QB Stafford big factor in Lions' success

Since the Lions lost to the Bears 17-14 in Week 4 at Soldier Field and fell to 1-3, they've won seven of eight and are in control of the NFC North.

It's their hottest eight-game stretch since the last eight games of 1995, when they also won seven.

"Our turnover differential is good, and situationally we're playing better," quarterback Matt Stafford said.

"We had a chance to win the Tennessee game (16-15 loss in Week 2) early in the season (but) didn't get a two-minute drive to win it. We had a chance in Chicago, too, we just didn't play as good of situational football then as we did the next couple weeks I guess."

Through the first four games, the Lion were minus-3 in turnovers. In their last eight games, they're plus-9. A big reason is Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft. In his last 8 games, he has thrown just 1 interception, while tossing 14 TD passes.

"Just experience," Stafford said. "Trying to take care of the ball as much as I can. Just trying to do everything I can to help our team win, and right now, making sure I don't turn the ball over is helping us."

Stafford has never thrown fewer than 12 interceptions in a full season, but he has just 5 so far in 2016.

Stafford's 100.5 passer rating is 14 points higher than his career mark. He's been mentioned frequently as an MVP candidate, and as the key in the Lions' improvement to 8-4 after finishing 7-9 in 2015.

"It looks like Stafford is a big part of that," Bears coach John Fox said. "I think that's been the biggest difference comparing them to last year."

Lots to like:

Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains couldn't limit himself to just one thing that's impressed him about rookie running back Jordan Howard.

"I think there's two," Loggains said. "It's the vision and the feet. For a big back, he's got some quickness. He gets through the hole quickly, especially when we block it up the right way. He has really good feet for a big back. "It's natural. I think that's what (GM) Ryan Pace and his staff saw in him when they decided to choose him. They saw those traits and those have shown up at this level as well."

The 6-foot, 222-pound fifth-round draft pick rushed for 111 yards in his very first NFL start, which was in Week Four against the Lions, Sunday's opponent. Howard says he's come a long way toward becoming a complete back since early in the season.

"It's just being able to diagnose the blitzes that the defense is sending," he said. "Experiencing it helped, but (so did) just watching film and studying some of their tendencies."

Last week's 32-carry game was the most work Howard has been given this season. But he says he was fine physically the next day and prefers a heavy diet of handoffs.

"It was a pretty normal recovery for me," he said. "I feel like when I get in a rhythm, I can do a lot better just being comfortable in the game and not having to be worried about getting taken out."

Season of taking:

Every NFL team has more interceptions than the Bears' five, with the exception of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have three. The Bears' 8 takeaways (including 3 fumble recoveries) and also 31st. The Jaguars have seven.

"That's probably our weak link right now," coach John Fox said. "It affects our scoring offense. It affects scoring in general. Yards are important, but ultimately, it's points.

"(Turnovers) are something that we've preached. It's going to be critical in this (Lions) game just like it is in all games. You've probably seen improvement over the last year and three-quarters on defense in a lot of areas. But takeaways is one that we need to continue to get better at."

Injury report:

Wide receiver Eddie Royal (toe) and offensive tackle Mike Adams (back) did not practice and are doubtful for Sunday.

Wide receivers Josh Bellamy (shoulder) and Marquess Wilson (groin), cornerback Johnthan Banks and linebacker Jonathan Anderson (hamstring) were limited and are questionable.

Linebackers Willie Young (knee) and Pernell McPhee (knee) were full participants, as were cornerbacks Tracy Porter (knee) and Deiondre' Hall (ankle) and safety Adrian Amos (foot).

• Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere.