The Chicago Bears are trying to determine who their quarterback will be for the opener on September 13th in Detroit against the Lions. Head coach Matt Nagy won't reveal who that is. However, will it matter? Based on reports from up north, things aren't exactly going well for the Detroit Lions defense during their own training camp.
Matthew Stafford has reportedly had his way with their secondary. While it's good for them that their star QB is back healthy, this sort of success reinforces the fears that the Lions' league-worst pass defense from 2019 is anything but fixed. Don't forget they traded Darius Slay, their best secondary player in the offseason. Their plan was to replace him with #3 overall pick Jeff Okudah.
On paper, there was logic to it. Okudah is a supreme athlete from a top program at Ohio State. A school known for producing NFL corners all the time. However, it appears the team isn't getting what they hoped for.
Just read this recap from Kyle Meinke of MLive.com for an idea.
"And just two weeks until the season opener, they’re still not sure whether Jeff Okudah -- the centerpiece of their defensive overhaul -- will be ready for the starting assignment on opening day against Chicago...
...That decision now looks like the right one, because Okudah has been a mixed bag even when facing the second-team offense. He fell down during his one-on-one rep against Kenny Golladay on the first day of padded work. A day later, the same thing happened. Okudah’s footwork has been a bit of an issue, though improved over the last week.
On Friday, Okudah’s side was winning by four points in the closing seconds when he was beaten by Marvin Hall for a long touchdown. It was third-and-long, too. Credit to Matthew Stafford for a perfect pass, and Hall for an outstanding catch along the boundary. But Okudah’s technique wasn’t great either, and the score he allowed would have cost Detroit the game.
In Saturday’s scrimmage, Okudah once again came off the bench. His most notable play was losing containment on a big run by Jonathan Williams."
Detroit Lions don't have a strong track record against Matt Nagy
It's hard to notice in what ways the Lions defense got better. Desmond Trufant had four interceptions last year but he also allowed a 100.6 passer rating. So those numbers are a bit deceiving. He's also turning 30-years old three days before the opener. This team was really banking on Okudah being an instant contributor for them. This development might force their hand in starting Amani Oruwariye who allowed a 108.5 passer rating last season in nine games.
Keep in mind that the Lions don't have the best track record defensively against the Bears under Nagy. Mitch Trubisky has a 132.4 passer rating in three games against them. Chase Daniel had a 106.8 passer rating in his start against them in 2018. Oh and just for good measure? The last time Nick Foles saw a Matt Patricia defense, he threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
This doesn't guarantee a win for the Bears. It does illustrate though that their odds of coming out with a win should be favorable.
