Why Bears passing attack must be limited on Thanksgiving

With their season on the line, the Bears offense will need to do everything it can to put up points on the Lions defense. Here’s why Detroit has to limit the damage through the air.

Back in April, I was one of many people who believed that the Chicago Bears offense could be one of the best in the NFL. They drafted two pieces of their offense in quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Romeo Odunze to jump in alongside D.J. Moore, and newly acquired Keenan Allen. Then you can’t forget tight end Cole Kmet and the free agent signing of former Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift.

12 weeks later, it shows why the games are played and we don’t just compare teams on paper. Don’t get me wrong, this offense can still be dangerous, but it certainly hasn’t been exactly what everyone thought it would be. Either way, the Lions will have their hands full because, despite Chicago’s overall offensive stats, Detroit is banged up in the secondary and that could be a difference maker in the end.

Additionally, Williams’ mobility presents another challenge. The Bears have arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL, but even with that Williams has shown he can still make some plays. Let me tell you why the Lions have to limit the Bears passing attack on Thanksgiving to end their holiday losing streak.

Bears have weapons all over

Starting with the wide receivers, the Bears have plenty of options for Williams to throw the ball too. Moore continues to be the top option in Chicago, leading the team in catches (54), yards (566), and touchdowns (4). In his two games against the Lions last year, Moore had 13 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns—so he has already been a problem for the Lions secondary.

Next up is Odunze, who has had an up-and-down rookie year. Thus far, he has 39 catches, 518 yards, but only one touchdown. Odunze has had two 100-yard games this season, but five games with under 40 yards.

Keenan Allen was brought from the Los Angeles Chargers and he’s had a slow, but impactful season so far with 39 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Allen, like Moore, has the Lions’ number. In just three games vs. Detroit, Allen has 34 catches for 439 yards and two touchdowns

You can’t forget about Kmet when discussing weapons in the passing game. He has 39 catches for 422 yards and three touchdowns this season. Facing against the Lions in his career, Kmet has 28 catches for 295 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. Kmet has grown in his career and become a big threat in the passing game, often overlooked by opposing defenses.

Lions secondary has bumps and bruises

Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold missed the Week 12 game with a groin injury, but after two “full” practices (the Lions only did walkthroughs this week) he looks ready to play. His replacement against the Indianapolis Colts last week was veteran Kindle Vildor, who had a difficult performance. He was targeted six times, allowing three catches for 60 yards, and received a 28.0 grade from PFF.

During the game against the Colts, Carlton Davis III left the game with a knee injury and didn’t return, and was replaced by Khalil Dorsey. Coach Dan Campbell seemed to indicate he is unlikely to play this week. If Arnold can play, but Davis can’t, Vildor might be asked to start again.

While he didn’t play on defense, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley did make his 2024 debut last week, playing 15 snaps on special teams. He could be asked to play more defense if the coaches believe he can do a better job than Vildor. For the linebackers matching up against Kmet, the team will need Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez at the top of their coverage game with Alex Anzalone on IR.

Caleb must face pressure and not get wacky plays

Luckily for the Lions secondary, the Bears offensive line is possibly the worst in the NFL. They have allowed the second most sacks (44) and sack yardage (298), making life difficult for Williams to throw the ball when he doesn’t have time. Williams is pressured 22 percent of the time in dropbacks, according to pro-football-reference. The Lions have to take advantage of that.

The problem for Detroit, though, is Williams just doesn’t stand in the pocket. He is a quarterback who is not afraid to run around endlessly to try and make a play. He did it a lot in college at USC and while it hasn’t been as successful in the NFL, he still tries it and has some success with it.

The Lions just had their worst game of the year against a scrambling quarterback in Anthony Richardson from the Colts, allowing 61 yards on 10 carries. While the Lions didn’t allow a rushing touchdown on Richardson, he had his way early on in the game. The Colts moved away from it and went back to it when it was too late.

Williams has 55 carries for 339 yards, averaging six yards a carry and just under 31 yards per game. If the Lions can create pressure on Williams and contain him inside the pocket so he doesn’t escape and make a highlight reel throw, the Bears offense won’t succeed through the air.