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Chicago Bears: Three keys to beat the Minnesota Vikings

By Adam Childs

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Taylor Gabriel #18 of the Chicago Bears catches the ball over defender Holton Hill #24 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Taylor Gabriel #18 of the Chicago Bears catches the ball over defender Holton Hill #24 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 4: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to hand the ball off in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 4: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to hand the ball off in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Make Kirk Cousins Beat You

After the Bears lost to the Packers, their defense said they knew they just needed Trubisky to play quarterback and they would win. The Bears fans didn’t like hearing that even if they partially agreed with it. But now the tables have turned and the Bears defense is probably thinking the same thing about Cousins. The Bears need to make Cousins play quarterback and if that happens they should have a good chance of winning.

The Vikings have leaned heavily on their running game in their first three games and for good reason. Dalvin Cook is back to look like his rookie self and is averaging 125 rushing yards a game to go along with four touchdowns. Alexander Mattison has also been fairly successful running the ball when Cook needs a breather. All told the Vikings have looked great on the ground.

The success on the ground has kept Cousins from really making a ton of mistakes (outside of a big interception against the Packers late) and has limited his passing attempts. Through three games, Cousins has only thrown 63 total passes for 502 yards. He isn’t striking fear in opposing defenses right now, but he hasn’t had to either.

The top receiver for the Vikings is Adam Thielen and he only has 11 receptions on the year. He is dangerous but if Cousins can’t get it to him it doesn’t matter. Add in the experience and talent the Bears have in the secondary and that could be tough for him to get many catches.

It is well known that Cousins has struggled in big-time games and this would qualify as such. The Bears need to shut down the run and make Cousins beat him. Right now it doesn’t look like he can do that by himself so that would be great for the Bears. Make Cousins beat you and the Bears will win the game.

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