Lions vs. Bears Week 13 Scouting Report: Turkey Day Troubles

2 players to watch for the Lions

Darius Slay – For the better part of his seven seasons in Detroit, Slay has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, capable of shutting down the opposition’s best wideout, and picking off passes at timely moments. That hasn’t been the case this year, and Slay’s future with the Lions beyond this season remains in question.

Just this past week, he was taken to task on multiple occasions by Washington rookie receiver Terry McLaurin. This includes getting beaten for a key reception late in the fourth quarter, which set up the ‘Skins winning field goal. Slay also has just one interception on the season, after piling up 11 picks over the previous two years.

In the Lions’ last matchup with the Bears, Slay was also bested several times by Robinson, with the two likely to square off again on Thursday. As prideful a player as there is, Slay would clearly like to finish the season strong, starting with a redemptive performance against the Chicago.

Taylor Decker – Many Lions have struggled in recent weeks, leading to the team’s current 1-7 slide. Their starting left tackle isn’t one of them, and Decker is enjoying one of the finest stretches of his career despite the team’s rotten season.

He will face another stiff test against the Bears, likely matched up against Mack for much of the day. His nine accepted penalties and a rough Week 1 outing have been the only real blemishes on an otherwise solid season for the fourth-year pro. A good end to 2019 for Decker will make the Lions look wise for having picked up his fifth-year option for 2020, a move they made this past April.