Chicago Bears have to keep tabs on these Detroit Lions studs
By Ryan Heckman
Defensive Tackle Damon Harrison
In terms of one defensive player who could wreck the Bears’ plans on Sunday, I would have actually gone with Darius Slay. However, the Lions could end up being without Slay this week, which would be a huge break for the Bears’ offense. Aside from Slay, the guy the Bears need to worry about most is also the newest member of the defense — defensive tackle Damon Harrison.
The Lions have been atrocious against the run this year, which is why they traded for Harrison. Even after acquiring Harrison, Detroit has given up 300 yards on the ground in their previous two games. Still, Harrison remains a threat.
Think of Harrison like an Akiem Hicks. That’s who he is to this Lions defense. In fact, the funny thing about that comparison is that Pro Football Focus has Hicks rated as the third overall defensive lineman in football.
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Guess who is fourth?
Yep, it’s Harrison.
This season, Harrison is second to only Aaron Donald in run defense (per PFF) and it’s by the most slim of margins — their grade is separated by just 0.2.
The Bears have wanted to commit more to Jordan Howard in recent weeks, which is a fantastic sign. It’s only going to open up more of the offense if they can get him going. So, ensuring Harrison is taken care of before anybody else on that Lions front is one of the top keys for the Bears this week.