Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Preview: Calvin Johnson’s Payback
By Editorial Staff
Detroit Lions (4-0) vs. Chicago Bears (2-2)
Tonight the Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears. This will be a heated match up given last year’s “Calvin Rule” that prevented the Detroit Lions from winning the game. It was also the Bears who knocked Matthew Stafford out for much of the season. The Bears and the Lions do not need any added incentive to hate each other, it one of the best division rivalries in the league. This will be the first Monday Night football game for the Detroit Lions in this millennium.
What’s at stake?
This early in the season it is hard to say there is too much…however, in a division game every game counts. If the Bears win they can go to 3-2 and stay in the NFC North race. If not, they are in danger of falling out of the race before the halfway point. For the Lions a 5-0 start would keep them tied with the Packers. A loss would simply make them 4-1 and still in the heart of the playoff race.
Matchups to watch for.
- Jeff Backus vs. Julius Peppers: Jeff Backus is a solid LT who has endured far too much criticism from Detroit fans. Is he a franchise LT? No, not even close, but he is a solid LT who has not missed a game in his career. Peppers is one of the best DE in the game. Peppers got the best of Backus last season. I think the Lions will need to run the ball more and keep a TE on that side to help Backus. Advantage: Julius Peppers.
- Matt Forte vs. the Lions’ back seven: Matt Forte has owned the Detroit Lions. In 6 games he has 6 touchdowns and averages over 100 yards from scrimmage. History would say this would continue right? Not so fast, as long as Forte has been playing, the Lions have never been as good in the back seven as they are now. I think the Lions can slow him down. Forte will still get his, but he is all they have. If the Lions can slow Adrian Peterson down enough to win they can do the same versus Forte. Advantage: Lions back seven.
- Calvin Johnson vs. Charles Tillman: Calvin Johnson has been a force since he was drafted by Detroit. He has only gotten better. One hurdle he still has to jump over is Charles Tillman. Tillman has been effective slowing Calvin Johnson down because of his size and physicality. This year, however, Calvin has added strength to his game and with Tillman being one year older I think Calvin will get solid numbers in this game…though not dominate. Advantage: Calvin Johnson.
- Jahvid Best vs. Bryan Urlacher: The Bears run defense has not been what it was in the past. The DT talent is dried up and the Bears line backing core is not as young as they were. They get a break this week since the Lions run offense is an after thought. Best still does not have a 100 yard rushing game in two seasons and while he is a good receiver he will not have a good day. Urlacher owns Detroit. Advantage: Bryan Urlacher.
- Ndumakong Suh and Nick Fairley vs. Bears’ Interior OL: Nick Fairley should be making his debut tonight. I think he will only play 5-10 plays. So this is a bit misleading. Suh and Williams should own this interior OL. Garza and company have done little and I believe Jay Cutler will be under duress all game long since Martz does not utilize quick pass plays. Advantage: Suh and company.
Prediction:
I think the line in this game is far too much. This game will be decided by no more than 3-4 points. I feel that Detroit will be too pumped for this game to win by anymore than a field goal. Bears just are not that good. If the Lions can bypass Devin Hester on returns than they should win 24-21. Lions victory!!!!
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