The Bears’ defense has once again helped Chicago get off to a red hot start. Chicago is still undefeated as they enter their NFC North rival’s stadium. Defense may be the key difference for a team with similar offenses, at least according to paper. Jay Cutler has thrown for 693 yards for six touchdowns, while Matthew Stafford has thrown for an impressive 1,020 yards, but tied with Cutler as six touchdowns. How do their bid receivers matchup? Calvin Johnson has 17 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdown, and Brandon Marshall has 20 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall’s numbers could be higher, but Cutler has finally started scanning his field for his other receivers including tight end Martellus Bennett and receiver Earl Bennett.
The Detroit Lions just lost one of their receivers, Nate Burleson, after he broke his arm in two places after getting into a car accident. He had surgery earlier in the week, but will miss a good portion of the season. The Lions’ offense will have to protect the ball today. When the Bears’ score a defensive touchdown they are 13-1 in the past three seasons. Both teams are 1-0 in the division and we all know just how different 2-0 and 1-1 really is. Especially with division powerhouse, Green Bay Packers’, struggling to get off to a good start.
The Bears have looked their best in recent years in this early season. Cutler has really improved in field scanning. In the past he would just throw the ball up to Marshall in hopes that he would run it down, but now he is using his other receivers while Marshall is double covered. The Lions have also looked good, but without Burleson, defenses can pay more attention to Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson forcing to Stafford to find a different receiver. They do get running back Reggie Bush back on the field, but I do not think it is enough to beat the Bears. With the Packers’ struggling, this could be the Bears year to win the NFC North and go on to the playoffs. Bears vs. Lions- who you takin?
