The Chicago Bears entered the 2024 season with high expectations for their offense after a promising offseason. They added quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze through the draft, paired them with star wideout D.J. Moore, acquired Keenan Allen from the Chargers, and signed running back D’Andre Swift in free agency. Tight end Cole Kmet rounded out what appeared to be a formidable unit. However, 12 weeks into the season, the results have fallen short of those lofty predictions, showing the unpredictability of the NFL.

Despite the inconsistency, the Bears’ offense remains dangerous. Detroit’s injury-plagued secondary could face significant challenges on Thanksgiving. Here’s why the Lions need to focus on limiting Chicago’s passing attack to break their Thanksgiving losing streak.

Chicago’s Offensive Weapons

The Bears have an abundance of talent in the passing game:

• D.J. Moore: The clear top option with 54 catches, 566 yards, and four touchdowns. He has a history of strong performances against Detroit, including 13 catches for 164 yards and two scores last season.
• Rome Odunze: The rookie has shown flashes of brilliance, with two 100-yard games, though he’s been inconsistent overall (39 catches, 518 yards, one touchdown).
• Keenan Allen: While his stats (39 catches, 368 yards, three touchdowns) may not stand out, he has been a consistent thorn in the Lions’ side, with 34 catches for 439 yards and two touchdowns in three career games against Detroit.
• Cole Kmet: The tight end has been productive with 39 catches, 422 yards, and three touchdowns this year. He’s often overlooked but poses a significant threat, especially in red-zone situations.

Lions’ Defensive Concerns

Detroit’s secondary is dealing with injuries and inexperience:

• Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold is expected to return from a groin injury, but the team may still rely on Kindle Vildor, who struggled last week, allowing 60 yards on three catches.
• Carlton Davis III is likely out with a knee injury, potentially leaving Khalil Dorsey and a limited Emmanuel Moseley to step in.
• Linebackers Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez must excel in coverage against Kmet, as veteran Alex Anzalone remains on injured reserve.

Pressuring Caleb Williams

The Lions’ best chance to neutralize the Bears’ passing attack lies in exploiting Chicago’s struggling offensive line, which has allowed 44 sacks—the second most in the league. Williams faces pressure on 22% of his dropbacks, but his mobility complicates matters. He’s rushed for 339 yards on 55 carries, averaging six yards per run, and has shown an ability to escape pressure and make big plays on the move.

Detroit’s recent struggles against mobile quarterbacks, like Anthony Richardson’s 61 rushing yards last week, highlight the need for improvement in containing scrambling QBs. Keeping Williams in the pocket and disrupting his timing will be critical.

Final Thoughts

While Chicago’s offense hasn’t fully lived up to expectations, their passing game is still loaded with potential. Injuries in the Lions’ secondary and Williams’ ability to create plays under duress present a tough challenge for Detroit. Limiting the Bears’ aerial attack will be key to snapping the Lions’ Thanksgiving losing streak.