Primary problem: Banged-up secondary
DETROIT -- Fans of old-fashioned football had to at least appreciate the Bears' defensive strategy during Sunday's 37-27 loss to the Lions, even if they didn't enjoy the ultimate result.
By the end of the second quarter at Ford Field, situational defense was out the window due to a lack of healthy defensive backs.
There were no nickels and no dimes. Just four defensive backs and three linebackers.
When the Lions' top-ranked pass offense lined up with four receivers, the Bears simply stretched outside linebackers Hunter Hillenmeyer and Jamar Williams to cover the two slots.
"It's a tough situation to be in, but we were prepared to do that coming in," Hillenmeyer said. "We knew we were one injury away from having to do that. If Jamar and I are going to have to be in there and man up on receivers like that, we have to be ready to do it."
It was a valiant effort through three quarters as the Lions managed only a field goal. But then Detroit exploded for a 34-point fourth quarter, which included scores by the defense and special teams.
"We've played in space before," said Williams, who started in place of the injured Lance Briggs. "Me and Hunter both know how to cover slots. When it came down to the end, we didn't execute, and that's what beat us. I don't think not having the nickel out there is what beat us."
There weren't many familiar names patrolling the secondary for the Bears. Three starters -- cornerbacks Nathan Vasher (groin) and Charles Tillman (ankle), plus safety Adam Archuleta (hand) -- were pregame scratches.
The Bears started the game using an extra defensive back, but then rookie safety Kevin Payne left with an arm injury in the second quarter.
From then on, the visitors used a straight 4-3-4 alignment with Ricky Manning Jr. and rookie Trumaine McBride at cornerback, and Danieal Manning and Brandon McGowan at safety.
"At the end, we had players in there that we feel good about," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "Everybody has injuries. You get a lead like that, we have to be able to close it out."
Early on, Lions quarterback Jon Kitna was swarmed by a ferocious pass rush. The Bears had 3 sacks in the first half, 2 by Adewale Ogunleye. Then Mark Anderson forced a Kitna fumble early in the third quarter, which McGowan recovered at the Lions' 12-yard line.
That opportunity ended with 1 of Brian Griese's 3 interceptions. For the third time this season, the Bears' defense was terrific early, then faded late while the offense failed to execute.
"In the fourth quarter I was like, 'Wow, how did the score change that quick?' " defensive tackle Tommie Harris said. "I don't even know. It just happened so quick."
Harris, playing on a sore knee, saw limited action, lining up mostly on third downs. He did record 1 sack.
"You can't use getting worn down as an excuse," Williams said. "Regardless if you're tired or your fresh, you've got to execute, and we didn't do that on defense."
Added Hillenmeyer: "I don't think we're out of shape or anything. We just need to step up when the game's on the line and so far we haven't been doing that."