This NFC North rematch looks nothing like the first game between the teams in terms of personnel so the way it plays out could be qui
Lineups change between games. In fact, when the Bears host Detroit a week from Sunday, the lineup will likely look different than when the Bears controlled most of their 31-26 loss.
So the Bears-Vikings game this week won’t look much like the first one, when Justin Fields, Eddie Jackson and Nate Davis all suffered injuries and the Bears lineup included Larry Borom at tackle and Cody Whitehair at center, before Montez Sweat was even on the roster.
The Vikings faced Tyson Bagent over the last 1 1/2 quarters of the game and scored the decisive points off defense against an untested rookie.
The entire thought process of attacking the opponent can be different.
“It’s an important part of whenever you’re going against somebody,” Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. “You’re evaluating what their thought process was and how they feel they can stop you, and you’re doing the same with how you can attack them.”
Especially with Minnesota and its blitz-heavy defensive packages, the second time around can be an entirely different game.
“Well, I think they just do a really nice job each week,” Getsy said. “You can tell every game plan they have specifics and they do a good job of changing things up each week.
That’s where they are so dynamic in that sense, that their personnel allows them to be so fluid so guys don’t have to line up in the same spot to do the same thing every time.
“They have a bunch of guys that can do a bunch of different things. Obviously, having more film is helpful but, at the same time, we know they are going to be different stuff tis time than they have shown in the past.”
Here’s who the Bears can throw up against Minnesota Monday night who could cause problems for a Vikings team which also could be a little different than the earlier game.
In a 12-6 game, with Fields’ arm anything is still possible. There’s no telling what could have happened for the Bears if they finished the first game with a quarterback who could have taken down a six-point deficit with one pass.
Bagent did fine with his dink-and-dunk game but wasn’t going to stretch the field and it hurt the running game overall, as well.
The Vikings will get Fields’ running and throwing this time as he emerged from the Lions game without further injury, just some normal soreness in his thumb.
Russell Wilson had 249 net yards passing against the Vikings’ blitzing defense so it can be done, especially by a mobile passer who can get away from the initial rush and get it to receivers on scramble drills.
The Bears had possibly their second-worst game plan in this one as they couldn’t get Moore free for yards after the catch.
He only had one catch before Fields’ injury and only 13 yards after the catch for the game just a game after he had 142 YAC against Washington.
The Falcons hit the Vikings with several effective screens or short passes to take advantage of Brian Flores’ blitzing scheme.
In the first game, Kmet was limited to two catches and 9 yards as his initial contribution was providing extra blocking with the Vikings’ blitzes a concern. Once Bagent became quarterback in that game, the extra blocking was really necessary and Kmet almost went unused.
Considering how well other teams have used the tight end against the Vikings, the Bears really missed an opportunity. When they target tight ends against the Vikings, opponents have a 113.2 passer rating.
Facing Kirk Cousins in the first game without a legitimate edge rushing threat proved difficult but they won’t have that problem this game. Sweat has upped the overall pressure ability of the Bears defensive line.
They’ve been at 17 pressures or more a game since he arrived, an increase of 2.7 from earlier in the year according to Pro Football Focus.
He’ll have to beat a good tackle in Brian O’Neill, who is rated 19th league-wide by Pro Football Focus.
Edwards has become the heart and soul of the Bears defense, with his league-leading total of 121 tackles.
Edwards has more than a role as a tackler on running plays or defender in the short zones. Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs is a passer who will pull it down and run or buy time with his feet.
The weakside linebacker can get caught in no-man’s land easily as Dobbs moves around the pocket, so Edwards needs to be aware of down and distance and where Dobb or targets are in relation to the sticks given the down.
The backup Bears tight end hasn’t had a reception in two weeks and has only seven on the year, although he’s capable of much more.
As the second tight end, Tonynan can be one who burns the Vikings with tight end screens or passes to the flat against the blitz.
Minnesota gave up 104 yards in yards after the catch to Atlanta backup tight end Jonnu Smith and is vulnerable to bigger gains from players at this position.
The Bears slot cornerback last week had a down performance after what PFF had considered his best NFL game against Carolina.
He’s up to 42nd overall among 115 cornerbacks graded by PFF and according to Sportradar has only one missed tackle in 37 tackle attempts this year. The tackling aspect in the open field can be huge against Dobbs this week while scrambling.
The entire Bears offensive line looked different in the first game with Minnesota, although the biggest difference might have been Larry Borom at left tackle.
The Vikings edge rushers are all the more effective when the blitz is coming.
Jones is 14th at pass blocking in the league among tackles according to PFF and his run blocking last year was outstanding throughout.
Putting him up against D.J. Wonnum this time could get the Bears a win they need on the edge to free up Fields to scramble or pass.
