Week 2: Bears vs. Vikings 5 Questions with The Viking Age
By Mike Praser
It’s week 2 of the 2013 NFL season. The Bears are coming off of a home opener win over the Cincinnati Bengals and look to continue the momentum this week at home against the Vikings. For this weeks edition of 5 questions, I contacted Adam Carlson from The Viking Age and asked him a number of questions about the Vikings match up against the Bears.
Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) tries to evade Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Do you feel that the Vikings are getting the short end of the stick having to open the first two games of the season on the road against division opponents?
Complaining about the schedule is kind of a double edged sword. While the Vikings would end up playing both these teams on the road every year anyway, opening with these two games creates a huge problem for the Vikings. First of all, the Vikings are known as a team that performs better at home. Last year, the Vikings had 7 of their 10 wins come at the dome in Minnesota and opened at home to gain momentum. It will be tough for this team to get going until they get their feet planted at the dome.
Jerome Simpson had some great catches against the Lions. Do you see him as their #1 receiver or is Greg Jennings still taking up that spot?
Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
While Jerome Simpson had some awesome catches and put up some great yardage against Detroit, Greg Jennings will still be the wide receiver that will get the most attention from defenses. Whether it is respect for what he has done in the past or whether it is based on name recognition alone, teams will cue in on him. Plus, Simpson will have to prove he be successful on a more regular basis to earn the status as a #1.
Why did the Vikings sign former Bears Offensive Tackle J’Marcus Webb off of waivers?
Bears fans hated J’Marcus Webb. There’s no secret there. While he’s not a starting caliber offensive tackle, he will be an upgrade for the Vikings as a backup swing tackle. Maybe a change of scenery and a different staff will help him realize his potential. One of the major reasons the Vikings scooped Webb up is his salary. His very inexpensive contract makes him a low risk/moderate reward player. The Vikings are looking at him purely as a reserve, and not a replacement for Kalil or Loadholt.
What is the Vikings most favorable and unfavorable matchup against the Bears?
Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) forces a fumble from Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Personally, I like the matchup of Jared Allen vs Jermon Bushrod. I think that Allen will be able to take advantage of Bushrod and get to Cutler early and often.
I dislike the matchup of Julius Peppers vs Matt Kalil. Kalil struggled against the Lions last week. He was drifting out too far and allowing the defense to squeeze inside and get to Ponder.
What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?
Even though I’m a Vikings fan, I think it’ll be tough for the Vikings to walk away from this one with a win. The Bears are a tough team with momentum after beating the Bengals last week. Minnesota will make it a game, but Chicago will end up winning 37-27.
I want to thank Adam Carlson for answering our 5 Questions this week about the matchup between the Bears and Vikings. Make sure to check out The Viking Age to get all your info about the division rival Minnesota Vikings.
What is your prediction for the game? Make sure you use the comments section below and let us know if you agree with Adam or not. You know you want to.