The 9-3 Detroit Lions hit the road in Week 14 with a visit to Soldier Field and a game against the Chicago Bears. The Lions returned to winning ways in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints, and Dan Campbell’s team is now closing in on a playoff spot.
The Chicago Bears enjoyed a bye week last Sunday. Matt Eberflus’ team ought to be fresh and ready for the Lions. Chicago dominated the Lions in their first game at Ford Field, and they should have won. The Bears will undoubtedly push the Lions to the limit this week. Here are three keys to victory for the Lions in this matchup.
Run the Ball
In December football, outdoor wintry conditions require teams to run the ball well and efficiently. The Lions’ run game was about two stories against the Saints. In the first and fourth quarters, the Lions tallied 107 rushing yards on 17 carries. In the second and third quarters, Detroit recorded 35 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
Following their touchdown to go up 21-0, the Lions punted on three consecutive possessions before scoring a field goal to end the half. Detroit’s run game became static and predictable in the middle part of last week’s game. It kept leaving them in 3rd-and-long situations, and it is difficult for any team to succeed consistently in those situations.
Detroit’s run game is the offense’s engine. It keeps opponents off-balance and keeps the offense in short-yardage situations. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson must call an intelligent, adaptive game for his two running backs. Detroit failed to adapt last week to New Orleans’ changes.
Chicago’s run defense is tough, and with no Frank Ragnow, the Lions may be at a disadvantage. The key will be using both backs to change the pace and the play type. David Montgomery is the bowling ball that can carry defenders and run between tackles. He can churn out yardage. Jahmyr Gibbs is the explosive play option. Gibbs can inject electrifying speed and footwork into the game and stretch Chicago’s physical defense laterally.
In 2017, Dan Campbell watched on the sidelines as Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara both rushed for over 100 yards as the Saints defeated the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. That game laid out a blueprint, and this game against the Bears is why Detroit paired the bruising Montgomery alongside the explosive Gibbs.
Involve Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams is a big play waiting to happen. He has proved it in glimpses this season. Last Sunday, Williams devastatingly displayed his game-changing speed on a reverse sweep that led to a touchdown. The second-year wideout is starting to find consistency and reliability in his game. Quarterback Jared Goff is developing chemistry and trust in Williams. Now is the time for the Lions to involve Williams more in the game plan.
Williams only touched the ball twice last week. Williams should feature more, with Chicago likely to try and double Amon Ra St. Brown. Chicago’s pass defense ranks 25th, and Williams’ speed and game-breaking ability could attack the weaknesses within Chicago’s secondary.
The Alabama Crimson Tide product is confident ahead of this game. Williams told the press, “I’ve been playing in the snow, ice, and everything since I was eight years old, seven years old. Ain’t nothing make me slower.”
Contain Justin Fields
Mobile quarterbacks might be the kryptonite for the Lions’ defense. Aaron Glenn’s units have often found it challenging to stop dual-threat quarterbacks. In this game last year, Fields rushed for 147 yards on 13 carries. Due to Detroit’s preference to play man-coverage, mobile quarterbacks have wreaked havoc when leaving the pocket.
In the game at Ford Field, Fields started quickly as several designed quarterback runs saw him gallop away from Detroit’s defenders. The Lions made some adjustments and contain Fields on designed runs. However, his threat is still significant.
Detroit will not change their defensive staple; they will play more man coverage. Therefore, on plays where the coverage plasters receivers well, the defensive line must remain disciplined and keep Fields in the pocket. Detroit did this excellently against Kansas City in Week 1. They must do the same in this game. Fields’ legs can derail a defensive game plan. Detroit cannot afford to have that happen.