Jay Cutler knows if he is left alone against the Lions on Monday night, the Bears’ offense is executing its game plan.
(US Presswire)

The Detroit Lions defensive front of Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Cliff Avril won't keep the Chicago Bears from trying to run Monday night. 

It will probably take more than going against as formidable a front as there is in the league for Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice to quickly dispense with the rushing attack. He learned the dangers of this earlier in the team's only loss.

"I think there was a guy that was calling plays in Green Bay who didn’t call the run enough," Tice said. "I think that was part of the problem. Hopefully, he’s not showing up this week."

The Bears are seventh in the league at 30.2 attempts per game. Rushing attempts -- even more than yardage -- are the goal for the running game each week. The Bears believe running and play-action passing are more critical this week because the Lions front four can be as good rushing the passer as stopping the run. 

Look for RBs Matt Forte and Michael Bush, who both have 58 carries each this season, to continue to get ample touches.

"When you go play-action you get the opportunity to make (defenders) start and re-stop and when you can do that you can get some of those shots down the field," Tice said.  "Play-actions don’t work when you can’t run the ball."

They'll need that balance in the attack to keep it from turning into the type of game they had in Green Bay when the line allowed seven of the 14 sacks of Jay Cutler they've given up this season.

"I think what they have is not only guys on the outside (Vanden Bosch, Avril) but those two inside can get a push," Cutler said. "Whenever you feel pressure on the outside and you step up, they’re getting a push in there. There is not a lot of room to operate so it is a big challenge for us."

The Bears acknowledge the four Lions defensive linemen sometimes give "extra effort," or play after the whistle. They may be ignoring the whistle themselves. 

"A big part of what they’re doing, they’re finishing and playing through the whistle," C Roberto Garza said. "So it’s up to us to go out there and match that intensity."

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSBears.