Bears vs. Lions: 5 things to watch Sunday

The Bears split the regular-season series last year with Detroit - winning the season-opener 27-23, before collapsing 34-30 in Week 13.

The Lions underwent a bit of an offseason facelift. After 12 seasons in Detroit, Matthew Stafford was shipped to the Rams in exchange for former 2016 No. 1 overall pick, Jared Goff. Head coach Matt Patricia was fired and former New Orleans assistant Dan Campbell was hired to turn around a franchise in need of a major spark.

After Justin Fields' disastrous starting debut and Matt Nagy's offensive scheme producing one of the worst performances seen in NFL history - one passing yard, six first downs and 47 total yards - the Bears face an incredible amount of pressure to win.

Here are five things to watch when the Bears host the Lions at noon Sunday:

1. Who is calling plays? Nagy or Bill Lazor?

It's the million-dollar question. While Nagy won't publicly tip his hand, it's very possible he's handed the keys to his offensive coordinator in an attempt to spark what has shown to be, at best, a floundering offense.

Ranking last in yardage and second-to-last in points scored is the tip of the iceberg.

If Fields starts look for more rollouts, play-action and quick throws.

2. Who starts at QB?

Nagy said Friday whoever starts at quarterback will be a "game-time decision." Dalton is nursing a left knee sprain and was limited in practice last week. Dalton is listed as questionable, while Fields (right thumb) has been a full participant and has no status attached to his availability.

Nagy said Dalton is the starter when healthy. But plan on Fields getting his second consecutive start, barring an unforeseen setback before game time.

3. Bears OL getting help from TEs and RBs

This goes relatively hand-in-hand with the offensive play calls, but after surrendering nine sacks last week, it's conceivable the game plan will offer more help than a simple five-man protection. The Lions don't feature the same pass-rush matchup issues as the Browns, but Trey Flowers, Michael Brockers and Romeo Okwara - all limited in practice through Thursday - can cause pressure and need to be accounted for.

4. Lions LT Penei Sewell vs. Bears OLBs Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn

Sewell, the prized rookie first-round left tackle, hasn't allowed a sack in three games. How Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai schemes up Quinn and Mack, who is questionable for Sunday, will be interesting. Mack, who still played well in the second half last week with a foot injury, can affect the pass rush in multiple ways. Quinn, with a team-high 3.5 sacks, is off to a fantastic start. The Bears left Cleveland last week with five sacks of their own, and that starts with their two most expensive pass-rushers.

5. Bears DL vs. Lions RB D'Andre Swift

Swift has yet to take off for the Lions with just 123 rushing yards and one touchdown, but he has the talent to turn that around in a hurry. The Bears have allowed 119.3 rushing yards per game.

A huge addition could be nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who has battled a knee injury and is yet to play. He practiced in full for two days and could get his first start of the season.