The Lions are 0-18 in their last 18 games against NFC North teams. Sunday, they'll start third-string QB Drew Stanton against the first-place Bears. Stanton has nine turnovers in nine career games, including one start. The Bears' defense is tied for first in the league with 26 takeaways. "Drew will be just fine," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "We have all the confidence that Drew's going to be able to lead us."
Sunday Insider: Northern Intelligence
December 5, 2010 at 6:02AM
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Count Bears linebacker Lance Briggs among those happy to hear Lions receiver Nate Burleson guarantee a victory over the Bears on Sunday. "It should fire them up; I know it definitely fires us up," Briggs said. "We've got it pinned up everywhere in our meeting rooms." Briggs hopes Burleson learns the same lesson he did six years ago when he guaranteed victory over the Colts. The Bears were blown out that week.
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Packers cornerback Tramon Williams ranks 14th among all cornerbacks in average salary per year after signing a four-year, $33 million contract extension. The deal averages $8.27 million for a cornerback who hasn't allowed a touchdown pass all season. Williams also leads the Packers in passes defensed (16) and takeaway plays (seven). And the two longest pass plays he's allowed this season: 21 and 20 yards.
