The Chicago Bears will close out what’s been a miserable 2019 season Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. While there’s nothing to play for in regards to the postseason, there are still some things to watch as the Bears play their season finale.
There will be plenty of questions facing the Bears this offseason, but there’s still one game left to play this season.
Here are three storylines to watch as the Bears face the Vikings on Sunday.
1. The end of a disappointing season
This season hasn’t gone the way anyone envisioned it — unless you count Sports Illustrated that predicted a 7-9 season for the reigning NFC North champs. That all comes to an end following Sunday’s season finale against the Vikings, where the Bears will miss the playoffs one year after hosting a Wild Card playoff game.
While a victory won’t erase the failures of this season, it’d be nice for this team to go out on a high note as they enter one of the most important offseasons in recent history.
2. Can Mitchell Trubisky end the season on a high note?
Let’s be honest, even a great performance by Mitchell Trubisky isn’t going to be enough to quiet the doubts that will surround the quarterback heading into this offseason. Inconsistency has marred Trubisky’s young career, and it’s something that will need to change next season if he’s to have any shot at a future as the Bears starting quarterback.
But given Trubisky’s performances over the last couple of weeks, he really needs a solid performance. A win or a great performance changes nothing about his 2019 season, but it would be something to build off on heading into 2020.
3. Will younger players get some opportunities to play?
Given that the Bears have nothing left to play for in Sunday’s finale, it provides an opportunity to rest some ailing starters and get younger players some opportunities for valuable reps against the Vikings.
With right guard Rashaad Coward doubtful for Sunday, the Bears should give rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars an opportunity to suit up in his first regular-season NFL action.
Then there’s cornerback Prince Amukamara, who is questionable with a hamstring injury. While he’d certainly like to play Sunday in an attempt to preserve his job in 2020, you figure the Bears want to get more of a look at second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver. Over on offense, Taylor Gabriel remains in concussion protocol, and young receivers Riley Ridley and Javon Wims should be focal points on offense.
