Detroit Lions take on Chicago Bears – NFL Week 17 Preview
Detroit Lions will host their National Football Conference (NFC) North rivals Chicago Bears in Week 17 game on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
After losing three straight games, Bears got back to track by winning last game against Arizona Cardinals by 28-13, on December 23.
Bears running back Matt Forte rushed 12 times for 88 yards. He injured his ankle during the game, due to which he did not practice on Wednesday. His status for next game is questionable.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had an average performance in the game. He scored a touchdown and completed 12 of 26 passes for 146 yards without making any interception.
Cutler threw an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who scored touchdown in second quarter.
Bears cornerbacks Zack Bowman and Charles Tillman scored on fumble and interception return in first and third quarters respectively.
Their combined efforts took their team to victory. At the moment they have won nine and lost six games. They are struggling to reach the playoffs.
Talking about their last chance to reach the postseason, Bears head coach Lovie Smith said:
"This time of year, you want to be in it, you want to be relevant, and we are. We have a chance, and that's all you can hope for. It's not an ideal situation that we're in. But hopefully we can take care of business and do all that we can do. And from there,
after we've gotten ourselves in this position, that's about all we can hope for."
Lions are currently on a seven-game losing streak, and their recent defeat came against the Atlanta Falcons.
Lions kicker Jason Hanson played well in the game as he kicked three field goals of 34, 38 and 20 yards respectively.
The only touchdown for Lions was scored by their running back Mikel Leshoure in third quarter. He carried the ball 15 times for 46 yards in the game.
On the other hand, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 37 of 56 passes for 443 yards with an interception. He did not score any touchdown.
Stafford said:
"I'd love to be able to be able to do it again. But I'd love for it to come with a win."
Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch tackled Falcons running back Michael Turner in the end zone, and gained two points for his team.
Lions have won four and lost 11 games in this season, and they are standing at the bottom of NFC North, whereas Bears are tied with Minnesota Vikings for the second position in the division.
Lions have ended their hopes for reaching the playoffs, while position of Vikings and Bears will be decided after their Week 17 games.
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