Three-and-Out: Bears have struggles on special teams

1. Special moments

Lions returner Andre Roberts’ 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in the final two minutes made for an interesting finish.

The Bears’ punt team didn’t include any gunners to order to prevent the Lions’ block attempt, leaving Roberts with plenty of running room.

Roberts was elusive, but Bears safety Chris Prosinski, a key special teamer, also appeared to be blocked in the back by Lions linebacker Thurston Armbrister before the return was broken loose. The touchdown cut the Bears’ lead to 17-14.

“It gave us hope,” Roberts said.

Lions punter Sam Martin’s ensuing onside kick went only six yards and safety Don Carey was called for an illegal touch of the kick, but Bears outside linebacker Sam Acho still corralled the bouncing ball.

Overall, the Bears’ special teams need work after Sunday. Rookie safety DeAndre Houston-Carson was called an illegal block on Eddie Royal’s first punt return. Kicker Connor Barth also missed a 50-yard field goal.

2. Fourth-down failure

It will be overlooked because of the win, but the botched exchange between quarterback Brian Hoyer and center Cody Whitehair on a fourth-and-1 from the Lions’ 36 still was disappointing.

It resulted in two-yard loss by running back Joique Bell.

“That’s one where he really has to fire out,” Hoyer said. “So I try to stay in there as a long as I can, and it’s something he and I work on a daily basis.”

3. Matt’s miscues

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford wasn’t in a talking mood after the loss, providing questions with short answers. His two interceptions were the result of two gaffes with his receivers.

“At the end of the day, communication is on the quarterback,” Stafford said.