DETROIT – The first loss of the Marc Trestman era was an ugly one. There was Lions running back Reggie Bush running wild against the Bears defense and quarterback Jay Cutler getting sacked three times and throwing three interceptions.
But as bad as the Bears’ 40-32 defeat at Ford Field was on Sunday, it was just one loss. There are aspects to address but they are still 3-1.
“There are no moral victories,” coach Marc Trestman said. “We won’t change the way we do business. We will go back to work and get the things done we think we need to do to get better as a football team.”
Here’s a look at how the playing time played out for the Bears on Sunday:
100 percent
Just like the first three games, quarterback Jay Cutler and the entire starting offensive line were on for every offensive snap (72) against the Lions.
On defense, safeties Major Wright and Chris Conte, linebackers Lance Briggs and James Anderson and cornerback Tim Jennings played all 66 of the defensive snaps.
The weapons
Just several days after Trestman said he wanted to get running back Michael Bush more involved in the offense, the veteran running back got just two offensive snaps.
That meant a lot of playing time for starter Matt Forte. He was on the field for 99 percent of the Bears’ offensive plays (71 of 72).
Alshon Jeffery led all receivers in playing time, getting 70 snaps. Brandon Marshall was on for 68 and tight end Martellus Bennett got 64.
Receiver Earl Bennett saw his most action this season, playing 68 percent of the offensive snaps (49 of 72).
In the trenches
With Henry Melton out, new starter Nate Collins and defensive end Corey Wootton led all defensive linemen with 57 snaps each or 86 percent of the defensive plays.
Defensive end Julius Peppers had another strong game with a sack and a forced fumble during 48 snaps.
Defensive tackle Stephen Paea got only 38 snaps in the Bears’ three-technique spot, while defensive end Shea McClellin was on for 46 plays.
Recently signed defensive tackle Landon Cohen was a surprise play, getting 14 snaps. Rookie defensive end Cornelius Washington, who was active for the first three weeks, made his debut, getting four plays.
Playing for Peanut
Cornerback Charles Tillman, who was dealing with knee and groin issues, played 41 snaps (62 percent). Backup Zack Bowman was on for 25 plays.
Nickel vs. base
Nickel back Isaiah Frey played a season-high 43 snaps against the Lions. Middle linebacker D.J. Williams saw only 23 plays.
Special stuff
Rookie running back Michael Ford made his NFL debut after being inactive the first three weeks, getting 23 plays on special teams.
It was the same amount as rookie linebackers Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene and special-teams leaders Blake Costanzo and Craig Steltz.
Extra attention
Veteran offensive lineman Eben Britton got his first game action. He played 11 offensive snaps as the Bears’ sixth lineman to combat the Lions’ “Wide 9” defense.
