LIVE REPORT: BEARS PREPARE FOR SUNDAY SHOWDOWN AGAINST NFC-LEADING LIONS
The Chicago Bears are staring down history as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. If the Bears are shut out in the first half, they’ll join a dubious group: just seven teams since the AFL-NFL merger have gone scoreless in the first half of four consecutive games. Here’s how they can avoid that and possibly upset the NFC leaders.
1. Score in the First Half
The Bears’ offensive struggles have been glaring, with first-half shutouts in their last three games against Detroit, San Francisco, and Minnesota. A repeat of this offensive ineptitude would place them alongside one of the league’s most disappointing statistical records.
Despite their issues, the Lions’ defense, decimated by injuries, offers a glimmer of hope. Last week, Detroit allowed 48 points to the Bills, signaling vulnerabilities that quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears must exploit. A fast start — or at least avoiding a disastrous one — is critical to staying competitive.
2. Embrace “Bear Weather”
This game marks just the second outdoor contest of the season for the Lions. Their first, a Week 9 victory at Lambeau Field, ended with a 24-14 win. However, Detroit remains one of the rare teams in NFL history to spend their first eight weeks entirely indoors.
The Bears have long touted their supposed advantage in “Bear Weather,” but they need to prove it by running the ball effectively and defending against the run — two areas of consistent struggle this season.
The return of Roschon Johnson from concussion protocol could provide a boost to the ground game, especially as D’Andre Swift has faltered recently. On the other hand, the Lions will miss running back David Montgomery, who’s sidelined with a knee injury.
3. Show Some Fight
Interim coach Thomas Brown and his players insist the team is giving maximum effort, but recent performances suggest otherwise. To compete with the 12-2 Lions, the Bears will need to summon the emotional and physical intensity required to capitalize on Detroit’s weakened lineup.
Whether the Bears can rise to the occasion or falter under pressure will become evident early in the game. The question remains: do they have enough in the tank to deliver a surprise upset?
Stay tuned as these storylines unfold in what promises to be a critical game for both teams.
