Deep Trouble for Bears

The Bear coaching staff is looking for more big plays, a change from the previous regime, which lost confidence in the offense and created game plans geared toward not making mistakes instead of creating opportunities.

But for big plays to happen, quarterback Shane Matthews must prove he can challenge defenses deep. That won’t be happening this century.

The biggest problem facing the Lions going into the bye week is buying into the belief that they will be all right as soon as their injuries heal. Although injuries have resulted in some sloppy play offensively, Detroit’s biggest problems are on defense, where the Lions can’t muster a consistent pass rush and are getting burned for big running plays.

Losing tight end Mark Chmura for the season is a bigger blow for the Packers than it might seem. He had a special chemistry with quarterback Brett Favre and knew where to go when Favre got in trouble. Tyrone Davis, who will start in place of Chmura, can’t block as well and isn’t as adept in the short game.

Give the Vikings credit for luring defensive end Chris Doleman out of retirement to rush from the right side. The signing comes with virtually no risk and a potentially high upside.