Three Worrisome Factors as the Bears Take on the Vikings in Week 12
As the Chicago Bears (3-8) gear up for their Monday night showdown against the Minnesota Vikings (6-5), the team and its fans are still grappling with the aftermath of a tough loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite the setback, there's a palpable sense of energy and determination to steer the ship in the right direction, led by Justin Fields as the budding franchise quarterback. However, they face a formidable challenge ahead.
Enduring a 12-game losing streak against divisional rivals, along with a particularly dismal track record in away games, the Bears find themselves confronted by a resurgent Vikings defense hitting its stride at precisely the wrong time. This could spell trouble for Chicago and its young quarterback, Justin Fields, who is still in the process of proving his mettle as the starting signal-caller.
Here are the areas of concern as we approach Monday night's Week 12 matchup:
1. Road Woes PersistThe Bears' performance on the road this season has been far from impressive, with a disheartening 1-5 record away from home. A major contributor to this struggle has been their faltering defense. They've conceded a troubling 19 touchdowns in away games, nearly double what they've allowed at home. Opposing teams seem to thrive when facing the Bears on their own turf, boasting a 73% completion rate and a quarterback rating of 103.6. These statistics underscore significant deficiencies in the Bears' defense, which must undergo substantial improvement for any hopes of success on Monday night.
2. Relentless Defensive Assault: Vikings Pose ThreatVikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has orchestrated an aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive scheme. Leading the NFL in blitzes and boasting a high sack count, they present a genuine menace to opposing quarterbacks, including the Bears' Justin Fields. Fields endured four sacks and an interception in their previous encounter, managing a mere 58 passing yards before suffering a dislocated right thumb. The Bears must brace themselves for another demanding week; it remains unclear whether they have a viable response to counter this unyielding defensive pressure.
3. The Art of the Takeaway: Vikings' Aptitude for Forcing TurnoversThe Vikings have displayed remarkable proficiency in generating turnovers, amassing 10 in their last six games. Key contributors to this endeavor include defensive back Byron Murphy and pass rusher Danielle Hunter. Murphy's recent form renders him a significant threat in the secondary, while Hunter's knack for strip sacks is well-documented. This poses potential peril for Justin Fields, as the Vikings' relentless pressure heightens the likelihood of turnovers, a pivotal factor in the game's outcome.
The Bears find themselves in a challenging predicament against the Vikings. Their struggles on the road and their confrontation with a Minnesota defense renowned for quarterback pressure and recent turnover-creating prowess paint a disconcerting picture. This game may prove to be an uphill battle, especially with Fields susceptible to turnovers and frequent sacks. While nothing is certain in the NFL, the Vikings are the favored team in this matchup. Chicago must deliver a peak performance to secure their fourth victory and break their divisional losing streak.
| POLL | ||
25 NOVEMBRE | 35 ANSWERS Three Worrisome Factors as the Bears Take on the Vikings in Week 12 Will the bears beat the Vikings? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 45.7 % |
| No | 19 | 54.3 % |
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