Lions vs. Bears: Halftime Observations for the Lions

Well, that was one interesting first half of play.

The battle of NFC North teams takes place at Soldier Field.  In the first matchup of the series, the Lions suffocating defense was able to pressure Cutler and ultimately win the game. The Bears look to even the series and get the win at home.

In the first quarter, the Bears dominated the Lions by forcing two turnovers and scoring 10 points off the Lions' mistakes. Then, Devin Hester got loose on a return and put the lead at 20. The Lions finally got on the board with a field goal after a fumbled exchange between Cutler and Forte. The score going into half is 20-6 with the Lions trailing.

Will the Lions be able to get back in this ball game?  Can the offense figure it out and put points on the board?  

Here are five things that Detroit needs to do in the second half against Chicago to get back in this ball game.

 

1. Get Pressure on Jay Cutler

In the last meeting against the Bears, the Lions were able to disrupt Cutler early and often. The Bears offensive line was shaken from the beginning of the game. Suh and company must get into the backfield and wreak havoc on Cutler. Cutler has shown that when he is pressured, he will make mistakes and force bad passes. Get to Cutler and give yourself a shot to win this game.

 

2. Find a Running Game
Matthew Stafford and the dangerous receivers can't win this game alone. While they are super talented and posses the capabilities to make huge plays, they need help from the running game. Obviously, injuries have plagued the Lions running game. Maurice Morris must step up in the second half and give the Lions an added dimension. The ability to run the ball consistently will set up play action and give Calvin Johnson a chance at some deep plays. Run the ball and get back in this game.

 

3. Get the Ball to Megatron

Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the game, and he needs to be the go-to guy in the second half. The Lions need to target Johnson early and often in the second half of this football game. Calvin is a unique receiver who can stretch the field with deep balls, but also has the ability to be a possession receiver who can take control of football games. The Lions need to throw short passes to Calvin and let him run, but they should also throw deep bombs for big play potential.

 

4. Don’t Turn the Ball Over

Two early turnovers have killed potential drives and gave the Bears a quick 10 points. Holding on to the ball and not throwing interceptions will be key in getting back in this ball game. The Lions defense can help the team out if they are able to force a couple of turnovers themselves. Give the offense a chance to redeem themselves by forcing turnovers. The Lions will not be able to get back in this game if they continue to make careless mistakes. Play smart football in the second half and give yourself a shot to get a victory.

 

5. Control Devin Hester

The Lions were unable to do this in the first half. One would think that the Lions should not kick to Hester in the second half. He is just too dangerous and it seems like it is a risk not worth taking. Kick away from Hester!  Kick away from Hester!