LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — After suffering a 31-26 loss in Detroit in Week 11, the Bears (4-8) will look to exact a measure of revenge when they host the Lions (9-3) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
After winning their first divisional game under head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears are seeking another first for this regime – consecutive wins, which they haven't earned since 2021. Here are three storylines to follow in the matchup.
Opportunity on offense
Eberflus believes that explosive plays are coming for the Bears, whose offense failed to find the end zone during a 12-10 win against the Vikings on Nov. 27. Against a Lions defense that has been porous lately, the Bears should have their opportunities Sunday.
The Lions have allowed an average of 32.8 points over their last four games, including 26 points to the Bears during the game on Nov. 19 at Ford Field. At 9-3, Detroit remains atop the NFC North, but concerns are creeping in because of its defense.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields has the opportunity to spearhead a more productive offensive performance as he leads a unit that's searching for consistency. For Fields, it’s yet another chance to prove himself as a potential franchise quarterback with five games remaining in his third NFL season.
Fields has completed 64.4% of his passes for 1,587 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games this season. He has shown growth as a passer while offering hope for the Bears as they face a crucial decision at quarterback this offseason.
On Wednesday, Fields himself acknowledged the scrutiny and uncertainty that he’s facing in the stretch run, knowing well that the Bears could be preparing to move on from him.
“Personally, I’m just focused on what I can control," Fields said. "The rest is in God’s hands. Really, you just put everything in God’s hands, you know it’s going to turn out good for you. If I'm here next year, if I’m not, football doesn’t define who I am as a person. My happiness will still be in the same place.
“I’m very blessed in the position I am in. A million people would love to be in the position I’m in right now. Really, not taking that for granted. Just taking each and every moment I have every day up here to the fullest.”
Goff vs. Bears
During the first meeting between the Bears and the Lions, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff was intercepted three times by Chicago’s defense. That nearly matched his career-worst mark of four interceptions, which came in a loss to the Bears in December 2018 when Goff played for the Rams.
The Bears had Goff’s number for the majority of the first matchup until a late collapse as Goff led two touchdown drives to break the Bears' hearts. But what the Bears did do against Goff – fluster him with pressure, force him into decisions downfield – can be repeated once again in the rematch.
The Bears followed up that performance with four interceptions during their win against the Vikings eight days later, showing that they're forming an identity on defense. The addition of veteran pass rusher Montez Sweat has allowed the defensive front to pressure with four and cover with seven, which is how Chicago's scheme is supposed to operate.
“Obviously, the rush and coverage kind of work hand in hand,” Bears safeties coach Andre Curtis said. “We’ve been pressuring the quarterback at a high rate with not blitz but four-man rushes that increase pressure, which is always good. The better you rush them, the tighter you cover them, usually you put yourself in good positions for things to happen. And the guys have been in good positions to capitalize on them.”
Win out?
Bears tight end Cole Kmet welcomed the idea of something special occurring for his team late in the season.
“I’m treating it like we’re in playoff mode now,” Kmet said. “I think five very winnable games here to end the season. Who knows what can happen at 9-8?
“You never know what can happen. You got to take it one week at a time and we’ll see where it goes.”
On Sunday at Soldier Field, the Bears can win consecutive games for the first time under Eberflus’ watch. They then will take on the Browns (7-5), Cardinals (3-10), Falcons (6-6) and Packers (6-6) to close out this season.
Winning out is undoubtedly a long shot, but it’s at least a motivating factor for the Bears. If they can earn a win against the Lions, it’s a task that will seem slightly more realistic.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.