Nov. 01--Bears on offense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Bears offense 24th, Vikings defense 11th
The Vikings used a variety of blitzes last Sunday to sack Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford seven times. They like to put a linebacker in both "A" gaps before the snap and rush various combinations. That includes instinctive second-round rookie middle linebacker Eric Kendricks, who has four sacks in the last three games. Quarterback Jay Cutler must be sharp with his pre-snap recognition and his hot reads. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Slauson practiced at center after Hroniss Grasu (neck) was injured Wednesday.
ON THE GROUND
Bears offense 16th, Vikings defense 13th
This has been the Vikings' relative weakness -- their defensive front has been pushed around at times. They're surrendering 4.5 yards per carry, 23rd in the NFL. The Bears, however, are dealing with another round of shuffling along the offensive line. If coordinator Adam Gase wants to minimize the line's exposure to the Vikings' pass rush, the Bears could employ another run-heavy game plan. Even after the open date, Matt Forte's 126 carries trail NFL leader Devonta Freeman's total by only five.
Bears 27th in total offense, 28th in points scored
Vikings 7th in total defense, T-2nd in points allowed
Bears on defense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Vikings offense 30th, Bears defense 6th
The emergence of rookie receiver Stefon Diggs has added an explosive element to a passing attack that is steadily but unspectacularly guided by second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Diggs, a fifth-round pick out of Maryland, has 13 catches, 237 yards and a touchdown over the last two games. "He comes out of breaks and has good transition," Bears coach John Fox said. "He's got good deep speed." Safety Antrel Rolle's return from a two-game injury absence could steady a secondary that has yet to register a takeaway.
ON THE GROUND
Vikings offense 6th, Bears defense 25th
The Bears defensive line got even thinner with the Oct. 22 release of Jeremiah Ratliff. Only three of the six linemen on the roster -- Will Sutton, Jarvis Jenkins and Eddie Goldman -- were on the team in Week 2. "We're looking for a few good men down there," coordinator Vic Fangio said. Running back Adrian Peterson has been as effective as he was before missing most of the 2014 season. "He runs with violence," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, "and he makes the maximum cuts with quickness and has the acceleration."
Vikings 30th in total offense, 26th in points scored
Bears 10th in total defense, 31st in points allowed
