The Chicago Bears will be looking to win their first season-opening game in seven years when they face off against their NFC North rivals the Detroit Lions.
While there’s some apprehension about the Bears’ offense, that hasn’t been the case for the defense. They’ll be returning some key pieces in Year 2 of Chuck Pagano’s system, as well as adding some new talent in pass rusher Robert Quinn, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Tashaun Gipson.
The Bears will be without Quinn on Sunday, as he’s missed practice all week and has been listed as doubtful, but there’s still plenty of talent on this Chicago defense to take care of business against Detroit.
Here are three keys for the Bears defense when they open the season against the Lions.
1. Bring the pressure on Matthew Stafford
While the Lions have been bad as of late, they’re going to get a boost with the return of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was playing at an MVP level before injuring his back and missing most of last season. The Bears defense has had their way with Stafford in the past, but they’re going to need to bring the pressure and make it as uncomfortable back there as possible.
They should take advantage of a battered Lions offensive line that will be vulnerable on the right side. Detroit will be without veteran right tackle Vaitai Halapoulivaati, and they’ll be starting rookie Jonah Jackson at right guard, who will be challenged immediately going against Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols.
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