The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings will meet in a pivotal division match-up that feels like a must-win, given the competitiveness of the NFC North.
The Bears (2-1) are coming off a 31-15 victory over the Redskins on Monday night, which included a five-takeaway performance by the defense and where the offense finally found some success.
The Vikings (2-1) are also coming off an impressive 34-14 win over the Raiders, led by RB Dalvin Cook and Minnesota’s vaunted run game.
Can the Bears notch their third straight win of the season after starting 0-1?
Let’s look at three keys to a Bears victory on Sunday:
1. Contain Dalvin Cook and Vikings’ run game
The Vikings rushing attack is one of the best in the league, led by RB Dalvin Cook, who was racked up three consecutive 100-yard rushing games. Cook also leads the league in rushing yards (375) and yards per carry (6.6). He’s also rushed for at least 110 yards in Minnesota’s first three games of the season and has logged four touchdowns.
The Bears’ defensive gameplan is simple: Contain Cook and rookie RB Alexander Mattison and force QB Kirk Cousins to beat them, which should be fun for Khalil Mack and Chicago’s pass rush against a shaky Vikings offensive line.
The Bears have the fifth-best run defense in the league, allowing 68.7 yards per game, and they’ve yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. While the Bears might not be able to stop Cook, they can contain him and limit the explosive plays that could be a game-changer.
2. Protect the football on offense
This is a game that’s likely to come down to which offense makes more mistakes against two dominant defenses, which means the Bears will need to protect the football at all costs.
While the Bears offense has struggled this season, one of the things they’ve actually done well is protect the football. Aside from Trubisky’s two redzone interceptions, Chicago hasn’t turned the ball over.
They’re going to need to do more of the same against a Vikings defense that has forced six turnovers this season. If the Bears offense can protect the ball and keep the chains moving to allow their defense some rest, they could get their first home win of the season.
3. Utilize Mitch Trubisky’s mobility
Bears QB Mitch Trubisky will face the Vikings for the fifth time in his career on Sunday, which means that he has some familiarity with what he can expect from one of the league’s best defenses.
But the Vikings defense also is familiar with Trubisky, and they’ve already pinpointed how they’re going to gameplan against him: By limiting his mobility and forcing him to beat them from the pocket. Which is essentially the same gameplan utilized by the Packers, Broncos and Redskins.
Instead of trying to hide from the fact that Trubisky’s strength is his mobility, the Bears need to utilize it against the Vikings. Whether that’s calling designed quarterback runs or getting him outside the pocket to make throws on the run,
It’s a part of his game that hasn’t been a factor this season. The Bears need to play to their QB’s strengths, among them utilizing his legs.
