What are the Chicago Bears talking about ahead of Thursday’s Thanksgiving matchup in Detroit against the Lions? Let’s find out:
1. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is a defensive-minded head coach and he knows the challenge that faces his defense on a short week squaring off against Detroit’s high-powered scoring offense (32.7 ppg).
“Look, we’re facing a good team this week that’s balanced on offense. Runs the ball really well, really good yards after catch, have a lot of good athletes that can get that done. I think they are top one or two in the league at that,” he said. “Completion percentage is there. QBR is there. So, on offense they present a lot of issues in the run and pass and in situational football.”
2. Eberflus also talked about how well Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has Detroit’s defense playing this season, especially as of late.
“Defense I think they haven’t given up a touchdown in their last (10) quarters, so they’ve been playing really well,” he said. “They’ve had some guys injured and all those things, but they continue to play well at a high rate. They’ve done a good job with that as well. So, big challenge ahead of us here.”
3. Chicago has lost five straight games and wide receiver DJ Moore said losing takes a toll on the players. They need to turn it around on a short week, and Moore is looking forward to that opportunity.
He said he knows Detroit is going to bring their A-game at home this week so they need to do the same if they want to break their current streak.
4. The next three days are about getting the players’ bodies right on a short week, per Eberflus. They’ll do walkthroughs and light work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, same as Dan Campbell and the Lions, leading into Thursday’s matchup.
5. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was asked Monday why Chicago’s defense hasn’t reached the high bar they set for themselves at the beginning of the season.
“I wouldn’t honestly say it starts upfront in the run,” he said. “I feel like we’ve been giving up a lot of run yards and I feel like explosive plays have really been killing us.”
Those are two areas where the Lions’ offense excels heading into Thursday’s game.
Chicago’s defense ranks eighth in fewest points allowed. They are 20th in run defense, but the 4.8-yard average per rush they are allowing is sixth highest in the league.
6. Chicago’s defense had some success against Detroit in their two matchups last season. What can the Bears draw from those two performances they can use this year? Johnson pointed to the five interceptions by Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the two games. He said the key Thursday is to get Detroit to turn the ball over.
7. Eberflus said he was really happy with the decision making from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in an overtime loss vs. the Vikings. Williams was 32-for-47 for 340 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 103.1 rating. He also rushed six times for 33 yards. He’s played well for a couple weeks in a row now. He made some tight-window throws and will be looking to continue his fine play on Thanksgiving.
