Detroit Lions: 5 Key Match Ups on the 2015 Schedule
Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 17: Detroit Lions v.s. Chicago Bears
Soldier Field – Chicago, Illinois
Ah, Da Bears.
Similar to the Packers, there is no love loss between Chicago and Detroit — at least in the football world. In 2014, the Lions managed to sweep the Bears for the second year in a row. It marked the first time since the 1973-74 season that Detroit had swept Chicago in back-to-back seasons.
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Also similar to the Packers was the way Detroit managed to win the game the last time the Bears came to the Motor City — behind the defense.
Chicago entered with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, and nearly battled back to beat the Lions despite entering the game loosing six of their previous eight. Detroit had a slew of costly penalties, and boneheaded mistakes (the Raiola leg stomp) that should have cost them the game. Instead they held on to win, and advanced to 11-4.
If the Lions want to win the match up this time around, they’ll need to cut down on the penalties as they will face a squad now coached by John Fox.
The NFL has been consistent in scheduling divisional games in week 17 over the past few years, and for good reason — its entertaining. Detroit may need a win to take the division or make the playoffs, (just like 2014 when they headed to Green Bay to close out the year) as might the Bears. If the cards do happen to fall that way, this match up will likely prove to be the most important game of the 2015 regular season for Detroit.
For continued Detroit Lions news, rumors and analysis, stay logged into Detroit Jock City all off-season long. Also, be sure to follow writer Nate Williams on twitter at @Shoot_The_Gap.
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