Bears Lose Opener

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 13, 2004 5:49PM

Chicagoist was in Vegas this weekend, so the Bears doubly hurt us yesterday. Not only did our team lose to the Detroit Lions 20-16, but in doing so failed to cover the 2.5 point spread and cost us the $20 we put down in the sports book. Who'd have thought Detroit would choose this week to win a their first road game since the 2000 season?

While the Bears outplayed the Lions in nearly every way, the key plays of the game went in the Lions' favor. With the Bears holding a 7-3 lead, they attempted to kick a 27-yard field goal to extend the lead to 7 points. However the kick was blocked and run back 92 yards for a Detroit TD, instead giving the Lions a 10-7 lead.

Near the end of the game, another key drive came up short for the Bears. With under two minutes to go, a safety cut the Lions lead to 4 and gave the Bears a chance to drive for a winning touchdown. But with 28 sceonds left, Bears QB Rex Grossman threw an interception in the end zone.

Despite the loss, there were some positives for the Bears. David Terrell -- thrust into the role of top wide receiver when the Bears traded Marty Booker -- had a career day with 5 catches for 126 yards. New running back Thomas Jones showed some flashes of his potential, too. Signs point to a much more exciting offense than the one the Bears ran under former Offensive Coordinator John Shoop.

Next up for the Bears are their big rivals, the Green Bay Packers.