Jan. 01--Bears on offense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Bears offense 23rd, Lions defense 14th
The Bears' injury situation entered the realm of the absurd this week. With receiver Alshon Jeffery placed on injured reserve and receiver Eddie Royal (doubtful, illness) and tight end Zach Miller (questionable, toe) missing practice time, the Bears were without their top four receivers and two tight ends. Whether fill-ins such as Marc Mariani and Josh Bellamy can consistently separate downfield is in major doubt, so the Bears could stick to quick, short throws as they did last Sunday. They protected well in the first meeting against the Lions, giving up only one sack.
ON THE GROUND
NFL ranks: Bears offense 12th, Lions defense 19th
Matt Forte wants to go out with a bang if Sunday is indeed his last game as a Bear. However, a back problem limited him in practice during the week. He averaged only 2.9 yards on 24 carries in the Oct. 18 overtime loss in Detroit. Rookie center Hroniss Grasu (doubtful, knee) didn't practice all week, and his availability will affect the matchup with hulking defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Improved run defense has keyed the Lions' turnaround over the last seven games.
Bears 20th in total offense, 22nd in points scored
Lions 17th in total defense, 25th in points allowed
Bears on defense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Lions offense 9th, Bears defense 4th
Receiver Calvin Johnson had six catches for 166 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' overtime victory against the Bears in October. "Does he still run by people? It's on film," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "Does he still jump over the top of people and make plays? It's on film. He still does it. Does he still score touchdowns? It's on film." Bears rookie safety Harold Jones-Quartey will get another shot at Megatron. Running back Theo Riddick has good hands and is elusive after the catch.
ON THE GROUND
NFL ranks: Lions offense 31st, Bears defense 27th
This matchup should favor the Bears, given the Lions' lack of consistency and production. But the Bears defensive line is almost as depleted at the receiving corps. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman was placed on injured reserve, and end Jarvis Jenkins (ankle/illness) missed practice time during the week. Lineman Terry Williams, a preseason cut affectionately known as Swamp Monster, was re-signed this week to fill the rotation. He's short but stout, listed at 6-feet, 329 pounds. Former Bear Michael Ola has started the Lions' last six games at right tackle.
Lions 18th in total offense, 18th in points scored
Bears 16th in total defense, 20th in points allowed
