Here are three Detroit Lions who could shine against the Bears on Sunday
The Detroit Lions have made headlines this past week for all the wrong reasons. That after the team parted ways with their head coach, Matt Patricia, and general manager, Bob Quinn, last Saturday.
But those moves might actually provide the 4-7 Lions with some much-needed positive momentum heading into a five-game stretch where they’ll face each of their NFC North rivals. First up, is the 5-6 Chicago Bears, who enter this Week 13 matchup on a five-game losing streak.
This is a winnable game for the Lions. And we believe these three players might have the biggest impact on the outcome of this critical divisional matchup.
Marvin Jones, WR
Once again, the Lions will be without the services of their top wide receiver, Kenny Golladay, who will miss his fifth-straight game due to a hip injury. The good news is Detroit should have slot receiver Danny Amendola back against the Bears. That should take some of the pressure off of both receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
In fact, Jones has a real chance to shine this weekend. The Bears allowed Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers to burn them for four touchdowns and no interceptions in their Week 12 matchup. And Jones has four touchdown receptions over his last five games.
Adrian Peterson, RB
With rookie running back D’Andre Swift being downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s matchup in Chicago, it should be Adrian Peterson who once again gets the starting nod. He’ll split carries with former starter, Kerryon Johnson.
The 35-year old Peterson seems to be slowing down as the season progresses, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry over his last two games. But the veteran back had his best outing as a Lion against these same Bears back in Week One. Peterson recorded 93 yards on only 14 carries and three receptions for 21 yards in that contest.
Entering Week 13, the Bears field the 20th ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 121.2 rushing yards to opposing defenses so far this season. Peterson could post a get right game this Sunday.
Everson Griffen, DE
The Bears currently have the worst rushing defense in the NFL, averaging a putrid 82.1 yards on the ground per game this season. That means this Lions’ defense will be able to pin their ears back and go after Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The former second overall pick in the 2017 draft is coming off a 41-25 loss to the Packers where he was sacked four times.
For the Lions, it’s been defensive end Everson Griffen who has found success as of late dropping opposing passers. Griffen has recorded six QB hits and 1.5 sacks over his last three games in Detroit. The fact the Bears should be so reliant on their passing game bodes well for the remaining pass rushers on the Lions’ roster this week, with Griffen being the most likely candidate to get home.