© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Lions-Bears: A Key Matchup to Watch Sunday
Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay has become a reliable offensive weapon this season.
Matthew Stafford's connection with Golladay, specifically on deep passes, has assisted the offense tremendously.
Over the last month, Golladay has nine receptions of 20 yards or longer.
Logan Lamorandier of SI Lions Maven wrote earlier this week, "Not only is Lions wideout Kenny Golladay tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions, but he is also tops in the NFL in first-down catch percentage. On the season, 31 of Golladay’s 35 catches have resulted in a first down -- good for an 88.6 percent clip."
Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano discussed earlier this week what challenges Golladay presents to the Bears defense.
"He's a competitive, competitive guy," Pagano said. "He's playing with a ton of confidence. He's big, long; he's physical. You try to get up and press him, and he's good at the line of scrimmage. He can separate, (and is) always open. It doesn't matter if he has guys draped all over him. The catch he made against Oakland in the end zone ... I mean, it's just phenomenal the things he does."
On the road last season against the Bears, Golladay recorded six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, against the Bears at home last season, Golladay secured five receptions for 90 yards but failed to find the end zone.
Safety Eddie Jackson is no stranger to making impactful plays for Chicago.
Last season, he picked off Stafford, and raced into the end zone for a pick-six in the Lions' 23-16 loss at home vs. the Bears.
The Bears were able to win both games against the Lions in 2018.
Jackson will be looking to turn his 2019 season around.
He has stated that the Bears must get back to their old ways defensively. And that means forcing more turnovers.
On the season, Jackson has yet to record an interception.
Look for Jackson to attempt to change that Sunday, if Stafford takes chances deep to Golladay in the middle of the field.
