Monday Night Football: Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson Try to Get Touchdown Connection Going Against Bears Defense

Matthew Stafford threw 41 touchdown passes last season, with 16 of them going to Calvin Johnson. Through five games this year, that connection is way, way down. Stafford has thrown only four touchdowns thus far, with only one none to Johnson (Johnson’s only touchdown came when Shaun Hill filled in at the end of the Tennessee game). It’s not a matter of yards for Johnson, who is still averaging over 100 per game.

Johnson is just the 10th player to have over 500 receiving yards in the first five games of a season, but one or fewer touchdowns. (Brian Hartline this year is also there). Another Johnson, Keyshawn, went on to record a bizarre 1266 yard, 1 touchdown season with the Bucs in 2001. All he did was not catch touchdowns.

I don’t think Calvin has to worry about that kind of historic touchdown ineptness. Tonight’s matchup is a tough one, though. The Bears have only allowed five touchdown passes versus 13 interceptions so far. If Stafford and Calvin Johnson want a chance at an upset, then they’ll have to begin changing that number tonight.

[photo via US Presswire]