BEARS SEND LIONS BACK TO THEIR LOSING WAYS IN ROUT

The Detroit Lions had barely enough time to celebrate the end of their 19 game losing streak before they started a new one.  One week after finally getting in the win column, the Lions were pounded by a relentless Chicago Bears rushing attack en route to a 48-24 loss.  Detroit actually led 14-7 at the end of the first quarter, but at that point the Bears started to roll.  Chicago scored at least 13 points in each of the three remaining quarters to turn the game into a blowout.  The Bears improved to 3-1 with the victory, while Detroit dropped to 1-3.

NFL betting enthusiasts who took last week’s Lions’ victory as a sign to “buy” were on the losing end as the Bears easily covered the spread as -10 home favorites.  After dropping their opening game both straight up and to the number, the Bears have covered the NFL pointspread in their three consecutive victories.  The Lions slumped to 1-3 against the number, matching their straight up record.  The combined 72 points soared over the posted total of 43.  Both teams evened their over/under mark at 2-2.

Jay Cutler had another impressive outing, leaving his disastrous four interception season opening performance a distant memory.  The Bears’ quarterback passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third, while not turning the ball over.  His Detroit counterpart, Matthew Stafford, looked sharp as he piled up 296 yards and a touchdown with one interception before being forced from the game with a minor knee injury.  He could be back in the lineup with a brace as soon as next weekend, though his status is officially listed as ‘expected to miss 1-2 weeks’.  Veteran Daunte Culpepper will get the start this weekend.
 
The rushing game and special teams also did damage for the Bears.  Matt Forte piled up 121 yards on the ground, including a 37 yard touchdown run.  Rookie Johnny Knox returned the opening kickoff of the second half 102 yards for a touchdown as the Bears began to pile it on.  While the Bears’ were clicking on all cylinders, the Lions’ lackluster effort was called by Coach Jim Schwartz ‘one of the worst I’ve seen’.  He continued his criticism, and pulled no punches:

"We were poor on special teams, we were poor on offense, we were poor on defense, we were outcoached, we were outplayed, their trainers were probably better than ours in the second half. So credit goes to them."

The Bears will have a bye this weekend before heading to Atlanta to face the Falcons on October 18th.  They’ll play at Cincinnati the following Sunday before returning home to play the Cleveland Browns on November 1st.  The Lions will host the defending Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.  The Lions are +10’ road underdogs with the total set at 44.  Detroit will travel to Green Bay next weekend before a bye the following week.