RUN. STOP RUN.
In the last three games against the "former" Lions defense, the NFL's 2015 rushing leader, Matt Forte, had 41 carries for 94 yards and no touchdowns. Detroit's run defense last season held opponents to 69.3 yards per game. This year, it's allowing 126.6 per game, including 187 last week, when Forte's fellow-2008 draftee, Chris Johnson, had 11 carries for 103 yards. On the other side, Joique Bell's been slowed by an ankle injury, Ameer Abdullah's fumble-itis has overshadowed his explosiveness to the tune of a team per game rushing average of 49 yards. The Lions have 245 total rushing yards. The NFL record for fewest through six games in 296. Force them to abandon the run again, and keep Matthew Stafford chuckin' wildly (a record-tying 70 attempts last week), and hope to add to his eight interceptions.
[MORE BEARS: Complete Bears-Lions coverage on CSN]
GENEROUS = DANGEROUS
Even though Detroit's minus-6 turnover ratio is twice as bad as the Bears is, John Fox's club has allowed two kick returns, an interception, and a fumble recovery for touchdowns. That helps add up to just as many giveaway points this season as the Lions (41, tied for third-most). Stay ahead of that curve and keep adding to the Lions' league-high 15 turnovers. Both Bears interceptions this season have come from outside linebackers (Jared Allen and Pernell McPhee).
SHEA WHAT?
Christian Jones takes over signal-calling duties on defense. The initial communication process was shaky once Shea McClellin went down with a knee injury last week, despite that unit shutting down the Chiefs in the second half. With a week of practice under his belt, it's Jones' job to make sure communication and last-second adjustments are on point with all 11 guys. The other inside linebacker will be either LaRoy Reynolds (last week's option), Jonathan Anderson (elevated from the practice squad after spending all of training camp in the system) and Lamin Barrow (who started one game for Fox last season in Denver).
NFL
[NBC SHOP: Gear up, Bears fans]
*Get ready for Sunday's game in Detroit at 11 a.m. on Comcast SportsNet with Lance Briggs, Jim Miller, Dan Jiggetts and Chris Boden on Bears Pregame Live, presented by Meijer. Once the second quarter ends, go to CSNChicago.com for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Bears Halftime Live, as Miller and Boden break down the first 30 minutes and go over possible second half adjustments. Then as soon as the game goes final on Fox, switch back to Comcast SportsNet for 90 minutes with the four guys for reaction, analysis, live press conferences and locker room interviews on Bears Postgame Live, presented by Nissan*