Out of the Cave and Into the Lions Den

The battle of the beasts rages in an unfathomable showdown between two rivaled teams with one desperately needing a win to keep pace while the other tries to remain undefeated. The hype surrounding this match continues to grow as game day approaches. Both forces will ultimately clash aiming to prove who the real king of the jungle is. Who will emerge victorious? Only Monday night’s game will tell as Jay Cutler leads his pass-heavy offense against the comeback kings of the 2011 season. Prepare for a battle royale, one without the notorious show-tune of a now disgraced country western star.

Both of these NFC teams have had their highs and lows this season. The Bears are still clinging to life, like they are season after season standing at 2-2. This game could make or break their season. A win would inch them closer to the division leading Lions and Packers, while a loss could provide a world of hurt. The Chicago offense has been a huge burden especially when it comes to protecting Cutler. He has been sacked fifteen times this year already and has fumbled the ball three times. This lack of protection is forcing Jay Cutler to pass erratically with many of his throws sailing over his receivers’ heads and leading to interceptions. The receiving core featuring Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Roy Williams has been less than stellar this season, proving that inexperience will not win football games.

The ironclad defense led by Brian Urlacher has had its fair share of problems this season as well. Defense has always been rock solid in Chicago, but this year is different in terms of how inexplicably different it looks. The Bears are giving up an average of 28.7 points per game, which is unusual for this team. If Chicago wants to win, they need to protect Cutler, help keep his head in the game, and get out to an early lead. The defense, led by Julius Peppers needs to stop the rushing attack and limit Lions QB Matthew Stafford from performing another second half miracle.

The Lions are the talk of the town these days starting unpredictably at 4-0, their best start in three decades. This Monday will mark the first time the Lions have hosted a Monday Night Football game since 2001 as they continue to keep the winning season alive, one they have lacked since 2000. This could possibly be the dream year Detroit fans have been craving for so long, especially since their baseball affiliates have made it to the ALCS. So far the miracles haven’t faltered. The Lions have had three come from behind victories this season against the Buccaneers, Vikings, and Cowboys. These are games in which the Lions have failed to show up in the first half, but have had their rockets ablaze in the second.

Detroit needs to stay on top of things this week, especially getting off to a quick start. They need to come out with a fire in their bellies and not rely on the second half theatrics they have counted on this season. Matthew Stafford is looking like Detroit’s next franchise quarterback, but the key is to keep him healthy, otherwise an epic collapse could be imminent. Calvin Johnson has really shined this year as well, shredding up defenses and earning his nickname Megatron, while Detroit’s defense led by the powerful and versatile Ndamukong Suh is a force to be reckoned with. Defense will be key in preventing the pass heavy Mike Martz offense of the Bears.

Overall, both teams look like they have an equal shot at snatching up a victory. The team that steps up, makes plays, and avoids mistakes should come out on top. This Monday’s match is poised to go down in history.

Speaking of history, ESPN recently reportedly sacked country western star Hank Williams Jr. and decided to yank his catchy pre-game routine for good. Williams faced controversy after comparing a golf game between President Barrack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner to a golf game between Adolf Hitler and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Obviously, Williams was not ready for some football when making these comments. This past Tuesday, he issued a public apology and stated on his website, “By pulling my opening October 3rd, you stepped on the Toes of the First Amendment Freedom of Speech, so therefore, me, my song, and all my rowdy friends are out of here. It’s been a great run.” Williams suggested he was the one who made the decision to leave ESPN rather than being let go by them. Maybe this will open up the chance for Faith Hill to lead the lyrical charge in back to back Sunday and Monday night primetime match-ups?

It will be a ferocious and highly anticipated battle on Monday night. Are you ready for some football?