Total Domination: Bears Rout Lions 34-7

Instead of the Detroit Lions’ winless record this season, it was both of last year’s defeats against the Lions (0-4) that had to be looming in the minds of the Chicago Bears (3-2) when they set foot in Ford Field on Sunday. And keeping those losses in mind undoubtedly was a factor in the Bears 34-7 trouncing of the Lions. Chicago had full control of the game for the entire 60 minutes on both sides of the ball; by far their most dominate performance of the early season.

Because the running game wasn’t as productive as many thought, Kyle Orton took over and had yet another career day. The former Purdue Boilermaker set career-highs in completions (24), passing yards (334), and passer rating (121.4) while throwing two touchdown passes along with no interceptions. Orton connected with seven different receivers throughout the game, with three of Chicago’s receivers each gaining over 60 yards in the air. Rashied Davis had a game-high 97 receiving yards, while Greg Olsen had a career best 87 receiving yards, and Devin Hester contributed with 66 receiving yards and a touchdown. Rookie Matt Forte didn’t have eye-popping numbers, only amassing 61 total yards on 19 touches. But the second-round draft pick did score on a nine-yard TD pass from Orton in the second quarter, and later hit pay dirt from one yard out, which was set up by a spectacular one-handed catch by veteran Marty Booker.

Minus Tommie Harris (suspension) and Nathan Vasher (wrist), the Bears defense didn’t miss a beat. The Bears shut down Detroit’s offense, allowing only 54 yards rushing and 171 yards passing. The Lions’ first five possessions resulted in four three-and-outs and a turnover when Alex Brown sacked Jon Kitna, which forced a fumble that was recovered by Mark Anderson in Detroit territory. Chicago later forced another turnover in the third quarter. Lions backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky was picked off by Charles Tillman, who returned it 26 yards for the TD. In addition to Brown’s sack, Lance Briggs, rookie Marcus Harrison, and Adewale Ogunleye also recorded a sack.

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The Chicago Bears have gotten their first back-to-back wins of the season, and are now looking to add to that streak; especially now that they have sole possession of first place in the NFC North. One of the reasons why Chicago is in first place is because of the team that defeated the Green Bay Packers this week, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are also the Bears’ next opponent, and will be a big test for the Bears defense when facing the league’s second best rushing offense.

By Clyde A. Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent