Bears DE Adewale Ogunleye racked up 2.5 more sacks in Sunday’s 48-24 blowout of Detroit, and credits new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli for the hot start to his contract year.
Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub noticed the Lions’ tendency to over-pursue on kickoff coverage, and helped rookie Johnny Knox capitalize with a 102-yard touchdown return to open the second half.
Red-hot Bears QB Jay Cutler has accounted for eight all-purpose touchdowns (seven passing, one rushing) during Chicago’s three-game winning streak.
The Bears determined after Sunday’s win that DL Israel “Izzy” Idonije, who had a sack against the Lions, needs arthroscopic knee surgery.
Lions first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew turned in the best statistical game of his four-game career in Sunday’s 48-24 loss, catching four passes for 64 yards on ten targets.
Lions rookie Aaron Brown temporarily lost his kickoff return job to Adam Jennings on Sunday, but got it back when Jennings injured his leg.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson took a helmet to the thigh late in the game, but caught eight balls for 133 yards and should be fine.
Lions OLB Ernie Sims returned to the starting lineup Sunday, but aggravated his shoulder injury and was outproduced by backup DeAndre Levy, who had eight tackles and a forced fumble.