(Betting Express) - The defending division champion Chicago Bears will attempt to avoid falling further behind Green Bay in the NFC North when they take on the improving Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday.

Chicago has stumbled through its last three games, losing to New Orleans, Buffalo and Green Bay. The Bears are mired in their longest skid since early 2000 and it has dropped them 2 1/2 games back of the Packers. There is hope though, as the Bears are well rested following their bye week. The Bears' players understand the urgency to start winning if they expect to have a shot at the postseason and the division crown.

"These are ones that count," said receiver Marty Booker. "We've got to really put something together quick or we could really be in the hole, which we don't want to do. We've just got to get everything going right now."

The Bears' offense has been stymied by its inability to run the ball effectively. Anthony Thomas has been limited to just 93 yards rushing on 38 attempts over the past two contests. The A-Train has gotten off track for a couple of reasons.

First and foremost, the Bears have been playing catch-up in their last two contests, especially the Green Bay tilt on Monday night. Chicago got in a 14-0 hole early in the game, forcing Jauron to adjust his offense to a pass-heavy formula. Thomas only ended up carrying the ball 15 times for 45 yards in 34-21 debacle.

Secondly, the Bears lack of creativity in their play calling has allowed opponents to sniff out a run formation and stack eight in the box to stop the A-Train. Chicago must mix up their offensive formations and play calls this week to keep the Lions off balance in hopes of freeing up Thomas.

Jauron thinks he knows why Thomas is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry this season.

"The opportunities do present themselves and it doesn't appear to be the same [problems] for us," Jauron said. "It's one of those situations so far when something goes wrong on the play. It's blocked well and somebody downfield misses a block. Or it's blocked well and we don't break a tackle. Or somebody upfront doesn't make the block."

With the running game struggling, even more pressure has been pushed onto Miller's shoulders to carry the offense. Miller threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers, but he was also picked off three times. He was forced into throwing the ball a season-high 49 times.

Throwing the ball with such regularity isn't typical for the Chicago offense, but its deficit dictated the play calling. The Bears normally set up the pass with the run and that should return this week.

Once the Lions start edging up to stop the run, Booker will become a big factor in this game. The wideout leads the team in receiving with 566 yards and three touchdowns. Look for the veteran receiver to take advantage of the Lions' lackluster pass defense. Booker had a career-high 12 catch, 141-yard performance against Green Bay.

COMING UP: Chicago continues with NFC North action next week with a contest against Minnesota at the Metrodome.