WHENTHE LIONS HAVE THE BALL
ON THE GROUND
The Bears caught a break when Jamaal Charles tore his ACL last week— he had gained 58 yards on 12 carries and was picking up steam (5-34) when the fateful injury struck. The challenge is not as great against a Lions offense that is last in the NFL in rushing (48.8 ypg, 2.8 ypc). Lions rookie Ameer Abdullah scored on a 24-yard run on his first NFL carry but has been a mere mortal since — 39-108 (2.8 ypc) with three fumbles. Joique Bell has gained 22 yards on 20 carries (1.1 ypc). The Bears’ run defense is 24th (119 ypg). ILB Shea McClellin, the Bears’ leading tackler, will not play (knee). Whether it’s LaRoy Reynolds or Jonathan Anderson, McClellin’s replacement will be unproven.
PLAYERS TOWATCH
Lions QB Matthew Stafford torched the Bears for 390 yards and 2 TDs in a 34-17 rout of the Bears last November at Ford Field. But he has struggled this season (6 TDs, 8 INTs, 74.8 rating— 33rd in the NFL) and was benched last week against the Cardinals. He’s tough and figures to respond. Bears CBs Tracy Porter, Alan Ball and Kyle Fuller will be on the spot against Calvin Johnson.
IN THE AIR
Johnson has 32 receptions for 322 yards (10.1 ypc) and 1 TD. He averaged 16.2 ypc in his first eight seasons, never lower than 14.5, so the dropoff is dramatic. But the Bears aren’t falling for it. “I see the same player he’s always been,” DC Vic Fangio said. “He’s a tough matchup because of his size, speed and strength.” With Antrel Rolle doubtful (ankle), Stafford likely will put rookie safeties Adrian Amos and Harold Jones-Quartey to their stiffest test yet. Bears’ secondary has been better, though playing the Raiders and Chiefs might have something to do with that. Golden Tate (26-264) has big-play potential. RB Theo Riddick (30-228, 2 TDs) is a threat out of the backfield.