Let the headlines roll, Bears vs. Lions at Ford Field two teams that flat-out hate each other. It is a long storied history between these two cities, Detroit and Chicago, rivals! Fans heckle each other at games, on messaging boards, blogs, and calling into their favorite sports radio shows. From the Tigers and White Sox to the Red Wings and Blackhawks, it’s a battle for Michigan Ave, a battle for I-94, 281 miles separate these two cities and a lot of bad blood has been spilled.
Essentially it’s more than a game it’s bragging rights.
This series has Chicago with the big edge. In fact the Bears own the all time record against Detroit 95-65-5 giving Chicago a lot more to brag about. Which brings us to this game, Detroit is beat up and disappointed after failing to achieve preseason goals. The Lions sit 4-11 starring at another top 10 pick with one game left hoping to play spoiler.
But if you need a reason to watch this game here it is, Paul Edinger and The Process. But wait, as recent as yesterday the current Chicago Bears are talking. Guys like Major Wright and Henry Melton are taking shots saying things like, the Lions are dirty, I don’t like them, never have, as long as I’ve been in the league they’ve been dirty and Stafford folds under pressure.
Bulletin board material?
Not in the NFL.
If you need a team taking shots at you to get up for a game, you are not an NFL player.
But leave it to Lions Center Dominic Raiola to respond. When asked about Melton’s comments of the Lions being dirty, Dom responded with, who? I don’t even know who he is. But keep in mind Melton made the Pro Bowl over Raiola’s teammate Ndamukong Suh and will go head-to-head with Raiola Sunday.
This leaves the Bears showing their hand, they are nervous in having to deal with an explosive offense on a must have game, hoping to get into the Lions head as they have shown a track record of not being the most focused bunch. The Lions on the other hand must remain focused at the task in hand… SPOILER!
Detroit can play spoiler by simply sending the Bears to the same place they’re going at season’s end, home. The Bears are 9-6 and hoping the football gods let the stars align because they need more than just a victory over Detroit. Chicago was once looked at as a playoff lock sitting 7-1 at the halfway point. The Bears were in control of the division and critic’s raved about Jay Cutler’s progression and how the addition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall has helped him. But since the midway point the Bears have been 2-5 as they’ve once again dealt with injuries to Cutler, Brian Urlacher and Matt Forte. Because of this Chicago has been unable to right the ship as coach Lovie Smith is receiving heavy criticism from the fans.
As for the Detroit Football Lions there is that one guy we hang our hats on for football entertainment, Megatron. Calvin Johnson, the Lions’ one Pro Bowler this year has already become the owner of the NFL’s best season by a receiver as he’s looking to build on it. Never before has a wide-out really had a shot at 2,000 yards in a single year and Megatron is just 108 yards from it. But just how good has Johnson been? If the Lions were in the playoff hunt Johnson would be an MVP candidate which is pretty unheard of given that he’s a wide receiver.
There are other personal numbers that some Lions are playing for. Matt Stafford is trying to become the first quarterback to have back-to-back 5,000 yard seasons. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is building on a year I’d argue was better than his rookie season even though the sack total doesn’t show it. Suh has been unstoppable the second half of the year and would be better if he had some help from the underperforming defensive ends on this team. This also could be Jason Hanson’s final game as a Lion, as rumors of him possibly retiring have come out recently.
Finally you always want to end the season on a high note. Coach Schwartz and his staff however may see change if the Lions end the season 4-12. After battling back to 4-4, you just can’t lose the last 8 games of the year and expect no changes to happen. Schwartz did get an extension in the offseason with rumors indicating he’s signed through 2015. Now I’m not saying Schwartz will not be back, but if the Lions close the season on a 8 game losing streak the question should definitely be addressed.
And even if Schwartz stays on someone will take the fall and it’s my guess defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and special teams coach Danny Crossman will be shown the door.
It’s funny how history repeats itself. Two generations of Lions fans have been given superstars to ease the pain. They are both described by a one word name. First it was Barry, now it’s Megatron. I now pose the question Lions Nation had for 10 years with Barry, can we please get this guy some help?
