CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Bears take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon at Soldier Field, and the game can be heard on WBBM Newsradio 780. Here are Jeff Joniak's keys to the game.
Offense
• Starting fast by scoring points is something every coach wants his team to accomplish, but Bears head coach Matt Nagy is emphasizing it significantly against the Lions.
• A late season coaching change in Detroit with extra time to prepare for the Bears, puts everyone on high alert for a quick burst of energy from the Lions. As it is, the Lions are tied for the second in the league in first possession points, and fourth in the league in scoring on the first drive of the second half.
• Last season the Bears scored only two first possession touchdowns. They have equaled that production through the first 11 games of this season and have come out of the locker room to start the second half with nine punts and two turnovers this season. It has led to an NFL worst 14-point scoring total in the third quarter this season. They need to get cooking early.
• To start the season, Nagy was looking for tempo, timing, and toughness. A dedication to a physical run game at the point of attack, play action, and drives that end in touchdowns would look real good against a Lions defense that doesn’t do anything particularly well at this point. They have allowed 173 plays of 10-yards or more which ranks 31st, and 42 pass completions of 20-yards or more, which ranks 30th.
• Will Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin play primarily man coverage against Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky again? It is a scheme Trubisky has found completions in consistently.
• A running game that can handle more of a load is last in the league in attempts per game at 21.2, but that ties into not starting fast and falling behind too often. If the Bears can get on the lead, the rest of the complimentary football they seek should fall into place, spearheaded by the rushing attack.
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Defense
• There was a call to duty put out this week to Bears defenders after the Lambeau lambasting. Message received. Expect a fiery, physical group looking for work against a dangerous Lions offense. The return of Akiem Hicks on the defensive line will be welcome relief for the linebackers and defensive backs who count on his front wall dominance to push the pocket and fill gaps in the run game. He makes everyone better.
• Matthew Stafford’s Soldier Field visits have not borne a lot of fruit. In 11 games, Stafford has thrown 11 interceptions and has been sacked 30 times by the Bears over the years. As was the case in week one, the Bears secondary miss St. Rita star WR Kenny Golladay due to a hip injury. Stafford himself is questionable with an injured thumb.
• Two players to watch for the Lions that need the Bears attention are second year tight end T.J. Hockensen and rookie running back D’Andre Swift. These two require the Bears attention from a matchup perspective.
• Hockenson hauled in all five of his targets in week one including a 24-yard catch and a touchdown. He has nearly 300-yards after the catch this season and has been targeted 35 times in the last five games for 23 catches for 274-yards and 13 first downs. The Bears defense has given up the fourth most completions to tight ends with 62 for the sixth most yards(635) and eight touchdowns in 11 games according to Pro Football Reference.
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• Swift no doubt wants to twist the narrative back in his favor after a missed opportunity on a pass to the endzone in the opener that would have spelled doom for the Bears. The Georgia rookie can move, and he’s an outstanding receiver out of the backfield…definitely a player to watch coming back from a concussion.
Special Teams
• This is a tough test for the Bears. The Lions special teams unit is very good. They use starters at times on it and have collected a league high number of tackles in coverage.
• Bears Pro Bowl hopeful Cordarrelle Patterson opened his outstanding season with 110 yards on three returns in the opener at Ford Field including a 45-yard return against the Lions.
• It’s an important day for Patrick O’Donnell and the blocking scheme. One of the premier specialists in the league Miles Killebrew has blocked three punts, two in one game against the Vikings.
• Detroit’s rookie punter Jack Fox is tearing it up with the best hang-time in the league and a 50.3 gross punting average and 45.8 net average, both tops in the league. The Lions have allowed only 69-yards on punts.
• With the Lions and Bears traditionally playing close games, the best kicker at Soldier Field could lead their team to victory. Cairo Santos is on a tear with 15-consecutive field goals made, and only two missed kicks all season. Detroit’s Matt Prater has misfired on seven field goal attempts. He’s been very good at Soldier Field in his career, connecting on five of his six 50+-yard attempts. Prater is one 50+ yard field goal from tying the NFL record.
Intangibles
• Get ready for just about anything from the Lions. With a new interim coach auditioning and nothing to lose, the Bears have to come ready to play with a lot of juice. Matt Nagy has gassed the team up all week. The intrigue lies in the results of his motivation and the determination of a team on the ropes.