LIVE UPDATE: BEARS PREPARE TO FACE DEPLETED LIONS DEFENSE
The Chicago Bears, led by Caleb Williams, have an opportunity to rebound offensively against a battered Detroit Lions defense on Sunday. However, their defense must also contend with the Lions’ dynamic run game, spearheaded by Jahmyr Gibbs, as David Montgomery remains sidelined with a knee injury.
When the Bears Have the Ball
The Bears’ offense has struggled under interim head coach Thomas Brown, averaging just 12.5 points, 223 yards, and 3.9 yards per play in his two games at the helm. This is a stark decline from the 22 points and 5.5 yards per play they averaged during Brown’s tenure as offensive coordinator.
Facing a Lions defense ranked seventh in points allowed, Chicago might find opportunities against a unit riddled with injuries. Detroit has 16 defensive players on injured reserve, including six Week 1 starters. Notable recent losses include defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback Carlton Davis, who were placed on IR after Detroit’s narrow loss to the Bills last week.
This matchup provides a prime chance for the Bears to re-establish their run game. The Bills exposed Detroit’s vulnerability, rushing for 197 yards and four touchdowns last week. Chicago welcomes the return of Roschon Johnson, who has missed two games due to a concussion. Johnson will pair with ex-Lion D’Andre Swift, who is coming off a strong performance with 79 yards on 19 carries against the Vikings.
The key remains the offensive line. Both left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion) and left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) are questionable. Brown expressed optimism about Jones’ availability but did not specify potential replacements if either player is sidelined.
When the Lions Have the Ball
Weather could play a significant role at Soldier Field. December conditions may benefit the Bears against a Lions offense that leads the NFL in scoring with 32.8 points per game. Historically, Lions quarterback Jared Goff has struggled in Chicago’s cold:
- In 2018, Goff posted a passer rating of 19.1 (no touchdowns, four interceptions) in a 15-6 loss with the Rams.
- Last season, he recorded a 54.6 rating (one touchdown, two interceptions) in a 28-13 defeat with the Lions.
However, this Bears defense is a far cry from those dominant units. Chicago ranks last in the NFL in points allowed (27.0 per game) and 30th in yards allowed (383.1) since their infamous Hail Mary collapse.
The Lions’ offense begins with the ground game. While the loss of David Montgomery (4.2 yards per carry) is a setback, it opens the door for Jahmyr Gibbs, who has been electric this season, averaging 74.8 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry. Gibbs gashed the Bears for 87 yards on nine carries on Thanksgiving, and he’s poised to take on an even larger role.
The Bears have a chance to capitalize on Detroit’s injuries and poor history in cold-weather games. But with their own challenges on both sides of the ball, Sunday’s matchup could be a pivotal moment in a season full of growing pains.
