When the Bears have the ball

The Bears will try to put everything right after the attack that occurred in Thomas Brown’s first game on the sideline as head coach last week against the 49ers – just four net yards in 17 plays while falling behind 24 – 0 at half-time.

“I have to do a better job of trying to find a stretch where we can stay on the grass and be effective,” Brown said. “I’m not telling our guys to start the game slow. If I had the answer to this question, the problem would have already been solved. We will be aggressive in this direction to find a solution.

This could be problematic if the Bears can’t establish the run, with an offensive line that wilted in the second half. Since totaling 196 rushing yards (5.8 average) against the Commanders, the Bears have averaged 90.8 rushing yards in their last six games, which is 28th in the NFL over that span. . And their top two running backs are injured – D’Andre Swift (groin) is questionable and Roschon Johnson (concussion) is out. That would leave Travis Homer (three carries, 16 yards) and newly signed Darrynton Evans (3-3) to carry the load.

The Bears hope to avoid leaning on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but it was actually productive against the Vikings at Soldier Field. While Swift was limited to 30 yards on 13 carries, Williams went 32 for 47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns for a passer rating of 103.1 in the overtime loss.

When the Vikings have the ball

The Bears will try to get everything back together after the defense collapsed in coordinator Eric Washington’s first game as play-caller following the firing of Matt Eberflus – the Bears allowed 319 total yards, including 254 passing, falling behind 24-0 at halftime.

It won’t be easy in the hostile environs of U.S. Bank Stadium against a Vikings offense that ranks ninth in the NFL in scoring (26.1 points per game) after Sam Darnold threw five touchdown passes in of a 42-21 victory over the Falcons last week. .

The Bears know what they’re up against. The Vikings showed off their versatility and depth in their overtime win over the Bears on Nov. 24 at Soldier Field. Aaron Jones had 22 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown. And with All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson contained (two receptions for a season-low 27 yards), Jordan Addison (8-162, one touchdown) and tight end TJ Hockenson (7-114) stepped up. efforts.

The key matchup will be the Bears defensive front against the Vikings offensive line. The Bears had three sacks and nine quarterback hits against Darnold at Soldier Field. But they’ve only had three sacks and six quarterback hits in two games since, against the Lions and 49ers.

“We have to make sure the call is ready and our cleats are in the dirt with great communication and a clear understanding of how to execute our concepts,” Washington said, “and we give ourselves the best chance. “

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