Identifying the three biggest matchups in Lions vs. Bears.
With just four days to prepare and, more importantly, get healthy, the Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on for their annual Thanksgiving Day game.
With several players stepping up into new starting roles, there are some key matchups to watch in this historic matchup:
LB Malcolm Rodriguez vs. RB D’Andre Swift
Rodriguez got the starting job at WILL linebacker following the injury to Alex Anzalone and played admirably in that role versus the Colts. Rodriguez not only was one of Detroit’s highest graded defenders per PFF, but also had the most solo tackles on the team that day with seven.
Detroit’s defense as a whole has been effective at shutting down the run. They held the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor to just 35 rushing yards—the lowest he’s had in a game all season. The Lions run defense has been steadily improving all season and has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher.
On Thursday, a familiar face will come to town looking to change that. Former Lions second-round pick D’Andre Swift is having one of the most productive seasons of his career as a Chicago Bear. Swift is an every-down kind of running back who can provide yardage on the ground or as a receiver. Lions fans know well that when healthy, Swift is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders.
Rodriguez and Detroit’s linebacker corps will have their hands full this week trying to handle Swift. Their biggest area of concern recently has been containing the outside edge in the run game and finishing on tackles, which are two things that must happen if they want to stop the former Lion from having a big game on Thanksgiving.
Dan Skipper vs. Montez Sweat
With the likely absence of left tackle Taylor Decker for this game, backup offensive lineman and fan favorite Dan Skipper is the top candidate to fill that void. While Skipper is a serviceable replacement, he will have his hands full against Chicago’s Montez Sweat.
Sweat isn’t a premier pass rusher by any means, but he seems to have found his bearings after being traded to the Bears by the Commanders last season. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, Sweat is currently Chicago’s leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
Skipper has only allowed one sack this season on his 139 snaps but has allowed more pressures on Jared Goff than the quarterback would like. The smart move for Chicago would be to put Sweat—who typically plays over the right tackle—against Skipper instead of Penei Sewell.
Detroit’s cornerbacks vs. Chicago’s receivers
Without starter Carlton Davis on the outside, Detroit finds themselves in a semi-concerning situation with their defensive secondary. Against the Colts, Kindle Vildor got the nod at starting cornerback in place of Arnold and struggled greatly against the deep ball. Detroit’s current depth at the position should inspire a little more confidence than the prior game, however.
Detroit enters this game with cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and rookie Terrion Arnold healthy and likely off of the injury report completely. This may push Vildor back down to a more fitting reserve role, where he can focus more on being a contributor on special teams along with backup Khalil Dorsey.
This extra depth at cornerback comes at a much needed time. Chicago will come to Ford Field with the trio of talented receivers: six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, former first-rounder D.J. Moore, and rookie standout Rome Odunze. Those three combined have contributed over 1,500 yards of offense for the Bears this season.
The Lions are expected to have Arnold back as a starter in this game and Robertson should be the man at nickel cornerback. That leaves one of the other depth guys to step up and cover one of Chicago’s talented receivers. Moseley seems like the best bet if Detroit wants to stay competitive.
