Lions Scare Bears

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 25, 2006 4:00PM

We can understand if the Bears were more focused on their Christmas plans than their game against the lowly Lions. Especially since there was nothing to play for, with a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs locked up already. But we figured they'd still have little difficulty beating the Lions. While they did end up winning the game 26-21, they had to work a little harder than expected.

The Bears took a 17-7 lead into halftime, before two third quarter touchdown drives turned it into a 21-17 deficit at the start of the fourth. Three Robbie Gould field goals ultimately sealed the deal.

In the spirit of Christmas, we present the list of those who were naughty and nice:
Naughty
Bears Defense - Once again, they seemed to fade in the second half against an inferior team. Do they really miss Tank Johnson that much?

Mike Williams - Boy did Matt Leinart make him look better than he is at USC. Williams dropped a number of passes that hit him squarely in the hand, including one in the end zone as time expired. That catch would have given the Lions the win.

Nice
Rex Grossman - Yet another game without an interception. He completed 20 of 36 attempts for 197 yards before Lovie Smith decided to give Brian Griese a tune-up before the playoffs.

Mark Anderson - The rookie recorded two more sacks and forced a fumble. Is he the only standing in Devin Hester's way for defensive Rookie of the Year?

Just one more game to close out the regular season, on New Year's Eve against the Packers at Soldier Field. We can expect a week of incessant hype surrounding Brett Favre's possible final game.

Photo by REUTERS/Rebecca Cook