Two days after their 33-7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bears return to the practice field Tuesday to begin preparing for Saturday's game against the Lions in Detroit.
The Bears (4-9) dominated the Bengals on both sides of the ball last Sunday, holding decisive advantages in total yards (482-234), first downs (29-14) and time of possession (38:09-21:51) in recording their most lopsided win since a 51-20 victory over the Titans on Nov. 4, 2012.
The Lions (7-6) edged the Buccaneers 24-21 last Sunday in Tampa to remain in the playoff hunt. Detroit is currently tied with the Packers (7-6) and Cowboys (7-6), one game behind the Seahawks (8-5) for the second and final wildcard spot in the NFC.
See photos from practice during week 15 at Halas Hall as the Bears prepare to face the Lions on Saturday, December 16.
The Lions are led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 3,683 yards with 23 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 97.9 passer rating that ranks eighth in the NFL. Stafford has thrown four of his nine picks in his last three games.
The Bears lead the all-time series with the Lions 97-73-5 but have lost eight of the last nine. The Bears lost the last meeting 27-24 on Nov. 19 at Soldier Field.
After Matt Prater's 52-yard field goal had given Detroit a 27-24 lead with 1:35 remaining, rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky put the Bears in position to tie the game with a nifty 19-yard scramble on fourth-and-13 followed by a 15-yard completion to Dontrelle Inman. But Connor Barth missed a 46-yard field goal attempt that could have forced overtime with :03 to play.
Entering Week 15 the Bears rank 30th in offense (7th rushing and 32nd passing) and 11th in defense (14th against the run and 9th versus the pass). The Lions rank 14th in offense (32nd rushing and 4th passing) and 27th in defense (20th against the run and 27th versus the pass).
ChicagoBears.com will provide all the latest news throughout the week from Halas Hall. Coach John Fox will address the media Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Trubisky and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will be available Tuesday, while defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and special-teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers will speak Wednesday.
