What the Detroit Lions' Offseason Troubles Mean for the Chicago Bears

The Detroit Lions had seven players arrested during the offseason which means precisely nothing to the Chicago Bears.  The Lions' troubles will likely have little effect on the Bears season as only two projected starters will likely be out from suspensions. 

The Lions may be an undisciplined football team that look like a team in turmoil, but they're still talented enough to challenge for the division. 

Mikel LeShoure, a running back, will be suspended the first two games of the season versus the Rams and the 49ers.  The only real challenge for the Lions will be the game in San Francisco, a team that was in the NFC Title game last year. 

LeShoure's two game suspension won't have much of an effect on the offense, because the Lions' were weak running the football last year as well.  Plus, the expected return of Jahvid Best likely means that their offense will be somewhat more balanced. 

Let's face facts here, teams will still have to deal with Stafford and Megatron, which is truly what makes the Lions' offense so dangerous. 

A lot of NFL teams have been known in the past for their offseason turmoil, but have managed to put things together in order to compete once the season starts.  The Bears should expect nothing less and should not take the Lions lightly. 

Given Lovie Smith's mentality, the Bears will not take the Lions lightly. In fact, the Bears will recognize the importance of beating the Lions in order to compete for the division and will play them accordingly. 

The Lions' offseason suspensions will be cleared up long before it will have an effect on a head-to-head match up.  The Bears don't face the Lions until week seven and then the Bears travel to Detroit to close out the season. 

Overall the Lions are still going to be a force to be reckoned with until proven otherwise.  The Bears can not afford to overlook any team this season, especially any team within the division.