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Next up for the Detroit Lions is a home game against the Chicago Bears in Week 4. Here's an early look at the Bears:
Chicago Bears (3-0)
Schedule so far
Week 1 - vs. Bengals - won, 24-21
Week 2 - vs. Vikings - won, 31-30
Week 3 - at Steelers - won, 40-23
Reason for optimism
The Bears have allowed opposing quarterbacks to pass for an average of 305 yards through the first three weeks of the season. If you factor in sacks and take the yardage lost from them out of the equation, the Bears rank 24th in passing yards allowed. If you go by yards per attempt allowed, the Bears are 29th, giving up an average of 8.8 yards per pass. (The Lions, by comparison, are 18th and 14th in those categories.) Considering the Lions are currently second in the NFL in passing yards, this matchup seems to favor them, even with Nate Burleson out.
Reason for pessimism
The Bears are tied for first in the NFC with a +6 turnover differential so far this season. Even though they have a new coaching staff, it's clear that their defense is still outstanding at creating turnovers. Chicago has intercepted 5 passes and recovered 6 fumbles already this season, and they've only turned the ball over 5 times themselves. The Lions, by comparison, have 7 takeaways and 4 turnovers of their own. (They're tied for third in the NFC with a +3 turnover differential.) Taking care of the ball will be huge on Sunday for the Lions.
Storyline to watch
Aside from the fact that first place in the NFC North is on the line against the Lions, the main story for the Bears is the simple fact that they are 3-0 under new head coach Marc Trestman. The Bears won their first two games with comebacks in the fourth quarter, and Sunday's game against the Steelers went from blowout to close game before ultimately ending in a blowout. On Sunday against the Lions, the Bears will face a tough road test against a team looking to prove it belongs in the NFC North title hunt.
Additional info
For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron.