Bears vs. Lions: Reviewing Chicago's Big Divisional Victory in Week 13

The Bears entered Sunday’s matchup against the Lions as the overwhelming favorite.  At 8-3, Chicago was in high spirits after a big victory over the Eagles on national TV.  The Lions, on the other hand, were battling a spate of injuries that claimed two QBs and their starting DE, Kyle Vanden Bosch.  A blow out seemed to be in the making.

But, much to Chicago’s dismay, the Lions offense proceeded to dominate a top five Bears defense throughout the first half behind the steady play of QB Drew Stanton.  Although Chicago kept up with two long TD drives via an efficient and effective short passing game mixed with runs, the Lions controlled the game, especially after Calvin Johnson plowed through arm tackles from the Bears secondary to score a highlight-reel TD in the waning seconds of the first half. 

Heading into the second half, Chicago had to fix its defense to avoid becoming embroiled in a shootout in hostile territory.  Yet Chicago started its first drive disastrously, giving up a sack fumble that produced three additional Lions points. 

Nevertheless, the Bears defense, after surrendering 17 points, stiffened and contained a plucky Lions offense for the remainder of the game.  On offense, Chicago struggled with pass protection, but they still managed to move the ball well behind steady play from Jay Cutler, who competed 21 of 26 passes for 234 yards and a TD. 

This Bears victory extends their winning streak to five games since the bye week.  Meanwhile, the Lions have now dropped 19 straight games against NFC North teams--a trend that should change as this young, talented team matures.  

MVPs, Duds, and Play Of the Game

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Earl Bennett #80 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown catch 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 Imag

Offensive MVP: WR Earl Bennett continues to develop into a play-making NFL receiver.  His ability to find gaps in the secondary combined with his excellent hands helped spark two Bears TD drives in the first half.  In the second half, Bennett showed up on several key third down conversions, as he surpassed 100 yards receiving for the first time in his young career.  Quietly, Bennett is overtaking the speedy Johnny Knox as the Bears' number one receiver.

Defensive MVP: CB DJ Moore’s sure tackling ability stopped at least two Lions first downs.  His fourth quarter sack of QB Drew Stanton pushed the Lions out of field goal range.  Moore may be the best nickel back the Bears have had in recent memory.  

Offensive Dud: Pass protection remained questionable, as the Lions sacked Cutler four times.  Detroit schooled the Bears offense in the third quarter behind Cliff Avril, who was responsible for three sacks and a forced fumble. 

Defensive Dud: The Bears pass rush was nonexistent in the first half, forcing Chicago to bring more blitzes which opened up running and passing lanes for the Lions to exploit.  The inability to generate consistent pressure through most of the game allowed Stanton, in only his second NFL start, to gash the Bears defense.  The Lions amassed 253 total yards in the first half alone. The defensive line improved in the second half but still required assistance from additional blitzers to produce pressure.

Play of the Game:  Late in the third quarter, the Lions attempted to convert a fourth-and-one in Bears territory.  Instead of running the ball, as they had on a previously successful fourth down conversion, the Lions attempted to pass.  But Chicago’s secondary read the play, forcing an incompletion.  After this big stand, Cutler marched the offense down the field to score a lead-changing TD and went on to win the game.

Implications

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against linebacker Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears on November 26, 2006 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated

Chicago remains in control of the NFC North, despite Green Bay’s big win over the 49ers. With games against the Patriots, Jets, Vikings and Packers looming, a win against a beatable Lions team was imperative for solidifying Chicago’s playoff hopes, as they will likely lose at least one or two of their next four games. 

Offensively, Chicago has, once again, demonstrated it can win games behind questionable line protection.  Jay Cutler has evolved into a more conservative passer capable of dinking and dunking the Bears offense to victory.  Meanwhile, Matt Forte has played solid football since the bye, as he is on track to finish the season averaging over 4.0 yards per carry—a career best for the former Tulane standout.

Defensively, Chicago had a forgettable second half, giving up massive yardage to an inexperienced Lions offense.  Credit defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli with getting the defense back in shape for the second half, where they surrendered a mere three points.  However, Chicago will need better pass defense in upcoming games against Tom Brady, Mark Sanchez and Aaron Rodgers.

On special teams, the Bears had a great day.  Robbie Gould has finally become an effective kicker on attempts over 50 yards.  The young kicker had a career long 54-yard boot this afternoon.  Meanwhile, punter Brad Maynard is rediscovering his leg strength, as he enjoyed a good afternoon pinning the Lions deep. Devin Hester also broke the NFL record for return TDs, only to be stopped short by the opposing punter. 

Up next for Chicago is the New England Patriots at Solider Field.  Stopping Tom Brady’s efficient passing attack will be a tremendous challenge for the Cover-2 defense.  This will be Chicago’s hardest challenge of the season.  Look for my preview of this big matchup later this week.