The Minnesota Vikings (5-1) will be taking on the Chicago Bears (1-6) at Soldier Field in their second Monday Night Football game of the season. The Vikings are looking to get back to their winning ways after a horrible 21-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the Vikings have managed to work around their flaws, primarily the offensive line, the Eagles exposed them in a big way early and Minnesota was never able to get ahead, Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford was sacked six times and had one interception against his former team. This was the first time since Bradford started for the Vikings that he was picked off.
But playing an already beaten down Bears is just might what could help the Vikings boost their ego after such an ugly defeat. Chicago has their worse record since 2000 and is one of four teams with either zero or one win to their credit. And while the Vikings have obviously struggled with offensive line issues from the start of the season, it looks like the Bears won’t be too far behind. Left guard Josh Sitton is questionable for Monday with an ankle injury and right guard Kyle Long is doubtful because of a pectoral muscle strain.
But the biggest story out of the Bears is the return of Jay Cutler. Cutler has been out for five weeks because of a strained right thumb. While he has done well against the Vikings in the pass, 8-5 with 26 touchdown passes in 13 starts, he also has 14 interceptions and the “Cutler face” meme. But more importantly, he has yet to face this defense. The Vikings defense is still one of the toughest in the league. They are holding opponents to a NFL low 63.7 passer rating, is first in the league for yards per game with 279.5, has 16 takeaways-nine interceptions, seven fumble recoveries- the most in the NFL, and has only allowed 84 points through the first six games.
But the return of Cutler could also mean the return of Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery has been a non issue with Brain Hoyer at the helm he has only managed 63.8 yards; with Cutler he had 100.5 yards the first two games. But a touchdown has still eluded him.
One issue the Vikings will have to face is at running back. Jerick McKinnon is out and that leaves Matt Asiata and Ronnie Hillman. Hillman has yet to fully participate in a game so this is going to be his first real chance at showcasing what he can do.
Despite the ugly loss to the Eagles and the return of Jay Cutler, the Vikings are still on top of the NFC North and I don’t see that changing for them for some time.
Watching the game? Here’s what you need to know:
WHERE: ESPN
TIME: 7:30 CST
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