Bears-Lions 2011
The Bears go into the Thanksgiving holiday with a lot to be thankful for, especially when it comes to their fans. Many of the grumblings the Bears have had to deal with over the past month have dissipated after the back to back wins over the last place Vikings and Bucs.
It is surprising to hear the type of optimism by a fan base of a 5 – 6 team but maybe tis the season.
One day I never overlook is Thanksgiving and with the Bears playing in Detroit on turkey day for the first time since 1999, it’s time to set the menu.
The Turkey: Jay Cutler
Jokes aside… the turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving and to have a successful meal, the turkey has to be cooked just right. This bird is coming off his lowest yardage total of the season at 130, and was unable to move the chains against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
The Stuffing: Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery
The stuffing is a side that is directly related to the cooking of the turkey. Since it cooks inside the turkey, the only way for stuffing to make a difference at the table is if the turkey is on it’s A game. Marshall and Jeffery combined for 6 catches and only 54 yards last week and will need a better showing if they want to match All-World WR Calvin Johnson and WR Golden Tate.
Bears WR Alshon Jeffery
Mashed Potatoes: Bears Offensive Line
The base of the meal, the corner stone of a successful offense starts upfront against the very good defensive line of the Lions. The Lions boast the best rushing defense and a hearty helping of mashed potatoes is needed for the Bears offense to not be one dimensional.
Gravy: Matt Forte
Some might argue the most important part of the meal. The gravy needs to be cascaded over every side on your plate and when you think you have had enough… add a little more. Forte has been the only consistent performer throughout the year and shows no signs of slowing down towards the finish line.
Green Bean Casserole: Bears Defense
For as long as I could remember, my Aunt Margie has always been in charge of this dish. There are 3 main ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup and fried onion strips. Seems pretty simple.
Lions DT Ndamukong Suh
So why does it taste different every time she makes it?
One year I can’t get enough of it and the next I am feeding it to my dog. It is mind boggling and frustrating that such inconsistency can exist with such a routine recipe. The Bears defense has shown up the past two weeks against inferior completion, but will they be able to contain Matthew Stafford who has been struggling of late?
Sorry Aunt Margie.
Rolls: Marc Trestman
They don’t garner the respect they deserve. The herdsman of the bread family. Cleaning up after poor QB play or leftover gravy. They are always wondering if the same brand will be used next year.
Yams: WHAT THE HECK IS A YAM?
Cranberries: Ndamukong Suh
The bane of the Turkey’s existence. Why are these even on the table? The only people who like cranberries, are the ones who bring them.
Pumpkin Pie: A Bears win
Key Matchup: Cranberries vs Mashed Potatoes
Key Injuries: CB Kyle Fuller (Quest.), Jerimiah Ratliff (Quest.), Lance Briggs (Quest.)
Fact: The Bears beat the Lions 19-16 in the first Thanksgiving Day game in 1934
Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 17
@WesEvans24
