The Chicago Bears are aware that their upcoming game on Sunday is crucial. Several positions could be at stake against the Detroit Lions. Everyone recalls what happened the last time. The Bears blew a 26-14 lead with four minutes remaining. Until Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields demonstrate that they can be a competitive team, there will be doubts about their ability to lead this franchise to success. The good news is that they will be getting some assistance with injuries.
Alim McNeill, the Lions’ defensive tackle, has already been ruled out due to injury. He is their best interior pass rusher and an important part of their top-ranked run defense. If that wasn’t bad enough, things got even worse on Friday. Due to a knee injury, Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is unlikely to play, according to head coach Dan Campbell. It is impossible to overestimate his loss. Ragnow is one of the league’s best centers, ranking fourth in run blocking and eighth in pass protection.
The Chicago Bears can capitalize on these losses.
This season, their interior offensive line, led by Teven Jenkins and a healthy Nate Davis, has emerged as a major strength. They’ll probably run the ball downhill more now that McNeill is out. Additionally, the lack of internal pressure should make Justin Fields’ life easier. He already caused problems for the Lions in the first meeting by being able to step up into the pocket. On the other hand, the absence of Ragnow will make it far more difficult for Detroit to run the ball against Chicago. It may also allow Justin Jones and Gervon Dexter to get in Goff’s face.
None of this guarantees a Chicago Bears victory. They haven’t always been great at seizing opportunities like this, as we’ve seen this year. If they find a way to lose, it will only serve to emphasize that the current head coach and quarterback combination is ineffective. Detroit is a formidable opponent. They’ve been playing good football for almost the entire season. They are already confident in their ability to defeat the Bears. Don’t expect them to fold as a result of these losses. If Chicago wants it, they must accept it.
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