MOBILE, Ala. — As the Bears try to straighten themselves out and challenge the Packers at the top of the NFC North, they better keep an eye on the Lions.
At 8-8, the Bears were as close to the 3-12-1 Lions as they were to the 13-3 Packers, and both of the Bears’ wins against Detroit were close games in which Matthew Stafford sat out with an injury.
Lions coach Matt Patricia, who is overseeing the North team in the Senior Bowl this week, is hitting a desperation point after winning nine games in two seasons. Despite his struggles, he doesn’t consider his team a lightweight in the division heading into next season.