It’s Lions vs. Bears week, and throwing in a coaching change in Detroit and an ongoing quarterback controversy in Chicago makes it an interesting matchup despite the poor performances of late from both teams.

I asked Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire a few questions about the Bears, their own coaching dilemma, how Chicago views Detroit and much more.

Thanks to Barbieri, who always gives down-to-earth and informative answers about the Bears.

How long is Mitchell Trubisky’s leash after another dismal performance?

It doesn’t matter who’s the quarterback at this point for the Bears, this offense is just broken. Any sort of progression that Trubisky appeared to have made earlier this season – before being benched by Matt Nagy for a poor first half against the Falcons – that’s gone, as evidenced by Sunday night. With that said, Trubisky still gives the offense the best chance to succeed, mostly because Foles is a sitting duck behind a porous offensive line. It hasn’t helped Foles has made some ill-advised decisions as well.

The one thing Trubisky has going for him is that he’s been successful against the Lions during his career, which the Bears could certainly use as they look for their first win in nearly a month and a half.

What’s the Chicago perception of the Lions firing Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia?

Bears fans are certainly going to be sad to see them go, especially considering Patricia has helped Trubisky look like a competent quarterback whenever he plays the Lions. But at the same time, it’s hard to ignore potential parallels between the two situations. The Lions waited too long to finally cut the cord while the Bears are potentially in the midst of doing the same thing if they don’t cut ties with Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy at the end of the season.

The defense struggled against the Packers, notably against the run. Was that just a bad day/matchup, or has the Bears’ vaunted defense fallen off?

This Bears defense has carried the team all season, and they’ve done it despite boasting one of the worst offenses in the league. Chicago was without perhaps their most important player in Hicks on Sunday, which, coupled with the absence of Eddie Goldman for the season, was disastrous for their run defense. Last week was just a blip for this Bears defense, which has a good opportunity to get back on track against the Lions.

How hot is Matt Nagy’s seat?

If you would’ve asked me prior to the season, I’d say it was lukewarm. Following a five-game losing streak, and an absolutely embarrassing loss to the Packers on national television where Nagy’s defense appeared to have quit on him, I’d say his seat is on fire at this point. Especially considering the one thing he was brought here to do – bring this abysmal Bears offense into the modern NFL – hasn’t panned out.

The one thing that could ultimately save Nagy’s job is Chicago’s schedule down the stretch. If the Bears can find a way to win four of the last five games and finish 9-7, he might just buy himself another season.

Who is a player or two that deserves more recognition for their play?

The one that immediately comes to mind is defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, whose absence was felt in last Sunday’s loss to the Packers. Not only is Hicks an absolute monster of a player when defending the run or pressuring the quarterback, he’s the heart and soul of the entire Bears defense. Hicks is still nursing a hamstring injury, although there’s hope that he’ll be able to suit up on Sunday.

I’d also say linebacker Roquan Smith, who is coming off his worst game of the season against the Packers. But aside from that game, Smith has been having an All-Pro season. Prior to the Packers game, Smith was tied for fourth-most total tackles and led the NFL in solo tackles and tackles for loss. Look for him to have a bounce-back game against Detroit.

Who wins and why?

While the Bears have no business winning a football game right now, you could say the same about the Lions. This game could be brutal to watch, but it’s sure to remain as close as several of these previous contests. But I feel like the Bears defense will come to play Sunday after being embarrassed by the Packers last week. And it doesn’t hurt that Trubisky, who has a good track record against Detroit, will get the starting nod.

Bears 24, Lions 20