The Detroit Lions are coming off a devastating loss against the Carolina Panthers and desperately need to bounce back this week, if they want a shot at the playoffs. Finally being back home and going against the Bears, who they already beat this year, should help with it. Let’s break down what it will take for the Lions to bounce back this week.
What Do The Lions Need To Fix In Order To Win?
The number one thing that needs to happen is the run defense needs to return to what it was in Weeks 9-15. The Lions had the best-run defense in the league since Week Nine prior to the game against the Panthers, where they looked like the same team they were when they were 1-6. The clear key to stopping the Panthers from the start was to stop their rushing attack, as they have not won a game when held under 100 rushing yards, but the Lions somehow forgot everything they’ve been doing and allowed 100 rushing yards in the first quarter.
The Next biggest thing they need to fix is getting their own run game going. Last week the Lions needed to get the run game going in multiple situations and they couldn’t get more than four rushing yards on designed run plays, and Detroit’s running backs were held to 23 yards on 11 carries. When you have one of the best offensive lines in the league, your leading rusher should not be your quarterback with 15 rushing yards. If Detroit wants to bounce back this week against Chicago they will need to run the ball efficiently, especially against a defense as weak as Chicago’s.
What Will The Lions Have To Do To Beat The Bears?
The Number one thing the Lions need to do to beat the Bears is to contain Justin Fields and keep him to a minimum when scrambling. The Bears’ offense has only been able to move on Fields’ legs, their running backs haven’t been able to get much going recently and Fields is not a good passer at this point in his career. While he’s thrown a couple good passes in his career, at this point in his career he is not a good passer and the Lions need to focus on not letting him get out of the pocket and holding the team to a minimal amount of rushing yards.
The next thing they need to do is to capitalize on opportunities the defense gives them, and not let the Bears get momentum. The Lions stopped the Panthers a few times last week, but each time they did, they had a chance to take the momentum and messed it up by fumbling or going three and out. If the Lions are able to actually capitalize on these opportunities and take over momentum, the Bears will likely not have a chance to come back or make it a game. The Lions will have to do this through both the pass and run game, but the run game will have to step up significantly.
Will The Lions Be Able To Bounce Back?
The Lions desperately need this win and everything is set up for them to win. They beat the Bears in Soldier Field earlier this year when they weren’t fully healthy and at the top of their game, now they are at home and have almost everyone healthy. Even with the loss to the Panthers Detroit is still one of the hottest teams in the league and the Bears have nothing to play for. So while anything is possible, the Lions should easily walk away with a win.
