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Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings: Week 17 keys to the game

By William "Wild Bill" Ingalls

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) throws the ball against the Washington Redskins during the second half at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) throws the ball against the Washington Redskins during the second half at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) defends during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2) The front seven’s final statement

Throughout this disappointing season, one position group has risen above the rest. Chicago’s front 7 has gone from young guns with potential to actual threats on the field. The Chicago Bears currently rank 7th in the NFL with 37.0 sacks on the year. That being said, the group gave an underwhelming performance last week with no sacks and only three QB hits. However, with injuries to Leonard Floyd, Danny Trevathan, and Eddie Goldman, a number of backups will have a chance to leave an impression on the coaching staff. Names like Sam Acho, CJ Wilson, and Nick Kwiatkoski are all names who will be vying for a roster spot or a bigger role next season. Even names like Pernell McPhee and Akiem Hicks could use big games as momentum for next season.

Regardless, Chicago needs a statement performance from their fierce front seven. Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford has been under pressure all season, and the Bears must continue that trend if they want to win. Doing so will not only make a win more attainable, but it will also make a statement to the rest of the NFL that the Monsters of the Midway will reign supreme next season.

For the Bears to earn this key, they need three sacks and many more bad throws forced by pressure.

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