, the Lions on the other hand find themselves starting third string QB Drew Stanton. After so many different looks at different QB’s, I don’t see the Lions offense being able to get in a groove. Although the Bears offense is often unpredictable, I don’t see them having much trouble getting the run game going with Matt Forte and Chester Taylor in the backfield. With the lack of preparation between Drew Stanton and the first team offense, I wish we could say that the run game will get going but this most likely is not the case. Bears 35, Lions 10
Zac: I was ready to pick the Lions in the upset but I can’t do that now that Drew Stanton will get the start at quarterback. It would be one thing if Stanton could just step in and manage the game but the Lions defense is still prone to giving up big plays and they don’t have the kind of running game to allow it.
Drew Stanton is the kind of player that might look good in isolated moments but we can’t expect him to step into the starting role and beat a team like the Bears, or perhaps any team. I really hope he does well but I don’t have any evidence to suggest he will. The Bears are coming off a good win against the Eagles in front of a national television audience to put themselves in sole possession of the NFC North lead and don’t figure to come in and lay an egg against the Lions. Bears 23, Lions 13
You’ve heard what we are thinking, what do you say?
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