I want to thank my main man Zac Snyder from Side Lion Report for doing this week’s Q & A on the Detroit Lions like he did a few weeks earlier. You can follow him on Twitter at ZacSnyder. Here’s my answers to his tough questions (click here) Away we go…
CBJ: The numbers on Ndamukong Suh are down this season. Why do you think that is?
Zac: For one, he’s playing fewer snaps than he did a year ago. That is by design as he played the second most snaps of among defensive tackles last season. His rookie season was pretty ridiculous from a statistical standpoint so some leveling out was probably to be expected. The coaching staff isn’t concerned so I’m not either.
CBJ: Will the Lions be able to run the football with Jahvid Best out of this game? Can this team throw with the weather changing? Seems like this squad is built for the dome and warm weather. Am I right or wrong?
Zac: I will argue that the Lions running game is actually better without Jahvid Best. The problem without him is that they miss his versatility and big play potential so his loss does hurt overall. It remains to be seen what the team will be like when the weather really turns but it doesn’t look like that will be a factor this weekend. Right now we just don’t know if how the Lions would perform in an outdoor playoff game in cold environment. Hopefully we get a chance to find out this season.
CBJ: Why are Lions fans so arrogant? Shouldn’t you win something first? I love you man and know you’re loyalties, but the fans in Detroit are beyond obnoxious. Your thoughts?
Zac: I don’t think arrogant is the right word. Some are overly exuberant and that probably comes across as arrogant when displayed in direct ways. The Lions have been down for so many years that no one wants to wait for them to win, we want to enjoy the ride too.
CBJ: Thoughts on the new and improved Bears? What do they need to do to win?
Zac: I thought their defense looked really fast against the Eagles and covered the field very well in containing their playmakers. They will need that same sort of effort against the Lions on Sunday in hopes of making the Lions move methodically down the field. The 88-yard run by Jahvid Best and the 75-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson killed the Bears in their first meeting with the Lions. They have to limit the big plays to win on Sunday.
CBJ: What do the Lions need to do to win this game?
Zac: Get to Jay Cutler on defense and find a rhythm on offense. Bears fans know all too well what happens when Jay Cutler is constantly dealing with defenders in his face so that goes without saying. The Lions got back to playing their game offensively against the Broncos after two straight weeks of having the opposing defense dictate tempo. If it looks like Stafford and company are getting comfortable, watch out.
CBJ: Your prediction sir…
Zac: I expect a really good game. Particularly good for Lions fans, 23-20 in overtime.
Let’s hope Zac is wrong. But he’s a great guy and always up for helping me out. Follow me on Twitter at ChicagoBearJew.
Buy Chicago Bears Tickets | Buy Chicago Bears Apparel
