Four Downs; Cutler's Success vs the Lions...............
Four downs: Cutler's success vs. Lions
By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter 4:15 p.m. CDT, October 21, 2012
1. Jay Cutler has been better against the Lions than any other team in his career with a 105 passer rating and Detroit has issues as two of its top three cornerbacks are injured. Jacob Lacey is coming off a concussion last week and rookie Bill Bentley is dealing with a shoulder issue. Now, Cutler is even more explosive for the division showdown with Brandon Marshall on his side. While the Lions have ongoing issues in their defensive backfield, the line is talented and can generate consistent pressure. Defensive end Cliff Avril has recorded seven of his 331/2 career sacks against Cutler putting pressure on right tackle Gabe Carimi in this meeting.
2. The Bears left Matt Forte in for some garbage against the Jaguars to ensure he topped 100 yards for the first time this season. It could be the first of a string of productive games for Forte, who produced four 100-yard outings in five games at one point last season. Forte has topped 100 yards four times in eight career games against the Lions, who did a nice job last week of bottling up the Eagles' LeSean McCoy. Running the ball effectively could force the Lions into eight-man fronts that would give Jay Cutler a lot of options to make plays downfield.
3. Even though the Bears didn't play last week and 22 NFL teams have yet to have their break in the schedule, the defense remains tied with the unbeaten Falcons for the league lead in takeaways with 17. The Bears lead the NFL with 13 interceptions, nine fewer than they produced in 2011. The secondary has been opportunistic and has shown good hands but the key has been consistent pressure on the quarterback that has forced early and errant throws. Ends Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije should win individual battles and position the back seven for more game-changing plays.
4. Earl Bennett sat out the previous two games and was ineffective before that as he tried playing through a broken left hand. He has healed up at the right time with rookie Alshon Jeffery now sidelined with a fractured right hand. It would not be surprising for Jay Cutler to look to his former college teammate early to get him into the flow of the offense. Bennett has 13 catches for 185 yards in his last two games vs. the Lions and the Bears have been counting on big things from him this season after his contract extension last December.
