Keys To Victory: Playoff Seeding On The Line

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to their game prior against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to their game prior against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Get after Kirk Cousins

While it’s difficult to judge how Kirk Cousins will play on Sunday, given that he’s got a new offensive coordinator, the Bears will still need to slow him down. In one game against the Bears this season, Cousins was sacked twice and also threw two interceptions.

While sacking Cousins is the goal, the Bears can also disrupt the rhythm of the Vikings offense by simply pressuring him.

With the Vikings main focus likely being on how to slow Khalil Mack down because he can take an entire game over, the Bears will need Leonard Floyd, Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Goldman to step up when it comes to rushing the quarterback.

These three players on Sunday could have a major impact on how the Bears perform.

Over the last few weeks, Leonard Floyd has really taken his game to the next level. While he had just one tackle against the 49ers, Floyd managed to get two quarterback hits, bringing his total to six over the last four games.

With Goldman and Hicks rushing side by side, the Vikings offensive line could break down easily. While Eddie Goldman may not be the flashiest player on the field, he tends to create other opportunities for guys around him.

This is where Akiem Hicks can make his impact felt. If he can take advantage of the opportunities that Eddie Goldman creates, then the Bears have a chance to get after Kirk Cousins and get him out of rhythm quickly.