The Chicago Bears prepare for a pivotal divisional showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, where there’s more than just a win on the line. There’s avoiding falling to last place in the division.
Last week, the Bears beat a bad Washington Redskins game that served as a confidence booster for QB Mitch Trubisky and Chicago’s offense, who were able to finally find some tempo, particularly in the second quarter. Can they keep the arrow pointing up?
Then there’s Chicago’s defense, which continues to dominate — and they haven’t even peaked yet. The Bears forced five turnovers against the Redskins, including two by S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and one for a touchdown. OLB Khalil Mack continues to be a forced-fumble machine accounting for two turnovers.
While the Bears are riding a wave of confidence after Monday’s win, it’s not going to be as simple against the Vikings.
Here are three causes for concern as the Bears prepare to face the Vikings in Week 4:
1. Bears offense vs. Vikings defense
The Bears offense finally found some tempo against the Redskins last Monday night, where QB Mitch Trubisky found WR Taylor Gabriel in the endzone three times in the second quarter.
But that was against a bad Redskins defense that had given up 31.5 points per game heading into the contest. Now, the Bears offense will face its biggest test of the season as it prepares for face Minnesota’s vaunted pass rush, which gets pressure on the QB.
Minnesota’s defensive game plan is simple: Keep Trubisky in the pocket and force him to beat them. The Bears need to establish the run game early and find ways to roll Trubisky out of the pocket and do what he does best: Make plays on the run, whether that’s with his arm or legs.
The Vikings defense is giving up 15.7 points per game, and it’s unlikely that this game is a high-scoring affair. Chicago’s offense needs to do just enough — move the ball, get their defense some rest and don’t commit any turnovers.
2. Dalvin Cook has 3 straight 100-yard rushing games
With a run game like the one the Vikings possess, it’s no wonder why Minnesota has taken the ball out of QB Kirk Cousins hands and let their RBs do the work.
Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has impressed often and early this season. He’s put together three straight 100-yard rushing performances this season. Not to mention, he’s got a nice complement in rookie RB Alexander Mattison, who has had his share of success this season.
Chicago has the league’s fifth-best run defense, which does make the match-up look favorable. But there are some injury concerns on the defensive line that might allow Cook to break one-too-many big runs.
If the Bears can contain Cook and Minnesota’s run game and force Cousins to try and pull them from behind, it’ll be a long day for the Vikings QB…again.
3. the bears are dealing with Injuries
The Bears got the 31-15 win over the Redskins in Week 3, but it wasn’t without a cost. Chicago dealt with a few injuries before, during and after Monday night’s game, including to some notable starters.
DT Akiem Hicks left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, one that coach Matt Nagy believes to be more of a “wear and tear” type of deal. But still, if Hicks isn’t close to 100 percent — or can’t go — the Bears will need to compensate as they prepare to face a talented Vikings rushing attack.
Elsewhere, WR Taylor Gabriel suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter. Gabriel had his breakout game, where he caught three touchdowns from Trubisky in the second quarter. Gabriel didn’t practice Wednesday, but looking online he appears confident that he’ll be good to go on Sunday.
Then there’s K Eddy Pineiro, whose presence looks to be more significant this week as this could be a game decided by a single score. Pineiro continues to nurse a pinched nerve in his right knee, but he was able to play through the pain against Washington. Although, it might’ve hampered his ability to convert at longer distances, as evidenced by his 44-yard miss on Monday.
RT Bobby Massie missed Monday’s game with a bout of vertigo, but he was a full-go at Wednesday’s practice, as was TE Trey Burton.
