Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) rushes against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Overview: With the brutal loss to the Packers squarely in the rearview mirror, it’s time to star looking ahead to the next week. The Minnesota Vikings are headed to Soldier Field this week to take on a Chicago Bears team that has definitely seen better days. At 4-5, the Vikings aren’t exactly out of the playoff race, but with a rookie quarterback behind what has been an extremely shaky offensive line this game doesn’t seem to have any real playoff implications. The Vikings are coming off their bye and, having won back to back games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins prior to that, look like a team on the rise. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been having a fairly typical rookie season so far, throwing for 1,321 yards with 3 touchdowns, 5 interceptions and a completion percentage of 60.4 in 6 games this year. The Bears, on the other hand, look like they are falling apart at the seams.
Injuries: Tight end Kyle Rudolph is clearly the biggest name on the Minnesota Vikings’ injury report this week, and he might be the only one. Having been out since week 4 after undergoing sports hernia surgery, Rudolph was the only Vikings player to miss last week’s tilt with the Redskins due to injury. I don’t expect many players to be added to that list, given they all just had a week off. Minnesota clearly views Rudolph as a big part of their future plans, having signed him to a 5-year, $36.5 million dollar extension during this past offseason. It’s also worth noting that running back Adrian Peterson might be reinstated from his suspension this week, but it seems unlikely.
Key Matchups: I’ll be keeping my eyes near the line of scrimmage this week, as that could be where the game is decided. The Minnesota Vikings offensive line has struggled mightily so far this season, and it’s absolutely imperative that Willie Young and company take full advantage of that. Strong play from the defensive line this week could not only help shut down the Adrian Peterson-less rushing attack and force Teddy Bridgewater to beat the Bears with his arm, but getting consistent pressure on the rookie signal caller would help immensely with containing my second matchup to watch: Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson has largely been a disappointment to Vikings fans this season, but has also been slowed by a hip injury. Having just had a week off to nurse that injury could spell disaster for the Bears. With a secondary that resembled Swiss cheese last week combined with a special teams unit that has struggled all season, there are a whole slew of ways Patterson could hurt the Bears.
The Way I See It: A couple of weeks ago I would’ve called this game an extremely winnable, but now I’m not so sure. If the Bears can just keep this one within two scores, I’ll take it as vast improvement. The Minnesota Vikings have their share of issues to deal with this season, but nothing compared to the complete and total debacle that the Bears have become. I suppose Chicago could rebound this week and start rebuilding their shattered confidence, but I’m almost to the point of just hoping for a high draft pick. If the Bears lose this one, I’m definitely mailing it in.
What do you guys think? Are you still holding out any hope for this season, or are you hoping that the Bears keep losing so they can get a real blue chip draft pick? Let me know in the Comments.
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