Take a good look at the photograph to your right. Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think so?

I’m sure if the Detroit Lions realized how little the fortunes of the franchise would be swayed by the four gentlemen standing here in 2004, they probably would have skipped the press conference all together.

Now, four years later and with only the two guys holding jerseys still left in the NFL, the Bears travel to the Motor City to take on the Lions in their first matchup of 2008.

Last year, the Lions topped the Bears in both meetings thanks to an aggressive and efficient pass game. In order to stymie a repeat performance, the Bears will need both starting cornerbacks, Peanut Tillman and Nate Vasher, to be healthy and obviously, in the game.

Tillman injured his right shoulder in last week’s 24-20 victory over Philadelphia, but is expected to play. Vasher has his right hand in a cast after undergoing surgery earlier in the week and is probably a game-time decision. As of now both players are listed as questionable.

On defense, you can expect to see linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer share snaps with Jamar Williams Nick Roach. Yep, that’s right. Roach has leapfrogged Williams on the depth chart, but it’s hard to imagine how. Just last year the Bears were ready to move forward with Williams as their new Will linebacker after it looked like Lance Briggs was headed elsewhere. It’s a bit disappointing that — only a few months later — he can’t even back up Hillenmeyer.