Lions-Bears: Week 9

The Bears pick up against the Lions after a much needed bye week.

The Bears welcome a winless Lions team that doesn’t really look like the same team the Bears defeated a few weeks ago.

Gone is Roy Williams—traded to the Cowboys. Promoted is backup QB Dan Orlovsky for an ailing Jon Kitna, and the Lions running game even looks different with carries being split between Kevin Smith and Rudi Johnson.

Many of these changes seem to be improvements according to Lovie Smith.

“They are a much improved ball club since we played them last,” said coach Smith.

So the Bears can’t relax this Sunday, nor should any team facing a divisional foe.  

It’s worth noting that the Lions gave a solid Redskins team a hard time last week. No doubt in part to the new attitude going around the Lions organization.

This game has the potential to be a break out game for the Bears defense. Pass rush has been lacking, and pass coverage has been exploited. The only thing the Bears D can hang their hat on is the fact that they’ve only allowed one 100-yard rusher this season.

Kyle Orton is emerging as an elite passer in the NFL. His stats aren’t on par with the likes of Drew Brees, but so far this season Orton has done exactly what is needed to help the Bears win. The lack of a No.1 receiver hasn’t slowed him down one bit as he’s spread the ball around to whoever is on the field with him.

The Bears leading receiver is tight end Greg Olsen, who looks to exploit another defensive secondary this week and exceed his reception and yardage totals from last season. The Bears’ tight ends have been keys to their success on offense. If the Bears are to continue this success they need to create even more opportunities for Olsen and Des Clark. Do that, and the playbook opens up for everyone else.

With the success of Matt Forte no one seems interested to see what offseason acquisition Kevin Jones can do. I’d like to see Jones’ line get some more carries (not taking any away from Forte mind you), and allow him to get into a rhythm. The logic is simple; two backs are better than one.  

Players to Watch

Tommie Harris: Harris has been criticized a lot this season, some of it justified, a fourth season bench warmer in Dan Orlovsky could be just what Harris needs to break out of his funk.

Kevin Payne: Payne has been one of the few bright spots of the Bears defense this season. This young man is turning into a run-stopping safety.

Matt Forte: Forte had a rough game against the Vikings, but didn’t lose his composure. The Lions run defense is nowhere near on par with Minnesota’s so Forte should have a much easier time running the ball this week.

Key to the Game

Turnovers: While the Lions aren’t exactly among the NFL elite, any team has a shot if they can create turnovers. The Bears have to protect the ball, and not let a team like the Lions get any momentum they can build off of.