What Do The Chicago Bears Need To Do To Defeat Division Rival Vikings?
The Chicago Bears are back in Soldier Field after beating the Washington Commanders for their first win of the season. Justin Fields and D.J. Moore looked every bit the part of an elite quarterback-wide receiver duo that you can build your offense around. The defense also had their best game of the season, forcing turnovers, and tackling in the open field.
What are the key factors that Chicago needs to hit for them to leave week six with a victory?
The Play of Justin Fields and D.J. Moore
Bears' fans everywhere have begging offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to feature star WR D.J. Moore in this offense more. We got our wish and some.
Moore had his best game as a Chicago Bear catching 8 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, awarding him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. The first Bear WR to win this award since Marcus Robinson in week 15 of 1999. That was before I was born. In other words a long time.
Justin Fields in his last two games has played QB at the highest level we've seen from him. In his last two games, he has thrown for 617 yards, 8 touchdown passes, and only one interception.
Granted the last two defenses that Fields has faced are both bottom-five defenses but it's not like Minnesota is exactly a vaunted defensive unit.
If Justin Fields and D.J. Moore have another monster game, it could be a long night for the Vikings defense that ranks 22nd in passing yards allowed per game. One spot below Washington if you are wondering. Did you know that you can be like Justin Fields and save 20% at Bulletproof Coffee using promo code STADIUMRANT20.
Bears Defense Repeats Their Last Performance
The Bears' defense was absolutely dominant in their last game vs the Commanders. Especially in the run game. Minus 12 yards allowed before contact, 29 rushing yards allowed, and one first down allowed rushing.
If the Bears can stop Minnesota's run game and force them to pass the ball in long down-to-distance situations it could be a long night for the Minnesota offense. Especially with Justin Jefferson getting placed on IR (hamstring injury) and being out for at least the next four games.
Chicago also is getting help in the secondary with cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, with safety Eddie Jackson returning as well.
Summary
If Chicago can keep Justin Fields clean I really do like the Bears chances in this matchup. Justin Fields seems more confident as a passer. He's throwing with anticipation and his footwork in the pocket has looked much better.
Minnesota has a disappointing start to the year going 1-4 after going 13-5 last year and winning the NFC North. The Vikings set the NFL record by winning 11 one-score games last season. They now have fallen to 0-4 in one-score games this season. What a flip in a record that is.
Vikings are a -2.5 point favorite but I don't see it. That feels like a team that is defeated after a close loss to the Chiefs. Justin Jefferson is out and it seems there is some trade talk circulating around franchise QB Kirk Cousins.
This doesn't feel like a team that is clicking and I think it shows Sunday. I have no facts to back this but I'd have a hard time being confident in the Vikings in this spot.
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