Detroit Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia And Nose Tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison Are Hoping That A Feast Is In Order For Thursday’s Holiday Matchup With The Chicago Bears.
For myself and many of the Detroit Lions faithful, this is the best week of the year. Not only will the Lions be playing twice in four days, but the state of Michigan will also be tuned into “The Game” this weekend when the Michigan Wolverines battle the Ohio State Buckeyes for a spot in the Big Ten Football Championship. Three games to watch and a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends smack in the middle. What could be better?
The Lions also did their part to make the week better by taking the game against the Panthers on Sunday. With that being said, Detroit is likely looking at a win out or bust scenario if they want to make something of this season and a surging Chicago team stands in the way of Detroit having a perfect week.
This Weeks Opponent: The Chicago Bears
It has not been long since these two teams saw each other. Just two weeks ago the Chicago Bears jumped out to a 26-0 lead against the Lions before finishing off a 34-22 victory in the second half. After the thorough beating that the Bears put on the Lions its safe to say that Chicago should feel pretty good about themselves heading into this contest. Not only are they 7-3 and flaunt the NFL’s sixth-rated offense and fourth-rated defense, but they also have a firm one and a half game lead in the NFC North. To Chicago, this is nothing more than a trap game.
There was some question as to whether or not the Bears would have starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, for Thursday’s game after he appeared to suffer a shoulder injury against Minnesota on Sunday night, and reports are hinting that Chase Daniel will get the nod this week. The competence of the Chicago offense has been somewhat of a surprise this season after years of futility.
How Does JBC Address The Offense?
The Lions haven’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard the last month and it’s no secret. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson is now out for at least a game which adds more questions to an offense that already has plenty to answer. Sure wide receiver Kenny Golladay has been good along with fellow receiver Bruce Ellington, who showed some decent premise on Sunday, but where will the balance come from with Johnson out? Running back LeGarrette Blount has been a disappointment and Theo Riddick isn’t a great option in the ground game. Could we see an old fan favorite come off the bench and provide a spark? Yes, I am referring to Zach Zenner (Insert Case Soundboard Here).
Zenner is by no means a for sure solution to what will be tough sledding in the run game on Thanksgiving. The Lions will need to keep Chicago honest though and he can help with that. Overall, expect the Lions to go with a similar scheme to the one they had Sunday against Carolina. After being sacked six times by the Chicago defense two weeks ago, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and quarterback Matthew Stafford are likely looking at getting the ball out quick again. The Bears dominated quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense a few days ago so the Lions have their work cut out for them like a Thanksgiving turkey on Thursday.
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow @charleskelbel on Twitter and leave your thoughts on the Detroit Lions subreddit.
