Chicago Bears try to end multiple losing streaks in Week 17 vs Lions

The defense needs to continue to show improvements

The Chicago Bears’ defense has had its hands full in the past few weeks. This week will be the third straight week the defense goes up against a top-five offensive unit. They faced the top offensive unit, the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. Last week it was the Bills, who ranked fourth. Now, it is the Lions, who come into the game ranked fifth in the league.

Chicago’s defense did a pretty good job of handling the other two units. One could ask how can anyone say the defense did a good job last week. Well, the Bills only had six points in the first half. Something happened and the entire team collapsed in the second half. It was just one of those times that you need to throw it away and forget about it.

However, the Bears’ defense recorded six turnovers in those two games. All three of these teams came into the game ranked in the top ten in turnover differential.

It was great to see the turnovers seeing that the defense had trouble forcing turnovers before seeing these great offenses. In the five previous games to seeing Philadelphia, the Chicago Bears’ defense recorded just two turnovers. Seeing them record six in two games is exciting.

The Bears have to continue that against Detroit. If they can force turnovers and get a short field then they have a chance at an upset. They won’t have to worry about bad weather affecting the game. The game will be in comfortable Ford Field, an indoor stadium.

Expect this to be an offensive game. Both defenses struggle to make stops so the offenses will have a big day. The difference will be who forces the turnovers. If the Chicago Bears continue its recent trend then it could be a big victory and a kill shot to the Lions’ playoff hopes.