Quick Take: Bears/Lions

Published: Dec 29, 2009 at 09:43 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting:Matt Forte rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown as the Bears routed the Lions, 48-24, in Week 4.
» Streaks: The Bears have won seven of the past nine meetings, and have a 90-64-5 overall series edge.
» Last week: Chicago pulled off a thrilling 36-30 overtime victory against Minnesota. ... Detroit was overmatched in a 20-6 loss at San Francisco.

Keep your eye on ...Jay Cutler's progress: Much has been made of Cutler's turnovers and his occasional petulant attitude, but he has also thrown 23 touchdowns and had flashes of brilliance. By ending the season with two consecutive strong outings, Cutler would lay the foundation for a better year in 2010 with Chicago.

Tommie Harris' drive: Chicago's powerful defensive tackle can still be one of the NFL's most disruptive forces when he is motivated, but he does not always seem to be completely focused. He could be in for a big outing this Sunday against Detroit's banged-up offense, if he keeps his head in the game.

Larry Foote's steady play: The Lions have one of the league's worst defenses, but Foote, their veteran linebacker, is certainly not to blame. He has started every game, and leads the team with 99 tackles this season.

Did you know?

Cutler leads the league in interceptions with 26. ... Chicago's Johnny Knox is second in the league with a kickoff return average of 29 yards (minimum 15 attempts). ... With one more tackle, Lions LB Larry Foote will reach 100 on the season for the second time in his career. ... Fifteen Detroit players have caught a pass this season.

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