Bears vs Vikings: Causes for concern in Week 14 matchup

Posted by Admin December 14, 2024 Sports

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Preparing to play the Minnesota Vikings for the second time in three weeks, the Chicago Bears will be looking to not only get their first division win this season but also put an end to their current seven-game losing streak.

The last time these two teams met, it was nearly a miraculous comeback for Chicago, who scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to take the game into overtime, where they would ultimately lose. On paper, it was one of the best games for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, as he threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 33 yards rushing. But a sack in overtime would be the ultimate decider to getting Minnesota the win.

Now that they’re meeting with Matt Eberflus fired and Thomas Brown in place as the new interim head coach, the Bears are seeking revenge. In an effort to not only put an end to their losing streak, but end their season on a strong note, the Bears will have to be prepared for the Vikings’ defense, led by Brian Flores, and an offense that is ranked third in the NFL in scoring. Here’s a look at three areas of concern for the Bears as they head to Minnesota in Week 14.

1. Vikings’ high-powered offense

The aforementioned Vikings offense is powerful, and the Bears defense has been run into the ground on every level. Averaging 26 points per game coming into this matchup, the Vikings have the third-best scoring offense in the NFL, led by their superstar receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson. Running back Aaron Jones has recently struggled with fumbling issues, but with how poor the Bears run defense has been of late, Jones is very much a problem that Chicago must be prepared for. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has his team clicking on all cylinders on offense, and if the Bears defense comes out flat again, it’ll be another long day for them.

2. Vikings’ aggressive defense

Led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who has been among the candidates discussed for the Bears coaching vacancy, the Vikings come at opponents from everywhere. One of the highest blitzing teams in the NFL, the last time these two teams played, Williams was sacked three times, but was able to withstand the pressure. Minnesota’s defense should still be highly-respected, especially after the Bears offensive line allowed seven sacks in last week’s loss to the 49ers.

3. Can Thomas Brown get a victory as interim head coach?

For the first time all season, the Bears sounded like a rejuvenated and energized group of football players when Brown was named interim head coach following the firing of Eberflus. Having a coaching change energize the team is one factor to rebuilding a locker room, but having the team talk about energy and a good week of practice, then come out completely flat, is embarrassing. The Bears remaining four games: Vikings, Packers, Lions, and Seahawks are all playoff contenders, and that means a potential win won’t come easy. Brown’s debut as interim head coach was not a first audition anyone would want as they’re looking to campaign to become head coach full-time, but given the competition ahead of them, it’s worth wondering if Brown will even get one win this year.