The Chicago Bears are back in action and have a lot to live up to as they face the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 2 NFC North showdown.
Chicago is coming off a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers, with the Bears' offense putting up over 500 yards but the defense allowing over 400 yards. Despite losing their starting quarterback early in the game, the Vikings overcame a double-digit deficit to beat the Green Bay Packers with a fourth-quarter comeback.
Entering Week 2, many Bears players have something to prove despite winning their last game. Here are the seven players Chicago needs to step up.
Which Bears need to rise to the occassion against the Vikings?
Dayo Odeyingbo, DL
Odeyingbo did a decent job pressuring Bryce Young last week, but it still leaves a lot to be desired for a guy getting roughly $50 million. The Bears need to see sacks from him if the defense wants to succeed. It would be great to see him step up and play well.
Braxton Jones, LT
Jones had an average game against Carolina, but he still isn't doing enough to be the definitive starter at left tackle. He needs to find a way not only to earn the job but also to dominate on the line. He'll have a good challenge against Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner that will show how good Jones can be.
Colston Loveland, TE
Zero catches is more than qualified to have Loveland on this list. The Bears will need him to make a play at some point, so this feels like a game where he could be featured often. Loveland needs to make some plays in the passing game to help his quarterback out against a very good Vikings defensive line.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Stevenson allowed a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3, so yes, he'd better step up. In a contract year, every game counts, and he started the season the worst way possible. If Stevenson doesn't improve his play, he might be on the bench for rookie Malik Muhammad, who allowed the lowest passer rating on the Bears in Week 1.
T.J. Edwards, LB
For a guy who consistently hits over 100 tackles each season, to only have one tackle in a game left everyone flabbergasted. That put a ton of pressure on Edwards to step up in Week 2 and improve his run-stopping and pass coverage. This would be a good way to get back into the fan base's good graces. If he can get 10 or more tackles, that would be great.
Xavier Woods, S
Woods didn't play in Week 1 due to his injury, but he is back and should start at safety. It will be his first regular-season game with the Bears, and he has big shoes to fill after Coby Bryant. Making a strong first impression will help fans feel better about a struggling secondary.
Read more: Every mistake Vikings will most likely make against Bears in Week 2
Jaylon Johnson, CB
While he didn't allow a perfect passer rating, Johnson didn't exactly help himself out after allowing 113 in Week 1. Things aren't as bad for him, but Bears fans have a lot of questions about Johnson, as he has beenhasn't the same guy since last year's injury. If he can shut down Justin Jefferson, that will get his groove back.
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