Detroit was fired up to host its first Monday Night Football game since 2001. The rowdy fans had Ford Field rocking early on, and they combined with Detroit’s intimidating defensive line to induce several false starts by the Bears offensive line. In fact, the Bears committed an NFL-record six false starts in the first half of the game. The Lions were quick to credit their fans for the achievement.
“It was crazy out there. The fans caused at least six or seven false starts,” running back Jahvid Best said. “That place was rocking. There was a lot electricity in the air and we were definitely feeling it.”
Speaking about the fans and atmosphere, quarterback Matthew Stafford said “It was unbelievable. Especially early on, some of those third downs, you couldn’t hear yourself think.”
The atmosphere in Detroit was incredible, and it provided a clear advantage on the field. It was also the same old sad story for the Bears offense. Not only were the offensive linemen moving early, but they failed to give Jay Cutler more than two seconds to throw the ball on nearly every play. Detroit’s defensive line may be the best in football, but you have to hold them up for longer than two seconds. Mike Martz’s offensive system is getting Jay Cutler killed, and the poor offensive line play has turned the quarterback into a sympathetic figure.
Photo Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
