The Chicago Bears have revenge on their minds following their week one loss to the Minnesota Vikings at home.
With more of a sense of what they do well, they can hopefully keep it close for 60 minutes.
The Bears seem focused, talking about having a long way to get to where they want to be, complimenting the Vikings and their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, doing all those little things.
But whats it going to take to beat the Vikings? Heres what our team says.
Sam: Dont look now, but the Vikings arent great at defending explosive plays and thats what the Bears like to do. Use the run game to set up those play-action shots from Caleb Williams downfield. Finish drives, dont settle for field goals and keep your foot on the gas. On defense, cover Justin Jefferson, get after J.J. McCarthy and force him into mistakes.
Lester Wiltfong: J.J. McCarthy played his best stretch of NFL football week one when he led the Vikes back over the Bears. Since then, hes been very meh. The Bears need to rattle him with disguised coverages. Theyve blitzed more of late, but Minnesotas Kevin OConnell is a good coach and will have quick hots built in and ready. So drop 7 in coverage and make J.J. think, while hoping Montez Sweat and company can get enough pressure on him.
Gary Baugher: Getting pressure on McCarthy while finding ways around Flores pressure will be key. Caleb has praised Flores a bunch regarding his defenses so this is one of the few games I will look for the time to throw to be a bit lower than normal, unless Caleb is once again Houdini.
Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy has had an awful time playing football when being blitzed or pressured, per PFF he is 39th of 40 QBs in offensive score (39.8) when it comes to handling the blitz (Sam Darnold, ironically is 1st, sitting at 91.5) so bringing some extra men should be a common theme.
Jack R. Salo: The key for both teams is going to be sticking with the run all game long. While the Vikings are well-known for their pass blitzes, the Bears actually have something going too with Booker and Sweat off the edges. The best way to negate a pass rush is to pound the rock. Getting both Kmet and Loveland involved early is another way to keep the Vikings from blitzing linebackers all day long. Then continue to be the best team in turnover margin by winning the takeaway battle, and walk out of Minneapolis victorious.
Bryan: I feel the run game will be critical this week. The Vikings have struggled more the last few weeks defending the run than earlier in the season, while the return of Aaron Jones has been a boost for their offense. If Chicago can continue to move the ball on the ground with Swift and Monangai, I like their chances of putting up 30+ points. A number I do not believe a JJ McCarthy-led team can reach. Oh, and another takeaway on D will be key this week.
What are your keys to the game? Sound off in the internat