Perhaps the biggest defense against Detroit Lions all-world wide receiver Calvin Megatron Johnson has come down from the heavens…it’s called wind. The forecasters are predicting there will be wind at Soldier Field today. Of all the Lions the Bears will see today, Megatron is the one that scares me the most. And I do not think I’m in the minority.
Since their October Monday Night match-up that resulted in a 24-13 win by the Lions, the Bears have won three games in a row. The Lions, on the other hand, have lost two-out-of-three games. This match-up has taken on significant meaning considering the Bears have to split with their division rival to strengthen their playoff resume. With wins over the Eagles, Buccaneers and Falcons, the Bears have a huge tie-breaking advantage over three wild-card contending teams. The Lions have lost to the Falcons, so if the Bears can split this game with the Lions, it would make things more interesting for the Bears. The Lions, on the other hand, would like to strengthen their position. Plus, the Lions want to prove that they can win outside in November. There’s many playoff and team-building implications on this game today.
Despite an 11-point loss in Detroit, the Bears led going into halftime. It was the beginning of the new and improved Jay Cutler. He looked great rolling out and making strong throws all over the field. Two key drops by Devin Hester and Matt Forte cost Cutler an even stronger performance. Despite the numerous false starts, the Bears got their act together and gave Cutler time. They also opened holes for Forte. The defense really became the issue. Two LONG scoring plays by Megatron (73 yards) and running back Jahvid Best (88 yards) did the Bears in. On both plays, the safeties were toasted horribly. Since that time, Chris Harris has been released and Brandon Merriweather was benched. The Bears have kept these plays to a minimum. Had the Bears had limited these plays, the result could have been different. But that’s why they play the games.
While waiting at the airport for my flight from Orlando last evening, I had a conversation with a Miami Dolphins fan. He said how shocked he was by the Chicago Bears last Monday Night and Jay Cutler is a lot better than I thought he was…the national media did an excellent job of poisoning Cutler, didn’t they? But luckily, he’s the Chicago Bears’ best-kept secret. This Fins fan also was blown away but the play of the Bears defense. He couldn’t believe how fast this team closes on plays. Again, the national media doesn’t notice this team. Yes, I am playing this card but it is so obvious when you talk to fans that don’t follow the Bears closely.
What about the game today? The Bears did a great job disguising coverages and pursuing Michael Vick all evening. LeSean McCoy had his moments, but the Lions don’t have a player like him on offense. The Bears corners had an excellent game against Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. The safeties weren’t good but not terrible. Obviously Megatron scares the living crap out of me, but the other guy is tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He’s the wildcard in this game. If Matthew Stafford is given time, he will get to these guys. This is a game where the Bears defensive front seven needs to pressure the quarterback. Stafford isn’t a huge running threat, so the defense doesn’t have to watch for that element. I will still be concerned for the Bears safeties, but as long as they just keep things in front of them others can help. Major Wright isn’t 100 percent (I know that’s a shock), so Brandon Merriweather may be back in action. Gulp…
Offensively, the Bears need to keep doing what they’re doing. Run the ball, throw short-to-intermediate passes and give Cutler time. The Lions are a good up-the-field team, so the Bears improved offensive line needs to give the offense time and lanes. If they do this, the offense will be fine.
Devin Hester probably isn’t going to play today. That hurts the return game. With the wind concerns, Earl Bennett will probably be asked to return kicks because of his sure hands. The coverage team gets after it.
Here’s my prediction on the game…winner of this game beats the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Thoughts??? Follow me on Twitter at ChicagoBearJew.
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