Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, a defensive-minded coach, is all too aware of the challenge his defense faces when going up against Detroit’s high-powered offense.
With the Lions averaging 32.7 points per game, Eberflus knows the defense will need to be at its best in order to slow down a unit that’s been firing on all cylinders this season. The short week of preparation only adds to the complexity of the challenge.
“Look, we’re facing a good team this week that’s balanced on offense,” Eberflus said. “They run the ball really well, they get excellent yards after the catch, and they have a lot of good athletes who can make plays in space.
I think they are in the top one or two teams in the league in terms of yards after catch. They know how to move the ball effectively, and they’re capable of creating big plays on the ground and through the air.”
Eberflus emphasized the Lions’ versatility, with their offense posing challenges in both the run and pass game. The Bears’ defense will have to be prepared for every situation, from short-yardage runs to explosive pass plays.
Eberflus noted that the Lions’ passing game is especially efficient, with quarterback Jared Goff leading an offense that is tough to stop in any phase of the game.
“Their completion percentage is high, and their quarterback rating (QBR) is up there with the best,” Eberflus continued. “They’re going to present a lot of issues for us in both the run and pass game, and they excel in situational football as well, which makes them even more dangerous.”
In addition to the offensive concerns, Eberflus also took time to commend the work of Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, whose defense has shown considerable improvement this season, particularly in recent weeks. The Lions’ defense has been on a hot streak, having not allowed a touchdown in their last 10 quarters, a statistic that stands out for Eberflus.
“They’ve been playing really well,” Eberflus said of the Lions’ defense. “They’ve had some injuries, but despite that, they’ve continued to perform at a high level.
They’ve been tough, they’ve been physical, and they’ve been consistently good in all phases. They’ve done a great job with that, and it’s a big challenge for us.”
As the Bears prepare for their matchup with the Lions, Eberflus knows that his defense will have its hands full.
The challenge of stopping a balanced and explosive offense, combined with the pressure of facing a strong defense, makes this Thanksgiving matchup a pivotal test for Chicago.
