Nearly Shutout Lions Almost No Score No Roar, Bears Win MNF Showcase
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While Chicago’s President Barack Obama was in the Final Presidential Debate in Boca Raton, Florida, the Bears were at home handling
business in Soldier Field against the Detroit Lions. Chicago Bears offense was
off to an outstanding start, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive in 6
plays, 59 yards. Jay Cutler connected with Brandon Marshall on a short pass in
the end zone for the first touchdown. Matt Forte also opened things up on the
first drive with 41 yards, 3 carries.
Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson failed to
connect in the first quarter with two targeted passes to CJ, 1 dropped. Bears
defensive end, Julius Peppers also registered the first sack for Chicago, bringing
down Matt Stafford with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Jay
Cutler was also effective scrambling in the pocket and picking up rushing
yards.
The second quarter didn’t get any better for Detroit. They
failed to move the ball effectively and put points on the board, while Stafford
was sacked for the second time of the game. They were close to putting pressure
on Chicago when they backed the Bears down to their own 1 yard line after they
lost a few yards upon receiving a punt, but Chicago completed a first down pass
on 3rd and 11 to get out of it. The Bears defense contained the
Lions with big plays from linebacker, Lance Briggs, 1 pass defended, and a
forced fumble that was recovered by Julius Peppers. Detroit went scoreless in
the first half.
The second half was an ugly start for Detroit as Stefan
Logan dropped the catch on the kickoff return and Chicago recovered. Bears turned
the opportunity into 3 points to take a 13 to nothing lead. The Lions made it
to the red zone for the first time of the game with a little less than seven
minutes remaining in the 3rd. Calvin Johnson almost had his first TD
reception from Stafford, but it was defended by Charles Tillman. Lions, Joique
Bell fumbled at the goal line on the very next play with a rushing attempt to
jump over the Bears defensive line. Henry Melton recovered.
Detroit continued to go without a score through the fourth
quarter. They moved to the end zone again under three minutes in the fourth.
Stafford had an incomplete pass to CJ on third down, and threw an interception
in attempt to go for it on fourth. Stafford went down on the interception with
grass in his face mask. Their final attempt to score was under one minute
remaining, and Stafford finally connected with receiver, Ryan Broyles for a
touchdown to avoid the shutout with 30 seconds remaining.
The Bears last shutout was in 1993, versus Atlanta Falcons with a 6-0 victory. The
last time they shutout the Lions was in 1962 at home in Wrigley Field. Bears
won 3-0
Chicago advanced to 5-1 at first place in the NFC North with a 13-7 win in this Monday Night Football Showcase,
while Detroit dropped to 2-4, last in the division.
Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
Facebook: NateGrayZone
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