NFC north.(NFL)

CHICAGO BEARS

RB Thomas Jones has been everything the Bears could have wanted. Before coming to Chicago, he was regarded as a cutback runner who was best when attacking the edges of a defense, but he has proved to be a tough between-the-tackles guy, too. He excels in short yardage because of his burst and vision. His strong play has kept rookie Cedric Benson on the sideline. ... The Bears consider Roberto Garza a starting-caliber interior lineman, and he is getting his chance with LG Ruben Brown (chest) sidelined, likely for the next few weeks. Garza is undersized but plays with great strength. He is quick and agile and able to get to the second level to seal off linebackers. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The Bears' cover 2 defense is loaded with talent but has struggled with technique in the secondary on long pass plays. In particular, CB Charles Tillman and FS Chris Harris have been burned. Coach Lovie Smith's system is predicated on heat from the front four, but that pressure hasn't developed. DT Ian Scott has been the most productive lineman, but he is a run-stuffing nose tackle who doesn't reach the quarterback.--Mike Mulligan

DETROIT LIONS

There are multiple problems with the offense, and they can't all be fixed by replacing QB Jeey Harrington with QB Jeff Garcia once Garcia is healthy. The linemen are unhappy with the blocking schemes because they don't believe the schemes play to their strengths, and the team's young receivers are inconsistent and undisciplined. ... FS Terrence Holt needs to control his aggressiveness because teams are catching him out of position when he bites on fakes. ... An injury to RE James Hall (groin) has vaulted Kalimba Edwards into the starting lineup, and he's doing a better job of recognizing and responding to running plays. Edwards has added upper-body strength, and though he still gets overpowered on occasion, he is holding up better against the run. His best asset still is his pass-rush ability. He has good speed and excels in pursuit. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The linebackers have gone from shaky to productive in a three-week span. They are active against the run and are becoming playmakers by picking off passes and forcing fumbles. The defense had two TDs last week against ...