Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: Week 4 Preview

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) scrambles during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears are desperately trying to get their first win of the 2016 season. Can they break their streak against the rival Detroit Lions?

Background:

A series of ugly streaks face the Bears going into this game. They are currently 0-3 on the season. Their record at Soldier Field in the John Fox era stands at 1-8. To top it off they haven’t beaten the Lions since 2012. Not a great recipe for getting ones’ first win of the season. Meanwhile the Lions are battling several key injuries, particularly to their defense. They still can’t run the football with any regularity either. So it’s been the Matthew Stafford show all season. Will that be enough?

Injury Report:

Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) – What really has exposed the Lions defense is the loss of their star pass rusher in Ezekiel Ansah. He’s been battling an ankle problem that forced him to miss week three in Green Bay and he was sorely missed. Chances are good he could miss this game as well. Detroit isn’t eager to rush him back and risk aggravating the problem further.

Jay Cutler (thumb) – The 33-year old quarterback has been pushing to get back on the field since suffering a sprain to the thumb on his throwing hand. Coaches however are concerned about his grip on the football. They fears his ability to throw and hang onto it when hit will be affected. Never mind the risk of making it worse. He’s a competitor and may understand his job is in jeopardy, but the likely course is he sits another week.

Key Matchup:

Marvin Jones vs. Tracy Porter

With Calvin Johnson gone the Lions have needed another receiver to step up for Stafford in the passing game. That has been free agent pickup Marvin Jones. He’s made the big plays and had over 200 yards against the Packers in week three. The Bears must hope that veteran corner Tracy Porter is up to the challenge of slowing him down despite serious problems with the Chicago pass rush.

Prediction: Lions win 27-17

At the end of the day these are two banged up teams just fighting to stay afloat. It’s unlikely Cutler plays, which means Brian Hoyer gets the start. Given the state of that Bears offense, combined with Matthew Stafford facing a depleted defense, it’s just hard to envision Chicago getting a win. They don’t have the manpower or the necessary coaching at this point.

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