Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: Complete Breakdown And Analysis

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

OK, I am taking the same approach as usual to my breakdowns, but if anyone has actually been reading these, do you think I should start in on a new approach to this article? 

It just sometimes doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense to compare QB's when they won't be throwing against one another.

So following the bye week, should I be comparing offensive pieces against the opposing defenses and visa versa? Or keep it as is? 

(Of course if I do it that way and be truly fair, there will be some overlaps since the linebackers will be covering both running backs AND tight ends, but I would continue trying to keep it as unbiased as I can.)

But, anyway without further ado...

OFFENSE:

Quarterbacks: Matthew Stafford vs Jay Cutler

Stafford was the No.1 pick of the draft this past summer and was taken to be the future for a franchise coming off the perfect imperfect season. So far this year, Stafford has made some rookie mistakes, but has also showed why they thrust him into the starting role from the get go when he led them to their first victory in over a year last week against the Washington Redskins.

While his season totals so far are far from awe inspiring, his rocket arm makes him dangerous from anywhere on the field. His numbers so far this season have him at a 53.4 percent completion percentage with two touchdowns and five interceptions.

But he is learning and improving every single week. It also helps that he has arguably one of the top three receivers in the entire league in Calvin Johnson...As a Bears fan, I am not looking forward to seeing this duo twice a year for at least the next five years.

Jay Cutler is coming off back-to-back comeback victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. Since his four interception debut in week one, Cutler has showed why the Bears invested so much in him.

Cutler has hit 64.4 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also accomplished much of this without the assistance of a consistent running attack and three receivers no one expected much from.

Verdict: Stafford's a rookie and will be playing his first divisional road game of his career. Cutler is just plain better at this exact time.

ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO

Running backs: Kevin Smith vs Matt Forte

Honestly, this would be a close match up in my mind since Forte has gotten off to a slow start, but there is some speculation that Smith might miss this game with a shoulder injury. But let's assume he will play, just for the sake of argument.

Smith and Forte have similar roles on their respective teams since both are not only the primary ball carriers but also excellent receivers out of the backfield. Forte had 60 receptions last season and Smith currently is the second leading receiver on the Lions roster.

Smith has carried the ball 55 times for 207 yards and a touchdown through the first three weeks and added 12 receptions for 80 yards.

Forte has 59 rushes for 150 yards with no touchdowns and 11 receptions for 73 yards.

Verdict: Forte is the better runner in my opinion but if Smith can play and is healthy enough to take on tackles with that bum shoulder then it evens it out, especially with Forte 2.0.

ADVANTAGE: PUSH 

Wide Receivers: Calvin Johnson/Bryant Johnson/Dennis Northcutt vs Devin Hester/Earl Bennett/Johnny Knox

First off, as I stated above, Calvin Johnson is one of the top three receivers in the NFL. And he is only going to get better. While he has yet to have a 100 yard receiving game, that has more to do with the quarterbacking than it does with the receiving.

Bryant Johnson got on track last week with a couple nice catches and a touchdown. And the third receiver is ten year veteran Dennis Northcutt. With Calvin providing the speed and jumping ability, Bryant as a solid No.2 and Northcutt as the possession receiver, they provide Stafford with several different options.

Hester is finally showing flashes of the being a great, CONSISTENT receiver for the Bears. While his punt return average has lowered, his receiving stats should be pretty impressive by the year's end.

Earl Bennett continues to show that his previous playing experience with Cutler while still in college has transferred over nicely to the NFL. He is currently tied with Hester for the most receptions on the team with 13.

Johnny Knox has been the surprise of the Bears and arguably the steal of the draft. His nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns are eye opening considering he is the third receiver on the team. He also has shown some impressive speed, catching a 68 yard pass from Cutler in week one against the Packers.

Interesting side note: the pick the Bears used to select Knox actually came over with Cutler in the Bronco's deal. It was more of a toss in to even things out but who knew it would turn into such an immediate positive for the Bears?

Verdict: While the Bears have more youth and speed, the Lions have Calvin Johnson. I need to see more from Chicago's trio before I put them in the same class as that man.

ADVANTAGE: LIONS

Tight Ends: Will Heller/Brandon Pettigrew vs Greg Olsen

Heller is listed as the starter on the depth chart, but for the future, the answer is Pettigrew. In fact, Pettigrew has two more receptions and 20+ more yards than Heller through the first three weeks. I believe Heller is there for his reliability and blocking until Pettigrew can learn all the ins, outs and what have yous.

Pettigrew, a rookie out of Oklahoma St., is considered one of the top tight end prospects that came out of the draft. So far he hasn't blown people away, but the Lions offense looks potent for the future with him, Stafford, Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson.

So far this season Pettigrew has six receptions for 67 yards. But don't be surprised if he receives more looks, especially in the end zone, with his 6'5", 265 lbs frame.

Olsen has not quite lived up to expectations this season, although he seemed to be coming around in the Bears most recent victory over the Seahawks, as he had five receptions for 44 yards and his first touchdown of the season.

Verdict: Olsen's hands look to be improving and Pettigrew still has a lot to learn.

ADVANTAGE: BEARS

Offensive line: Lions vs Bears

An interesting note here, Lions center Dominc Raiola and Bears Center Olin Kreutz attended the same high school, St. Louis High in Honolulu, HI, only three years apart. Both have been the dominate starters for the respective teams, Raiola for the past seven season, Kreutz for the past ten.

As for the rest of the line, we will have to compare upon stats, because what I don't know about the Lions starters could probably fill a book.

Stafford has been sacked five times and Kevin Smith has an average of 3.7 yards per carry.

Cutler has been sacked six times while Matt Forte has an average of 2.5 yards per carry.

Verdict: The rushing numbers are worrisome, especially since the Lions weren't handed any gifts in facing the Vikings run defense while the Bears faced the Steelers.

ADVANTAGE: LIONS

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