For once, this will probably be a quick one from me. We've seen these guys before, and you heard Matt and Ant break down this team on Wednesday night. There's not a lot more I can add other than the usual matchup analysis you know and love. So, let's get on with things and work out how our Lions can bounce back from that heartbreaking loss last Sunday.
Left Outside Alone: The Bears might have an issue at left guard tomorrow. Their backup Ryan Bates is now on IR with a concussion, and their starter Tevin Jenkins is questionable with a calf injury. This means they will likely have to slide in backup center Doug Kramer Jr. at this spot. This problem could become even worse if the also questionable left tackle Braxton Jones is unable to go.
Kramer, to put it bluntly, has been as good as a chocolate teapot for Chicago. On his 85 snaps so far this season, Kramer has earned himself a 28.5 grade from PFF, including an 18.0 pass-blocking grade. He has also got a 50.1 run-blocking grade. Kramer's poor pass-blocking grade comes from his 94.9% pass-blocking efficiency and his 3 pressures given up (a sack and two hurries) on 39 snaps on passing plays.
Given how our front usually lines up, it will most likely be Levi Onwuzurike who will be facing Kramer on Sunday. Levi has played the most snaps of his career this season and probably will play more snaps this year than he has in his pro career so far (501 currently this season, 560 combined in his previous three seasons). He has also been more effective, despite his overall and pass-rushing grades from PFF being marginally lower this season compared to his marks last year. Levi has 30 pressures on the season, more than double the 13 he has forced in his career so far and triple his previous season-high of 10 from last season. He has also made 18 of his 20 tackle attempts (10% miss rate) and made 11 run stops on the season. Overall, he is no Alim, but he should be more than capable of replacing him at the 3T position on Sunday, especially if he is going up against a poor player like Bates.
Turning the Corner: The Bears' "star" corner Jaylon Johnson is also questionable for Sunday's game with an illness that meant he could not practise on Friday. This means second-year corner Terrell Smith would slide into the lineup on the right-hand side of their defensive formations. Smith has been pretty good in a reserve role since he entered the league as a fifth-round pick last year. This season, he has posted a 74.6 defence grade from PFF, including a 72.9 coverage grade. He has given up a catch on 64.3% of his targets (9/14) for 15.8 yards a catch, an interception, two PBUs and a 68.2 passer rating when targeted. In our previous game against the Bears, he played 27 snaps, earning a 67.3 grade (65.7 coverage, 66.3 run defence, 78.0 tackling). He made 4 tackles, all solo and three of which were run stops. He was also thrown at 4 times for 2 catches and 48 yards (30 of which were after the catch).
Given he will be lining up over our left wide receiver for most of his snaps, this means he'll be guarding our breakout free agent at receiver in Tim Patrick. Firstly, once again, told you we needed someone with his skill set. Since taking his first snaps for the team in Week 2, Patrick has played 519 snaps and earned a 70.1 offence grade from PFF. All of his "micro" grades (receiving, drops, fumbling, pass-blocking and run-blocking) are above 64. This season, Patrick has caught 73.8% of his targets (31/42) for 12.2 yards a completion (4.3 after the catch), 1.37 yards per route ran, no drops, a 33.3% contested catch rate (1/3), an 11.5-yard ADOT and a 95.2 passer rating when targeted. Last time out against Chicago, Patrick caught two of his three targets for 48 yards for a 68.6 grade from PFF.
Given the way our offence will now have to be sans Knuckles and a good defence, Patrick might be able to improve on these stats, especially if he does have to face Smith yet again.
Hot Take: Levi breaks out, having a career day with over 5 pressures including 2 sacks.
Score Prediction: Last week really took it out of us, huh? It was a real kick in the teeth. But this Bears team is metaphorically limping to the end of the season, especially on defence. Who knew firing your defensive play-caller could have such an effect on how it performs? While we are beaten up on defence, we should be able to make enough plays to stall Bear drives, while we have all the motivation in the world to put a beating down on the little brother in our division. Big, multi-score loss incoming for the Bears.
Chicago Bears 20, Detroit Lions 44
How do you see the game going? Will Detroit take one step closer to a second divisional crown and a much-needed first-round bye in the playoffs, or will the Bears play spoiler to our hopes?
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look forward to your conclusions on these players/positions after the game today, ty
Thanks Ash, RE TE's - Just to reiterate what Riz said ,& its worth noting what the Lions want their TE3 /4 to do, and how many game reps they'll actually get . Parker Hesse has been taking most Reps in camp primairly as blocker ( & FB ). Mitchel hasn't performed BUT, can Block & has some ST value,& was a draft pick. Zylstra is the best receiver -,but can't block - heresey on this team. So.........bearing in what Campbell said about the WR room ie its about the best players , irrespective of position......how about.......Mitchel as TE4 , & Zylstra ( TE5 ) taking the place of of WR5 ?
Ash, thank you so much for doing these. You and the rest of the ROTL UK gang are fantastic!
Greetings, I was glad to listen to your interesting interview. The season went really well. I liked the quality of your broadcast, which application did you use for this? Is it on this list? I just want to do live broadcasts