Another aspect that hasn't really been discussed: Bears are starting a third-round rookie safety, Chris Conte, who both the Bucs and Eagles decided (inexplicably) not to test. Major Wright is only in his second year and has been up and down. Think Calvin's going to get some deep looks?

Wright only got that pick because Briggs tipped it, otherwise, Wright was out of position and late on both the ball and the receiver.

November 10. 2011 1:00AM.
Lions: Notebook

Jay Cutler tells Lions 'Let's take it outside'

Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Allen Park— During a terse teleconference with the media Wednesday, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler implied the Lions were an indoor team and might have a problem playing in the elements at Soldier Field on Sunday.

"We're going to be outside, not in a dome," he said. "We're going to be on grass. It's going to be a different environment for them. … a totally different ballgame. They don't have that advantage on their side this time, so it is going to be on our side."

The Lions obviously aren't disputing playing outdoors in Chicago in November is different than playing inside the dome at Ford Field, they just don't view it as a major disadvantage.

"We've been a good road team this year," shrugged coach Jim Schwartz. "We played outdoors in Denver, right? Tampa is outdoors, if I am not mistaken."

The Soldier Field grass is typically high and soft, a much slower track than the Lions prefer.

"It's pretty nasty," receiver Nate Burleson said. "It'll start to rise up after we dig into it quarter after quarter. But at the same time, it's football. When I was playing little league I played on rocks, gravel and dirt and I was moving fast. It doesn't matter."

Quarterback Matthew Stafford wore a glove on his throwing hand during practice Wednesday — for two reasons. One, he jammed a finger on his throwing hand against Denver, and two, he may need a glove Sunday if the weather turns wet or frosty.

"It helps with the grip," he said. "I just wanted to try it out, just in case I need it."

Stafford was raised in Dallas and played at Georgia, so he hasn't played much in inclement weather.

"Some of those games in the playoffs in high school got pretty cold, like into the 50s," he said. "At Georgia we played in warm weather most of the time."

Early forecasts show temperatures in the mid-50s Sunday with a 30 percent chance of rain.

Strange scenario
How about the plight of new Lions safety Chris Harris?

Five weeks ago he was starting for the Bears against the Lions on Monday night and had one of the worst games of his career.

Chicago waived him and he wound up with Detroit, where his first game is at Soldier Field.

"This league is very unpredictable," he said. "It's going to be fun — different, for sure, but fun."

Harris had been with the Bears since they drafted him in the sixth round in 2005. But the Bears made the move to go young, with rookie Chris Conte and second year player Major Wright .

"It's more of an anxiousness than anything else," Harris said about facing his former team. "I don't have any bitterness toward Chicago. This is a business, and the quicker you learn that, the better of you'll be."

Contrary to popular belief, the staff hasn't been picking Harris' brain for insider information.

"There's not much help to be gained there," Schwartz said. "These two teams know each other. There's not a whole lot to be gleaned from Chris, just like there wouldn't be if they grabbed one of our players."

Extra points
For the second consecutive day, running back Jahvid Best (concussion) and defensive tackle Sammie Hill (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Best is not expected to play Sunday, though he has not been officially ruled out.

Hill played and finished the Denver game, but was limited in practice that week.

… Special teams ace Rashied Davis (foot) was limited.



From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111110/SPO ... z1dK5gSPba

Interesting spin on Chris Harris. I expect the Bears to target Harris when he's on the field. They cut him for a reason so they'll likely try to trip him up early.

the key matchup is our pass protection - Julius peppers is again dinged up w a knee problem and has not practiced yet this week. stafford has not had problems moving the ball against bears teams who in the past had a larger personnel advantage. w peppers slowed done or possibly out on the short week, the chances for stafford to make mistakes and turn it over are big. whoever punts for us needs to keep it away from hester and hanson needs to do the same but weather might stop him from kicking into touchbacks. should be a win for us unless the bears get big plays on special teams

Lions 28
Bears 16