1.) Stop the Run
The Bears have been one of the worst teams at defending the run this season. They have also faced some of the best backfields in the league, like Saquon Barkley, Aaron Jones/AJ Dillon, and Dameon Pierce. They have allowed over 700 yards and over five yards per carry. This week’s task is no better as they are set to face Dalvin Cook. The Bears have been able to slow him down before, but that was usually Akiem Hicks’s doing, a player the Bears no longer have. Justin Jones and Armon Watts need to step up and play their hearts out this week if the Bears want a shot at a win. Cook hasn’t looked like his normal self, with zero games over 100 yards. Stopping Cook would go a long way toward upsetting the Vikings.
2.) Slow Down Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is far and away the Viking’s best player. He is a game-changer and with Jaylon Johnson doubtful for Sunday, he could be unstoppable. Kyler Gordon has looked rough so far and while Kindle Vildor has looked solid, he isn’t good enough to slow down Jefferson. There may not be a good way to stop him, but slowing him down is necessary to beat the Vikings. The Bears need to use all their players to slow him down. Eddie Jackson should be on high alert, as should Jaquan Brisker. They have plenty of other weapons, so it will be a tough task to stop the pass. The Bear’s secondary will have to play their best game so far and limit their mistakes. Jefferson has been stopped before this season, but it isn’t likely to continue. However, if they can hold him to under 100 yards, it would be a success.
3.) Play to Fields Strengths
Fields has looked ugly through four games this season. His worst game was the week three matchup against the Texans, but he looked better the next week. The Bears tried a couple of deep passes against the Giants, and while 1 or 2 worked, most ended in a scramble or a sack. If they want Fields to perform better the offensive line needs to perform much better. Perhaps that will happen if Lucas Patrick takes over the center position. However, if Fields doesn’t have time to throw the ball, there is a much lower chance of pulling off a win. Getting him comfortable against the Vikings would be a huge step in the right direction and could be a huge factor in an upset win over the Vikings.
Momentum:
The Bears are coming off an ugly loss to the Giants in New York. The Giant’s run game was all over the Bears’ defense and the offense couldn’t finish in the RedZone. The offense needs to get better at finishing drives and the defense needs to stop the run. A win would go a long way for this young team, but coming into it, spirits are low.
