Keys to victory: Vikings vs Bears
Deshawn
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The Vikings head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears. The Bears swept the Vikings last year with overwhelming defensive fire power. Will this year be the same, or with the Vikings figure out how to beat that vaunted Bears defense.
Key #1: Slow down the Bears linebackers
The Bears linebackers play incredibly fast, which isn’t always a good thing. If they know what’s coming they will shut it down in a hurry, but if you can keep them on their toes and make them think before acting, it will give you enough time to make plays. The Vikings will need to mix up the play-calling on first downs and find early success in the run game to keep the opposing linebackers off-balance.
Key #2: Mistake-free football
Mistakes plagued the Vikings in their last two meetings with the Bears. If the Vikings can play a clean game and not turn the ball over, their chances of winning skyrocket. They were actually very close to splitting games with the Bears last year, if it wasn’t for two terrible interceptions by quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Key #3: Smart pass-blocking
The Vikings have to dedicate enough bodies in the passing game to stop Khalil Mack and Akeem Hicks. Both often take up two blockers, and yet they can still disrupt the play. The Vikings can’t afford to take gambles with one-on-one blocks without risking a turnover. Reiff, Elflein and Bradbury haven’t been stellar in pass protection this season, but they’re going to need to step up to the challenge this week.
Key #4: Make Trubisky play quarterback
Tramon Willams said after the Packers’ win over the Bears in Week 1 that “If we could make Trubisky play quarterback we would win.” It’s no secret that Trubisky and the Bears offense has gotten off to a rough start, but that doesn’t mean they can’t put up points in a flash. They were able to score 21 points very quickly against the Redskins last week. If the Vikings stay disciplined in their rush lanes and keep Trubisky in the pocket and force him to make throws, he will not have a good day.
Key #5: Stop their running game
The Bears are 17th in yards-per-attempt and tied for 27th with only one rushing touchdown on the season. They are missing Jordan Howard severely as their hyped-up rookie David Montgomery and scatback Tarik Cohen haven’t done well running the football. The Vikings are 13th in the NFL in run defense and shouldn’t have an issue stopping the Bears. On the flip side, the Bears are 4th in run defense and the Vikings are 2nd in run offense. Something will have to give on Sunday.