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Week 8 keys to the game: Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings

By William "Wild Bill" Ingalls

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) evades a sack by Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) before fumbling the ball away for a Bears touchdown during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) evades a sack by Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) before fumbling the ball away for a Bears touchdown during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) watches team warm up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) watches team warm up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1. A return to form

It seems like eons ago, but Jay Cutler used to be the gunslinging leader of the Bears offense. It was only a few years ago that Jay lead a top 5 NFL offense, but now he can’t even seem to get his coaching staff to support him. This game is oddly reminiscent of a 2009 Monday Night game vs the Vikings. Cutler entered the game with a league leading 25 interceptions and a legion of doubters behind him. His opponent would be the NFC’s second seed going into the week 16 matchup, Brett Farve’s Minnesota Vikings. Many expected another “same ‘ol Jay” performance, but what they got instead was a game for the ages. Cutler shredded the Vikings for 273 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 36-30 overtime thriller.

It could take a similar performance from Cutler if the Bears want to knock out the heavily favored Vikings tonight. Cutler won’t be the benefactor of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman making plays on the other side of the ball like he did 5 years ago. However, Cutler will have a 6’3 duo at his disposal for the first time this year. The rising of Cameron Meredith gives Cutler a much needed second option from Jeffery when it comes to the deep ball. For Cutler to earn this key for the Bears, he must have 3 passes over 20 yards, 2 touchdowns, and only one turnover on the evening.

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