The Minnesota Vikings got some rough news: running back Jordan Mason will be placed on IR with a thumb injury, which should be an advantage for the Chicago Bears in their Week 2 showdown.
In the Vikings' 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers, Mason rushed 15 times for 59 yards and one touchdown. He helped Minnesota establish some balance in the running game, but his injury now means Aaron Jones will become the lead back.
Minnesota is already dealing with starting quarterback Kyler Murray in concussion protocol, which leaves the Vikings with two starting offensive players out. The Bears are running out of excuses to lose to this team in Week 2.
Bears' defense must step up against banged-up Vikings offense
Without Mason, the Vikings could struggle to run the football. They averaged only 3.1 yards per carry against the Packers, and Jones averaged just 3.3 yards per run.
Chicago could use a team that runs the ball well after struggling in a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Carolina gashed the Bears for 125 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a staggering 5.7 yards per carry.
The Bears' defense struggled overall against the Panthers, allowing 478 total yards. Three turnovers kept them from losing, preventing the game from becoming a disaster in opening weekend.
If the Bears' defense needs a get-right game, this is it, despite facing a divisional rival. Chicago's game plan becomes easy: don't let Justin Jefferson beat them. If they can eliminate Jefferson from the game, the Bears have a strong chance of winning in a landslide.
That's going to be tough, though, because Jefferson has historically been good against the Bears. Chicago's secondary wasn't great last week, with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson struggling mightily against the Panthers' passing game, which was average at best.
With Carson Wentz potentially starting in Week 2, the Vikings' offensive options are getting limited. The Bears want to make this Vikings squad more of a running team, as that would work to their advantage. Even if Murray returns from his concussion, Chicago still has a better chance of winning if they force Minnesota to run the ball instead of throwing to Jefferson every time.
This will put more pressure on the Bears' front seven to play better, which they should. T.J. Edwards needs to step up and not have just one tackle in the game. Defensive linemen like Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo will be called on to make an impact by rushing the passer and stopping the run.
Everything is working in the Bears' favor this week after a horrific Week 1 defensive performance. The Vikings are giving them every opportunity to win this game, with so many of their top players out.
Read more: Kalif Raymond will make Vikings' secondary pay by exposing their weakness
If the Bears lose, this loss could have a catastrophic impact on the defense moving forward. Chicago cannot afford to let this Vikings offense score at will when it shouldn't be able to.
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