Bears Lions keys to victory

Well it was a big week for the Bears (and a short one) and lets not forget that the NFL did not do the Bears any favors by giving them a short week against a team coming off a bye.  But when you are playing well you can not wait to get back on the field so I guess that's a good thing right? Under a month ago these two teams met and we all remember what happened there.  A mess of a game that the Bears left with a 24-13 loss.  But since then  the two teams have gone in opposite directions The Bears have not lost (3-0) and the Lions have gone 1-2 their only win coming to the lowly Broncos.

This is the biggest Bears-Lions game I can remember.  The Bears are favored by 3 (standard line for a home team meaning it is basically a push game) that means a lot to both teams.  The Lions are a game up on the Bears in the wild card and have a tougher road ahead then the Bears with games in New Orleans and the Packers twice. A combined record of 22-22 of remaining teams on their schedule, but that only counts the Packers wins once.  A win and they are almost guaranteed to finish ahead of the Bears.

While equally important to the Bears a win by 12 or more and they would hold the tie-breaker on at least 4 teams (Atlanta, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia) That goes a long way in hosting a playoff game.  While the Bears schedule plays out a little more favorably with the combined record of their remaining schedule being 28-30 after the Lions with 8 of those wins coming from the Packers.  They have the potential to finish the season with only one maybe two loses the rest of the way.  Making this game an almost must win. A win by 12 or not and finishing ahead of the Lions looks real good. Now to the keys.

Get Matthew Stafford dirty


The Bears need to get in Stafford's face early and often in this game.  When the two teams met a few weeks back Stafford had enough time to read this blog.  This can not happen on Sunday.  Don't give him the time to allow the plays downfield to develop.  Success will follow.

Keep Cutler clean

This is a theme you will continue to see as a key.  Because when Cutler has time the Bears win.  If the O-line protects Cutler again like last week we can start talking about the rule not the exception to it.  In the last 6 games Cutler has been sacked only 10 times (only 3 times in the last 3 games) .  Stark contrast to the 11 times he was sacked in the first two games.  Keep this going and things will play out well for our beloved.

eliminate the Big play


In their first meeting the Bears gave up a 73 yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson and an 88 yard TD rush to Jahvid Best.  That was the difference in the game. The Bears almost doubled the Lions in time of possession in the game a stat the is usually reserved for the winning team.  eliminate the big plays a win will follow.  While stopping Megatron is a difficult task for any team.  Limiting his chances are a little more reasonable.

If it ain't broke don't fix it


Since the last Lions game the offensive game plan has worked to a tee.  Equal parts handing the ball to Forte and equal parts throwing the ball.  Keep the 3 and 5 step drops, short precise routes with the occasional ball downfield.  Jay Cutler has been fantastic during this stretch without putting up huge numbers.  With the way Forte has been running the ball and with the way the offensive line has protected Cutler teams will have to change the way they play the Bears.  This will lead to bigger numbers for Cutler because sooner or later teams will start to dare the Bears to beat them with Cutler and not Forte.

Win the turnover battle


The Bears need to force some turnovers and put the offense on a short field.  Win the battle and the war will follow.

If the Bears can hit on these points I think we will be celebrating another big win on Monday.  Even on a short week with an extra rested Detroit team I like our chances I am thinking Bears 23 Lions 17.  Let me know what you think and like momma always said BEAR DOWN!