Joniak's Journal: Get Ready For 'Black & Blue' Football Vs Lions
By Jeff Joniak-
(CBS) I have a feeling "black and blue" football is coming back Monday night at Soldier Field.
"Bad blood" exists between the Bears and Lions, simple as that. Short memories and short fuses in a powder keg environment could lead to some entertaining and interesting confrontations.
Here's how I would like to see the Bears handle their affairs: Run. Run. Run. Run right through one of the best front four's in football with a power attack that approaches 200-250 yards on the ground.
I have no idea if that's the plan, but I would love it to be the plan. Nothing says "beat down" like a grinding, painful, steady diet of "smash-mouth" against a "loud-mouth" lippy football team.
"We're getting there," said Lovie Smith Monday night on Bears Insider on Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM. "Again, it's still early for everything that we want to do with our football team, but I know there's a commitment to the run. With a running back like Matt Forte and a running back like Michael Bush, and the way our offensive line is coming along, and the threat we have with our passing game, we should be able to run the football."
Detroit's run defense is extremely tough on first down, allowing a league low 2.84 yards-per-carry. However, they've given up 21 runs of 10+yards, which is tied for 25th in the NFL.
If it's anything like last year, there will be some cheap shots, late hits, and lots of penalties. The Lions beat the Eagles Sunday despite committing an NFL single game high 16 fouls. They are 25th in the NFL in penalties this season. Seven times on opponents scoring drives, the Lions have committed penalties resulting in first downs.
The key for the Bears is not to be lured into senseless, drive-killing penalties against the Lions. Staying disciplined will be a challenge they absolutely must meet.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bears on WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9 FM. You can follow Jeff on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
