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NFL Detroit Lions

Pass Defense is Key to Lions Win over Bears on Thanksgiving

By @GregSulik

darius slay lions

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions are in the midst of the most difficult portion of their schedule right now, and they are disappointed to have lost back to back road games against the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. Now, they must return home to play the rival Chicago Bears on a short week on Thanksgiving. The Lions badly need this win to keep pace with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North as well as to hold onto their wild card positioning.

Much of the talk around the Lions right now is focusing on an offense that has failed to put up double digit points in the last two games. However, the offense should be in for a nice bounce back game back in the dome against a Bears defense that ranks 21st overall and has allowed the second most passing touchdowns in the NFL. The real key for this game lies on the other side of the ball, and that is the Lions’ own pass defense.

Last season, the Lions won both of their matchups against the Bears, but they were very close games. One of biggest concerns for the Lions this week is stopping the lethal trio of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett, one of the best sets of pass catchers in football. In two games against the Lions last year, Marshall had 14 receptions for 218 yards and 2 TDs, Jeffery caught 14 balls for 221 yards and 1 TD, and Bennett reeled in 12 passes for 119 yards.

The Lions have the NFL’s 10th ranked pass defense, but they were just torched by the Patriots for 349 yards and two scores. Now, Jay Cutler is no Tom Brady, but the weapons he has at his disposal make the Bears’ passing attack very dangerous. If the Lions are going to get the win they need, they have to do a better job of containing the Bears’ top receivers than they did last season.

Pressure on Cutler would certainly make the secondary’s life easier, and the Lions badly need to improve in that area from the last two games. However, Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, and the rest of the secondary have to be able to hold their own against the big, physical trio of the Bears. Look for the Lions to use a lot of safety help over the top on Marshall and Jeffery, and don’t be surprised if they blitz at Bennett or chip him with a defensive end to keep him from getting out into routes.

Slowing the Bears’ receivers is always a big challenge, but if they can limit the damage the Lions should have a great chance to get back on track with a much needed victory.

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