Detroit Lions look for first win against the Chicago Bears in week four

The Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears in an NFC divisional matchup on Sunday for their week four matchup. It has been almost a month into the NFL season. Unfortunately, Detroit’s football team has yet to tally a win. However, it was not their fault last week.

The Detroit Lions have their best chance at a win on Sunday. The Bears looked atrocious against the Browns. Justin Fields threw for 68 yards and completed 30% of his passes. Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney bullied him in the pocket.

The Lions sit on the other side of the coin as Jared Goff has exceeded expectations in his first three starts,  averaging 267 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in those games. He keeps the team in the game with the air attack.

But, unfortunately, a kicker outshined him, leaving him on the cutting room floor. The Lions have an excellent chance at gaining their first win on Sunday. They need to continue their pressure on defense and find that perfect balance of running and passing it downfield.

The Detroit Lions will look to tally their first victory in the Dan Campbell era.

What is the defense’s main focus this week?

Fields did not feel comfortable behind center last week. The Browns sacked Fields nine times. As a result, the Bears only gained six first downs. Those numbers suck.

The Lions’ front seven have done an excellent job forcing pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They sacked Lamar Jackson four times. It forced him to gain yards with his arm, not his legs. Justin Tucker’s leg hurt them more.

The defense needs to continue their pressure on the quarterback, forcing them to air it out. Then, the offense needs to do something similar on Sunday.

How important is balancing the offense?

I told the world to stop hating on Jared Goff during the offseason. Are you listening now?

Goff has played exceptionally well in his first three games as a Lion. Kalif Raymond continues to improve as a WR1 week after week. He ranks second behind T.J. Hockenson in receptions (11)  and yards/reception (12.4). Hockenson proves to be a reliable pass catcher, especially with his toe-tap catch in Lambeau.

However, the Lions need to stop relying on the air raid; D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams make a complementary duo in the backfield. Swift leads in yards (123) and attempts (33), while Williams has the edge in touchdowns (2). Anthony Lynn deserves a lot of the credit.

He was not hired to call plays. He improves backfields wherever he coaches, producing multiple 1,000-yard rushers on every team from his past. The Lions have failed to make a 1,000-yard rusher since 2011 (Reggie Bush).

The rushing attack will open the passing lanes, making it easy for Goff to run the offense. However, both aspects of the offense need to show up against the Bears. Stops mean nothing unless points follow them.

The Lions have a legitimate chance at their first win of the season on Sunday. Campbell deserves it after how he has transformed the culture in a few short months. The Lions have played with a lot of heart so far. It’s time for them to be rewarded for it.