Bears vs. Lions: Detroit Lions Prove Chicago Bears No Longer Power in NFC North

The Chicago Bears have some work to do before we can consider them an NFC North power. After the Lions dismissed them on Monday night, it was clear they have too many holes on the field to contend. 

Detroit's pass rush was unrelenting as Jay Cutler scrambled, ducked and fell. He had to savor every pass that allowed him to plant and throw with power, because those were few and far between. 

On Monday night, the Detroit Lions welcomed the Chicago Bears and the challenge they brought with them. The blue collar Lions had a perfect record, but questions still remained on this young squad. Those should all be extinguished after a 24-13 victory. 

The Bears woes continue on both sides of the ball, and they are enormous. The now 2-3 squad has to answer for an offensive line that allowed far too many hits on their quarterback, and a defense that allowed the Lions comfort in the pass and run. 

Jahvid Best had a couple of rushes that were far too easy. The holes were gaping wide, allowing Best to go 88 yards untouched for a score in the third quarter. 

Matthew Stafford had a few balls that were far wide of their targets, but a forgiving Bears defense allowed him to escape largely unscathed. 

The Lions were allowed to do anything they wanted with the ball. On their way to nearly 400 yards, the Lions never seemed to waiver from the confidence they started the game with. 

The Bears are a completely different matter. The perennial division power was lost on defense and meek in their pass protection. If there was one word to describe the Bears it would be soft. Confused and exhausted are the runners up for a team that was not on the same plane as the Lions. 

We now have a semblance of where this division is headed. There is no question that the Lions are a talented squad that backs up their youth movement with poise on the field. 

They will fight neck and neck with the Green Bay Packers all year long. For the Bears, they have some soul searching to do at the moment. 

There are  still plenty of games to be played this season, but their station in life is clear. For the moment, they are third in the division, not just in the standings, but in stature as well.