Bears Blitz

Published by Ross Read on November 6, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears are coming off an improbable win in Green Bay. It was their first win against the Packers at Lambeau Field since 2007. Now, the Bears must focus their attention to a pivotal game against the Detroit Lions.

Is Cutler In or Out? 

Before the game against the Packers, ESPN reported a source saying Cutler plans to play against the Lions on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Cutler downplayed the report and couldn’t give an answer either way on playing against Detroit. Practice time will be an important gauge of whether Cutler plays this week or not. No practice time likely means he’s out for at least another week. 

Shea McClellin Finally Makes an Impact

There’s no bigger play in McClellin‘s young career than the sack that forced Aaron Rodgers out of the game. It was a demonstration of his speed and power, and could end up being a season-saving sack. McClellin went on to have two more in the game en route to his best game as a pro. This might be the kick-start the former first-round pick needs to show more consistency on the field.

Matt Forte and Michael Bush Will Be Leaned on Even More 

When the Bears virtually put the game away against the Packers, it was on the strength of an 18-play, 80-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock. It was on the strength of Matt Forte, who finished with 125 yards on 24 carries. Michael Bush had a season-high 25 yards on seven carries. 

Forte and Bush will be counted on more whether Josh McCown remains the quarterback for a while or Jay Cutler comes back from injury. The best way to keep a struggling defense off the field and take the pressure off the quarterback is to run the ball more. 

Julius Peppers Benefited from a Week Off

It was evident Peppers had an extra bounce in his step against Green Bay. He had a huge interception off an athletic tipped pass he forced, added a sack and had another defended pass. Peppers was moving well and looked close to his old self. There are a lot of miles on the 12-year veteran, who needed the bye week just as much as anybody on the Bears. 

Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery Are a Red-Zone Nightmare for Defenses

Never have the Bears had a pair of receivers who can physically impose their will on secondaries around the league. For as good as Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are, they are even better in the red zone.

The touchdowns from each player against the Packers are proof Marc Trestman has full confidence in both at the goal line, no matter who the quarterback is. As defenses try to adjust to them, expect Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte to get even better red-zone looks. 

Major Wright and Chris Conte Continue to Have Nightmare Seasons

Last year, Wright and Conte were the models of consistency. It looked like the Bears finally found two guys on the back end they can count on. What a difference a year makes. 

It seems as if both players are switching off having a poor performance each week. Conte will get torched in the passing game only to give way for Wright to have a terrible game against the run just like in Green Bay. 

Detroit is coming to town, and everybody remembers what Reggie Bush did the last time these two teams played. Wright and Conte have to play smarter football if the Bears want to slow down the Lions’ high-powered attack. 

Marc Trestman Is Always Willing to Roll the Dice

Going for it on 4th-and-inches deep in your own territory could have been disastrous. Marc Trestman doesn’t care who he might have to answer to or what the media might say after a controversial decision. 

When you are on the road in a prime-time football game with your backup quarterback and still make that call, you prove to your team and fanbase that you play to win instead of hoping not to lose. That brings about a different kind of energy and feel this franchise hasn’t had in quite some time.

The Arrow Is Pointing Up 

A couple of weeks ago, it did not look good. The Bears were coming off a frustrating loss to the Redskins, and the team lost Jay Cutler and Lance Briggs. 

Fast-forward to now, and optimism fills the air. Cutler is on the verge of coming back, the Packers are without Aaron Rodgers for some time and revenge could be in store with the Lions coming to town. 

The Bears have a golden chance to knock off the Lions at home on Sunday and take control of this division. With the team getting healthier and the division favorite in disarray, the Bears are a team trending up at the right time. 

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