The Chicago Bears know their future is at a crossroads. They truly feel like a team that can win the Super Bowl. The problem is they haven’t carried themselves like one. There were glimpses for sure in 2018, but everything seemed to go wrong in 2019. Now people aren’t buying them anymore. Most presume they’ll finish with an almost identical record of 8-8 this season.
One way they might start changing minds is to actually win an opening day game. Something that hasn’t happened yet in the Matt Nagy era. It won’t be easy. Both games against the Detroit Lions last year were close and they didn’t have their star quarterback in either of them. That is why a lot of experts are picking them to win.
So here’s a breakdown of where both teams are at and what to expect.
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions Week 1 breakdown
Storylines:
The last stand of Mitch Trubisky? – It’s been quite a journey so far. Trubisky began his NFL career as a #2 overall pick. The prized choice of a young GM in Ryan Pace who saw him as a franchise flag bearer. Things looked ready to ascend after a promising 2018. Then it all fell apart in 2019. Trubisky saw his 5th year option declined and Nick Foles brought in to compete for his job. To his credit, he didn’t let that stop him from working hard and he managed to remain the starter. Yet there is no question this represents his final chance.
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The protection of Matthew Stafford – When healthy, Stafford is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC. Don’t let anybody tell you differently. The problem is Detroit has always had a rough time keeping him that way. Last season it was a scary back injury that knocked him out for the final eight games. While healthy again, it’s fair to wonder how long he’ll stay that way. The Lions gave up 43 sacks last season and the right side of their offensive line doesn’t exactly look solid with former Eagles backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle and 3rd round rookie Jonah Jackson at right guard.
Injury news:
Robert Quinn (Bears) – For the most part the Bears seem not too bothered by injuries. Their prized free agent this past March is a notable exception. Quinn didn’t practice a lot in training camp and now he did not practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. This has made many skeptical that he’ll be able to suit up for the opener, robbing fans of the chance to see him, Khalil Mack, and Akiem Hicks together.
De’Andre Swift (Lions) – Detroit drafted Swift in April in the 2nd round in hopes he could solve their ongoing problems with the running game. Kerryon Johnson can’t stay healthy. Now it seems the rookie has a similar problem. He’s dealing with a hip issue that puts him in question for Sunday. A big reason the Lions had to go out and sign ageless veteran Adrian Peterson.
Key matchups:
Jaylon Johnson vs. Kenny Golladay – The Bears feel they got something good when they snagged Jaylon Johnson in the 2nd round back in April. A true cover corner with 1st round ability to fell due to shoulder issues. The fact he was able to win the starting job is proof of their confidence in him. Make no mistake though. Detroit is going to test him early and often, doing everything they can to get star receiver Kenny Golladay matched up on his side of the field. He torched the Bears for 158 yards in their last meeting.
Jimmy Graham vs. Jarrad Davis – Chicago spent a lot of money and draft assets to overhaul their tight end position this offseason. Jimmy Graham was at the center of it. They need him to be a serious upgrade over Trey Burton. He’s reportedly had a really good camp. No doubt he’ll be featured almost immediately in this game. Getting him on the Lions linebackers will be the obvious goal. Jarrad Davis was targeted more than any linebacker last season, allowing a 116.6 passer rating.
X-factors:
David Montgomery (Bears) – Expectations are high for the second-year running back but some aren’t sure if he’ll play Sunday. This due to a groin injury suffered last week. However, rumors are his recovery has gone well and the team is optimistic he can go. They need him. The running game was rough last year for Chicago and they need it if they want to take some of the pressure off Trubisky in a critical first game.
Trey Flowers (Lions) – When looking at the composition of the Lions defensive front, their pass rush doesn’t exactly look stacked. Flowers is their best guy but he had just seven sacks last year. Nick Williams had six but that was in Chicago playing in a totally different scheme. In their last meeting, the Lions only sacked Trubisky once and he went off for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Flowers has to show up.
Prediction: Bears 24, Lions 21
From a pure roster standpoint, the Chicago Bears have the advantage in several categories. Their defense is far superior and they seem to have the steadier offensive line. However, Detroit has Stafford and those great receivers. Holding them down for 60 minutes is a tall order. That is why Trubisky and the offense have to show up. It won’t always be pretty, but they’ll do enough to secure a tight win on the road. Trubisky won’t shine but he’ll be efficient with a couple of TD passes.
