BlueNSilver

Another divisional game, Should be a good!!

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SDOGO

Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, Soldier Field
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Intermittent clouds. High: 78. Low: 62.

Why To Watch

This NFC North rivalry will come down to the play of two young quarterbacks. Bears rookie Kyle Orton figured to carry a clipboard all season instead is dodging blitzing linebackers. Now, he starts. Joey Harrington has a multitude of weapons but is trying to live up to expectations in his fourth season. The quarterback who makes the fewest mistakes should win this game.

Both teams have opportunistic defenses with a sprinkling of star players, but the Lions have significantly more firepower on offense. Running back Kevin Jones, wide receivers Roy Williams, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams were high first-round picks and are elite weapons. The Bears were supposed to be led by quarterback Rex Grossman, who will miss at least 10 games because of ankle surgery, and rookie running back Cedric Benson, who missed most of camp and is not ready to assume an active role.




Lions Keys For Success

1. Run from spread formations. The plan should be to use three- and four-receiver sets that forces the Bears into their nickel package, and to run against that alignment. When the offense is in a passing formation, aggressive defensive linemen will be thinking pass, using more pass-rush moves and trying to get to the quarterback. This creates the perfect situation for draw plays, creating space in the middle for Jones.

2. Make a big play on special teams. Unlike the Bears, the Lions have outstanding special teams. Pro Bowl specialist Eddie Drummond and the return units must win the field position battle. Don't be surprised if Detroit gets a touchdown from its return units.

3. Win the turnover battle. Playing against a rookie, the defense should attempt to shatter Orton’'s confidence by disguising coverages and using multiple blitzes to create turnover opportunities. On offense, Harrington should not take unnecessary chances. He should make simple reads and simple throws and trust his playmakers to make plays.

Bears Keys For Success

1. Disrupt the timing-based offense. The success of the Lions' passing game depends on having receivers where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there and Harrington having a window to throw the ball. Defensive linemen must penetrate the gaps to close the pocket, and defensive backs must jam receivers at the line to disrupt their timing.

2. Protect Orton. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is conservative by nature but will make an exception this week. Jauron will use extensive blitz packages to rattle Orton in his second career start. The onus is on the offensive linemen to recognize and pick up blitzes and stunts to give Orton time to go through his progressions.

3. Establish a power running game. The offense wants to plow the ball between the tackles and force the Lions to commit an eighth player to defend the run. If that happens, receivers will have more favorable matchups. The Bears must find a way to neutralize run-stuffing tackles Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson.


Injuries at a glance

Lions injuries

9/12/05 Jason Hanson K Hamstring Should be ready for Week 2
9/6/05 Teddy Lehman LB
9/6/05 Jeff Garcia QB
8/23/05 Cory Schlesinger RB Broken leg Targeting a return in Week 4

Bears injuries

8/23/05 Cameron Worrell S Shoulder Out for season
8/23/05 Bobby Gray S Knee Out for season


The Bottom Line

This will be a competitive game because neither team can dominate on offense or defense. The difference will be the Bears' inability to establish an inside running game against Rogers and Wilkinson.

The Bears will become one-dimensional, putting too much pressure on Orton. A late Bears turnover will be the difference.

Pick: Lions 23, Bears 17

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Logan57401

This game really could go either way, and the Lions catch a break going to Chicago this early in the season rather then in Dec.

That said, I have to take the home team in most close matchups, so it's da Bearz by 2 in this one, even though I don't think they score a TD for the second week in a row the kickers (and D) get all the glory in this one.

Bears 14 Lions 12

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Lego

bears scored a TD last week.


in any case, i agree, bears win. their D is frickin awesome...though it did show a slight (and i mean very slight) weakness to the run. Orton looked poised if not particularly good, and I think that'll be enough to keep the game in order. A strong dose of Thomas Jones should win the game.

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AIM: grandoompahpah

crazyloser

I like the Lions as a 19-13 winner in this one, but that's why I'm crazy I guess.

GOLIONS1180

Nice preview SDOGO.

I think we get to Orton early and often. The offense steps up there game this week as well.

Lions 20
Bears 10

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Football National Championships since 1950
Michigan State 3
Michigan 1

Judge Smails 5-4-07

natas

This guy lost all credibility here.

Bears 18 (safety)
Lions 10

imported_85D

Bears 20
Lions 17

KO- 18/30 155 1 TD 1 INT
TJ- 87 1 TD

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TigerLionWings

This article lost all credibility right off the bat when it said that. We all know Jauron won't blitz.

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Untouchable Legend

I thought it was talking about the redskins D when it said that.

I say this one ends in a close score, Lions pulling ahead by a late game punt return for a TD by Drummond.

Lions 17 - Bears 10

Harrington 18 - 34 175 yards 1 TD 1 INT
KJ 26 for 124

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