The Chicago Bears (2-2) will battle the Minnesota Vikings (3-1) on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to avoid their first losing record of the 2022 season.
The Bears are coming off a 20-12 loss to the New York Giants (3-1), where they stumbled on offense in the red zone and stopping the run on defense. Despite a rough outing by Chicago’s defense, they still haven’t allowed a touchdown in the second half.
As the Bears prepare to face the Vikings, here’s what Chicago’s defense needs to do to slow down the Minnesota offense in Week 5.
1
Stop the run game
The Vikings haven’t leaned as heavily on the run than in season’s past — given their pass-happy offense — and they’re only averaging 98 rushing yards per game (22nd in NFL). But expect that to change against the Bears, who have the league’s worst run defense allowing 183.3 rushing yards per game. Now, they’ve have to contend with the duo of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. Lead back Cook has yet to eclipse 100 rushing yards in a game this season, but that could surely change Sunday unless Chicago fixes its tackling woes and finds an answer for stopping the ground game.
2
Contain Vikings' high-powered passing attack
The Bears have the league’s fourth-best passing defense allowing 168.5 yards per game. But they’ll face their biggest test of the season with Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson on deck. Jefferson ranks fifth in receiving yards (393) through four weeks, and he’s an absolute playmaker Chicago will have to account for. If they somehow find a way to limit Jefferson with the help of extra defenders, Adam Thielen and KJ Osborn will be waiting to capitalize on their opportunities. With Jaylon Johnson’s status in question for a third straight game, it could be a long day for the secondary.
3
Force Kirk Cousins into mistakes
While the Vikings are 3-1, Kirk Cousins has been far from perfect through four games. He’s missing easy throws, he’s had some turnover-worthy throws and he’s thrown four interceptions. If the Bears can get some pressure on Cousins, there’s the potential to force him to commit the kind of mistakes that could keep Chicago in this game. Safety Eddie Jackson has three interceptions through four games, and he’s someone Cousins needs to be aware of on the backend.
