The Bears (2-2) travel away from Soldier Field this week, to face the lonely Detroit Lions who currently sit at 0-3.  As I said in my mid-week blog, the Bears need to capitalize and win this game, losing against a team like the Lions would reverse every step the team has made thus far.  The Bears should be somewhat wary as the Lions are coming off a bye week, fresh and with a new starting running back in the form of veteran Rudi Johnson.  Johnson had a fairly decent Week 3, and will be looking to build off his past performance.  Sitting tied atop the NFC North, the Bears are hoping to take over 1st with Aaron Rodgers being a gametime decision in Green Bay.  Taking a look at this week’s Keys of the Game:

Keys of the Game

1. Stop Rudi:  The Bears run defense has been solid this season, and will need to put in another repeat performance against Rudi Johnson.  Although past his prime, Johnson is still a potential threat, that could make a break at any point in the game.  With QB Jon Kitna being unsuccessful for the most part throwing the ball, Rudi could see a lot of reps, and it will be up to Urlacher and the Boys to see that he struggles.

2. Step Up With Lloyd Out:  It has been confirmed that WR Brandon Lloyd will sit out Sunday’s game due to a knee injury suffered last week against the Eagles.  It’s time for the other receivers to step up and fill his role.  Specifically, Devin Hester needs to repeat and improve upon his performance last week.  He’s making the big bucks, it’s time he shows his consistency and true ability.

3. Repeats from Kyle and Matt:  Not so much for Matt Forte, who has been the most consistent offensive player on the Bears this season, but Kyle Orton will need to be solid again.  Playing a poor team, he may not bring his best game, and if this is the case the Bears could be in trouble.  He needs to cut down on the interceptions, and make smarter decisions in the pocket.  There is no QB controversy after last week, so let’s go forward.

Other Notes

- WR Marty Booker, and CB Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman are all questionable for Sunday.  Having these 3 in the lineup would be beneficial for the Bears, but as we saw last week, their backups did a terrific job.

Go Bears!

-Will

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Last post (s) by William Hillock

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Tags: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Devin Hester, Kyle Orton, Matt Forte, NFL, Rudi Johnson