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How can Chicago Bears slow down Adam Thielen

By Parker Hurley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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What can the Chicago Bears do to slow down Adam Thielen?

Through eight games Adam Thielen has been the best statistical receiver in the NFL. He had put up eight straight games with 100 yards. However, the week before the bye Thielen put up just four catches for 22 yards. While he did score a touchdown, was there anything that the Chicago Bears can learn from that performance?

Not really. The issue with that start for Thielen was that Stefon Digss was injured. In three wide receiver sets, where the Vikings 76% of their snaps Adam Thielen plays in the slot. However, without Diggs, Thielen moved back to the outside, and Chad Bebe took over in the slot.

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It is notable that Thielen was not successful playing the majority of his snaps on the outside last week. However, he also will not run that many snaps from the outside this week as Stefon Diggs is back.

This year, Adam Thielen has 49 receptions in the slot, and 27 on the outside. While Thielen is a great receiver, and a precise route runner, the Vikings have done a great job of getting him lined up in the slot against smaller cornerbacks and exposing his size and route running in space.

One of the best ways in which they can get Adam Thielen the ball has been crossing type of routes. They can line him up on the left, and motion him right, then throw him the ball in a screen capacity.

They can also line him up hedged next to Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph will typically draw a linebacker or safety and Thielen will get the slot corner. As the two cross at the line of scrimmage, the two have to be on the same page to switch or follow each.

Typically, it gets Rudolph matched up on a slot cornerback and Thielen matched up on a linebacker or safety trailing him in space. This is where a lot of his success is coming from.

Bryce Callahan has been strong in the slot, but is giving up size in this matchup. This will easily be the toughest matchup of his season. He needs to pat attention for the rub plays, and the crossing routes. From there, he needs to play above his size. This is a common characteristic of Callahan, but will be pushed to the limit on Sunday.

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