The Lions snapped their franchise record-setting 11-straight win streak with a loss last week against the Bills. Not only that, but they also lost three more starters due to injuries in Alim McNeil, Carlton Davis, and David Montgomery, which increased the number of starters on the injury reserve list to 21 players. On the other hand, the Bears have been chasing their own tails with eight straight losses, and any momentum gained from the beginning of the season is gone. Just brutal for a team that was hopeful for a resurgence with the firing of former head coach Matt Eberflus. This second meeting between the two teams should look a lot different, with the Lions looking to halt the injury bug and get a win unscathed and the Bears looking for revenge and any sign of life.
Game day: Sunday, December 22, 2024
Game time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stadium: Soldier Field
TV Broadcast: FOX
Lions Injury Report: C Frank Ragnow (QUESTIONABLE), LB Malcolm Rodriguez (Questionable), LB Alex Anzolone (QUESTIONABLE).
Bears Injury Report: WR Equanimeous St. Brown (QUESTIONABLE), WR Velus Jones Jr (Questionable), DL Yannick Ngakoue (QUESTIONABLE), RB D'Onta Foreman (QUESTIONABLE).
Detroit Lions
Offense
The Lions' offense against the Bills last week was the main factor in keeping the game as close as possible. QB Jared Goff had over 400 yards passing and five touchdowns, with WRs Tim Patrick, Jameson Williams, and Amon Ra St. Brown having one touchdown each. Even OL Dan Skipper had a touchdown pass thrown to him. The 2nd half was a passing onslaught that saw the passing game carry the team within striking distance of a win but could not catch them.
The rushing game couldn't get going, with both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs unable to get over 50 yards each. The Bills shut down a major part of the Lions' offensive scheme, which helped immensely in their win. With Montgomery's season in jeopardy, the Lions have to resort to even more creativity in their playbooks as they prepare for the playoffs.
Defense
The injuries are mounting on the defense, and it couldn't come at a worse time, with the playoffs looming. DT Alim McNeil is now out with a torn ACL, and CB Carlton Davis is out indefinitely with a broken jaw. With all the injuries, it is starting to show in games how much this defense is crippled, especially in the last outing against the Bills. The defense could force only one punt; every other Bills drive resulted in a field goal or a touchdown. The defense could not get a sack or interception to swing the momentum, and it's not convincing that this defense looks the same. Like I've said before, the Lions might have to start looking at free-agency alternatives or practice squad prospects to keep it all together.
Chicago Bears
Offense
The Bears have lost eight straight games, and I think it's time to throw in the towel. The Bears are cycling back through their old ways again, where they draft a first-round QB, fire a coach, have no faith in the QB anymore, get a new head coach, then go back to the draft.
But here is the thing: Caleb Williams isn't the problem; he has worked well with what he has and is a rookie. I don't blame him for the offensive woes; the Bears need to clean house on the entire coaching staff and start fresh. In the last outing, a loss to the Vikings, Williams had 193 yards throwing on 18/31 attempts and one touchdown to Keenan Allen. This offense needs better schemes and younger players to help improve the offense's success and provide more help for Caleb Williams primarily.
Defense
As usual, the defense has tried everything to keep themselves in the game. In the last outing against the Vikings, DE Demarcus Walker, Montez Sweat, and Jacob Martin picked up a sack, and S Johnathan Owens picked off Sam Darnold. However, the plays on defense could not keep them in the game, and it shows how the Bears need their offense to help them score. This defense has always been historically good, but the defense does not always win games. Again, a clean slate is overdue for the coaching staff, and picking up a corner in the draft will do wonders for this defense, which is where I am looking in this game.
My Verdict
I see this being a lackluster affair. The Lions should win this, but not in the way fans should expect. I hope that starters are on a snap count and the main goal of this game is to win without injuries. No flashy plays, just win and walk out unscathed is the goal.
Final Score: Detroit Lions 17-6
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