Bears-Lions: What to Watch 4

KEY MATCHUP

Lions wide receiver Golden Tate was targeted four times and caught one pass for one yard in the Bears’ 17-14 victory at Soldier Field. Tate (65 receptions, 762 yards, 11.7 avg., three touchdowns) has been much more productive since then. He had eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown in the Lions’ 28-13 victory over the Saints last week.

“He’s built like a running back,” Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He’s stronger than most receivers. He’s very quick, very elusive. He’s a hard guy to tackle once he’s got it in his hands. That’s the reason they give some wide receiver screens and fly sweeps, etc. He’s almost like a running back once he gets it in his hands.”

Cornerback Bryce Callahan had a majority of the coverage on Tate in the first game. With Callahan playing the slot recently, rookie Cre’Von LeBlanc or veteran Tracy Porter could be responsible for defending Tate this time.

TRENDING

The Bears are 0-5 on the road this season. The Lions are 5-1 at home, winning five straight by a total of 17 points since losing to the Titans 16-15 in Week 2 — beating the Eagles 24-23, Rams 31-28, Redskins 20-17, Jaguars 26-19 and Vikings 16-13.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Outside linebacker Willie Young — the former Lions defensive end — leads the Bears with 7.5 sacks, including one against the 49ers last week. But he was shut out out of the stat sheet in the first game vs. his old team at Soldier Field — not even one tackle.

In fact, in five games against the Lions since signing with the Bears in 2014, Young has yet to sack his old teammate, Matthew Stafford.

“He’s a heckuva quarterback when given time, so it’s going to be crucial for us to get after him up front as soon as we can.”

X-FACTOR

As John Fox noted Friday, takeaways are the “weak link” to an otherwise improving and effective Bears defense that ranks seventh in the NFL in yards allowed allowed. The Bears are tied for 30th with eight (five interceptions, three fumbles). The Lions are tied for first in fewest giveaways with eight (five interceptions, three fumbles).

Then again, the Bears won the turnover battle 2-0 when they beat the Lions at Soldier Field — with Jacoby Glenn and Deiondre Hall intercepting Stafford.