CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (2-2) are following a 34-29 win over the Carolina Panthers last week at Soldier Field. This week, they face an undefeated Detroit Lions (4-0) team in a premiere matchup on Monday Night Football.
The Detroit Lions are following yet another improbable comeback defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-30 last week at Cowboys Stadium. Detroit looks to extend their undefeated streak and start the season 5-0 for the first time since 1956.
OFFENSE
Bears – Last week, RB Matt Forte set a career-high for rushing finishing the game with 205 yards against the Panthers. Jay Cutler only completed 9 of 17 pass attempts for 102 yards and 0 TD. It was nice to see the Bears run the ball, but the offense still has no balance between the rush and the pass.
Through the first four games, Calvin Johnson set a record with 8 TDs
Lions – Calvin Johnson set an NFL record with 2 TD catches in the first four games, and tied Cris Carter’s record of catching 2 TDs four weeks in a row. Even if Johnson is seeing triple-coverage, Megatron will out-jump, out-catch, and out-perform any defender.
My pick: Lions
DEFENSE
Bears – Before the Panthers game, the Bears D stressed about having turnovers that meant something. So, in the first quarter D.J. Moore intercepted Cam Newton for a 20 yard interception return for a TD. The Bears D need to continue producing turnovers early in the game.
Lions – Rookie DT Nick Fairley will be making his Lions debut and looks to be a strong addition to what is already a strong front line. In addition to Fairley, the Lions have DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, and DE Cliff Avril.
My Pick: Tie
SPECIAL TEAMS
Hester has 15 career kick returns for a TD
Bears – Devin Hester set another NFL record with his 11th punt return for a touchdown. Hester almost broke free for another return touchdown but was knocked out by Panthers kicker Olindo Mare.
Lions – In his 20th season with the Lions, K Jason Hanson has been nothing short of perfect. With 10 Field Goal Attempts, Hanson nailed all 10 including a season-long 51-yard field goal.
My Pick: Da Bears!
4TH PHASE X-FACTOR
Bears – Hester has 15 career kick return touchdowns with eight of those coming in prime-time games. This does not include a 92-yard Superbowl XLI opening kickoff return TD and a 108-yard TD on a missed field goal against the Giants.
Lions – The Lions have not played a Monday Night Football game in 10 years. The Lions also have not started the season with a 5-0 record since 1956. This game means a lot more to the Lions than initially anticipated.
My Pick: Lions
My Winner for the Wk. 5 Matchup: Lions (I can’t believe I’m predicting the Lions to win)
About the Author
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Written by Kamil Kolodziejski
Born and raised a Chicago Fan!
I am a recent graduate from DePaul University with a sports management degree. My lifelong goal is to become a part of the Sports Industry and hopefully one day work for one of my favorite teams in the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, or the Fire.
Stanley D. Chatman Oct 9 201112:42 am
Heeeey everybody did I miss the party these are still the Lions we are talking about . Once a doormat always a doormat. Da Bears will build a half-time lead of 21 – 7. The Lions will actually pull their miracle come from behind on the Da Bears but will fall a little short. Final score Bears 28, Lions 24. Da Bears will need some late Hester heriocs to pull this off but will get a long 2nd half return from him setting up their only score in the second half
Lions Fan 4 Life Oct 10 20115:14 am
LOL