Chicago Bears Vs. Detroit Lions: 5 Do's and 5 Don'ts

We are coming up to the big game between the Bears and Lions this Sunday, and there has been a lot of analysis put together on what might happen, how one team may win, how the other team may lose and so on.  

One thing is clear.  The Bears need to keep winning games and no matter how bad the Lions are, they can still beat the Bears because on any given Sunday, anything can happen.

Here is a look at five things that the Bears should do and five things that they shouldn’t in order to win this game on Sunday.

The Bears Should Run the Ball

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

This may get to be sounding old for some, but we have seen what happens when the Bears run the ball on a regular basis.  They have won the last four games and are leading the NFC North because they have been running the ball successfully.  Getting the ball to Matt Forte and Chester Taylor is a must and would be a big part of the Bears' success on Sunday.

The Bears Can’t Take Calvin Johnson for Granted

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass between Donte Whitner #20 and Leodis McKelvin #28 of the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 14-12. (P

Sure, the Lions are starting a third string quarterback in Drew Stanton and he’s definitely not a perfect passer, but if he can get the ball to wide receiver Calvin Johnson there could be trouble.  Johnson is a threat to score each time he touches the ball, and he’s going to have the motivation of that call from Week 1 driving him throughout the game.  The Bears need to make sure that they have him covered as well as possible in order to avoid him making them sweat in this game.

Chicago Needs To Block Suh and Vanden Bosch

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions on November 25, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Just when we thought the offensive line was looking good, it gave up four sacks in pretty quick order last Sunday against the Eagles and left us scratching our heads.  This week the Bears face two very good pass rushers in Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch, and the combination could give the Bears' offensive line some problems.  Watch for offensive line coach Mike Tice and offensive coordinator Mike Martz to try some creative things to help keep those guys from disrupting their gameplan.

Chicago Can’t Get Lazy

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass against of the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Sure, it’s the Lions but you just never know.  Anything can happen on any given Sunday in the NFL.  The Bears have a tough game coming up the following week against the New England Patriots and cannot be caught looking ahead.  They need to concentrate on what is happening on Sunday, and not what they will face this Sunday.  They need every win they can to win the NFC North, and this one shouldn’t be a problem unless they make it that way.

Chicago Needs To Attack Detroit’s Secondary

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

If anyone was watching what the Patriots did to the Lions secondary on Thanksgiving, you will know that the Lions can be attacked through the air successfully.  The Bears need to pass the ball and attack that secondary often in this game in order to have success, so look for them to target specific players in the secondary (including Alphonso Smith) and get some decent yardage throwing the ball.

Chicago Can’t Afford Injuries

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Pisa Tinoisamoa #59 of the Chicago Bears moves to tackle Brent Celek #87 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

The Bears' success this season has come partially because they have remained healthy this season.  They come into this game down just one player (linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa) and cannot afford to have any additional injuries.  Granted, it’s hard to prevent injuries, but the Bears need to keep their guys healthy and get out of this game with no major injuries.

Chicago Has To Get Chester Taylor the Ball

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Chester Taylor #29 of the Chicago Bears runs pursued by Madieu Williams #20 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

Yes, Forte is playing pretty well right now and it’s hard to not give him the ball, but in this game, the Bears need to try to get the ball to Taylor more.  That will get him a little more comfortable in the offense and give the Bears a look at what they have in Taylor.

Chicago Can’t Allow Lions To Suddenly Find Their Running Game

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions runs for a first down as Carlos Rogers #22 of the Washington Redskins gets ready to make the stop during the first quarter of the game at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Phot

The Lions' running game has been on life support for a better part of the season, while the Bears' rushing defense has been one of the best in the NFL.  Now is not the time for the Lions to suddenly “find” their rushing attack and beat the Bears on the ground.  The Bears need to keep playing solid defense, not have a letdown and allow the Lions to hang them with the rushing game.

Chicago Needs To Win the Game

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Devin Hetser #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

This may been pretty obvious and simple, but it’s something that is very hard to do in the NFL these days: win games that you are supposed to.  All NFL games are difficult no matter who is playing, and there is always a chance that the best team could lose.  The Bears need to stay focused and not lose sight in this game.

Chicago Can’t Get Beat in the Secondary

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs as safety Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears defends at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

This kind of goes along with what was previously discussed regarding Calvin Johnson.  Chicago’s secondary has struggled at times this season, and its struggles have been masked (lately) by the play of the front four.  This unit still has problems, although it is getting better and cannot be exposed in this game.  The secondary needs to pay special attention to not only Johnson, but also Nate Burleson and tight end Brandon Pettigrew.