The Chicago Bears are looking to extend their winning streak to three games this weekend while also getting revenge as they fight for first place in the NFC North. Currently, Chicago is tied with the Detroit Lions in the NFC North, and if they can get a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, they’ll have a chance to take sole possession.
Before looking at the standings, the Bears will have to slow down a Vikings offense that put up 21 points in the fourth quarter of their first meeting in Week 1 this season. After Chicago got off to a quick start in the regular season opener, quarterback J.J. McCarthy led Minnesota to three fourth-quarter touchdown drives and an improbable comeback that was a gut punch in the moment.
Since then, the Bears have won six of their last seven games, while the Vikings have struggled with quarterback injuries, to McCarthy and veteran backup Carson Wentz, holding a 4-5 record through nine games. Minnesota has never been short on offensive talent and despite their injuries and struggles this season, they’re a legitimate threat against any opponents.
Chicago’s defense will have their hands full with star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, especially with several injuries in their secondary. Here’s a look at the top defensive keys for the Bears as they face the Vikings:
Controlling the star wide receivers
Jordan Addison had been serving a suspension in the first meeting between the Vikings and Bears, but with them both on the field against a banged up Chicago secondary, Minnesota could attack their weak point. Superstar Justin Jefferson has averaged 81 receiving yards per game and has four total touchdowns, and without Jaylon Johnson (who’s questionable for this game and whose 21-day window was just opened) or Kyler Gordon on the field, Jefferson will have an advantage against the secondary. Having Addison on the field will open more opportunities for Jefferson, and it could be the best chance that the Vikings have to defeat the Bears for the second time this season.
Overcoming injuries
Good news came on the Bears injury front on Friday when it was announced the team opened the practice window for star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, but there are still several other concerning injuries. T.J. Edwards is questionable in this game and has been out since the win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and that could be a critical loss for the Bears defense. Last week against the New York Giants, linebacker Noah Sewell struggled at multiple different times as he filled in for Edwards, bringing more of a sense of urgency to get the veteran back on the field. Chicago’s defense has yet to operate at full strength this season, but if they can continue to just do enough, they should be in favorable position.
Continue getting takeaways
The Bears’ defense has been weak in terms of giving up points to opponents, but they rank first in the NFL in getting takeaways on the season. Chicago has quite the opportunity in this matchup, as Minnesota has given up 19 turnovers on the season, ranking 28th in the NFL. In their first meeting this year, cornerback Nahshon Wright had a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown to give Chthe Bearscago a second half lead, but ultimately the Vikings prevailed with a big fourth quarter offensive explosion. With starting center Ryan Kelly ruled out for this game, the Bears have an opportunity to cause disruption for the Vikings offense and force multiple turnovers.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: Defense keys for Chicago victory in Week 11
