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Lions begin post-Millen era seeking first win

Sep 30, 2008 - 9:15 PM Chicago (2-2) at Detroit (0-3), 1:00 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- There won't be a "Fire Millen!" chants at Ford Field this Sunday.

The Detroit Lions hope their reorganized front office can breathe some life into the organization and a good showing against the Chicago Bears could go a long ways.

The Lions parted ways with team president and CEO Matt Millen last Wednesday, ending his tumultuous tenure as one of the most maligned sports executives in Motor City history.

The decision was made just two days after Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. - owner William Clay Ford's son - publicly commented that he would fire Millen if he had the authority.

Since Millen's controversial hiring in 2001, the Lions have posted a league-worst 31-84 record and have endured six seasons with double-digit losses.

Detroit, which is coming off a bye week, has been outscored by a margin of 113-59 this season. Jon Kitna passed for 146 yards and a score with an interception during a 31-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers two weeks ago.

Lance Briggs and the Bears bounced back from a tough loss in typical fashion - by flexing their defensive muscles. Briggs and the Bears stuffed four straight runs from the 1-yard line en route to turning away the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-20, on Sunday night.

Kyle Orton threw a career-best three touchdowns in the first half for Chicago, which rebounded from last Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

Devin Hester, Marty Booker and Greg Olsen each had a TD catch for the Bears, who overcame four turnovers thanks to their trademark - a stifling defense.

Chicago was swept by Detroit last season, including a 37-27 setback at Ford Field.