Know Your Enemy: Week 2 – Chicago Bears

The Minnesota Vikings started the season with a win on home turf.

After losing QB Kyler Murray early in the game and falling behind it wasn’t looking good for the purple team. A dominant second half from the Vikings defense laid the foundation for a Carson Wentz and Justin Jefferson-inspired comeback win. Up next the Vikings stay in the division with a trip to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 2.

Know Your Enemy: Week 2 – Chicago Bears

Head Coach: Ben Johnson

Best Players: Caleb Williams (QB), Joe Thuney (G), Darnell Wright (OT), Devin Bush (LB), Jaylon Johnson (CB)

Current Record: 1-0

The Vikings and Bears have been rivals since the Vikings entered the league in 1961. The two teams have met 130 times, with Minnesota leading the series 69-59-2. The two ball clubs split the games last season, each winning on the road. The Vikings won in Chicago in Week 1 last season, but it wasn’t a sign of things to come. 

When the Bears came to Minnesota in Week 11 and won they had laid the foundation for their division title run. For the Vikings, it was the second of a four-game losing streak that would end their playoff hopes. Overall, the Vikings have had the better of the rivalry recently, winning eight of the last ten and six in a row at Soldier Field. Here’s hoping that trend continues this week.

The Season So Far

The Bears started the season with a bang, beating the Panthers in Charlotte in an incredible game by a scoreline of 59-37. It was a statement of intent from Chicago saying their division win last season was no flash in the pan. 11 wins last season secured a first division title in Chicago since 2018 and the expectation that they will be in the mix again this year looks valid going into their opening day performance.

Any time an offense puts 50+ points on the board it is impressive, and Chicago did it with an all-around performance that makes them difficult to stop. However, Carolina went toe-to-toe with them for a large part of the game with the scores tied at 31 in the third quarter.

The Bears did give up a hefty chunk of points themselves, showing some defensive frailty, but a couple of key turnovers proved pivotal. It will be interesting to see if their games remain so high-scoring. A matchup of this Bears offense and Brian Flores defense is going to be an intriguing watch.

Players to Watch

Teaming Caleb Williams with head coach Ben Johnson last season is proving to be an inspired decision.

After a tough rookie season, the development has been outstanding. In Week 1, we saw Williams’ rare playmaking ability as both a runner (two rushing touchdowns) and thrower (two passing touchdowns). It’s not the ability to do something special that you now have to watch with Williams. He is also an efficient passer from the pocket, with a 72.4% completion rate in the season opener.

The Bears aren’t all about Williams, though.

In Week 1, they had two running backs hit the 100 rushing yards mark. D’Andre Swift (3) and Kyle Monangai (1) also ran in touchdowns. This ability to attack from all angles whilst leaning on a very good offensive line is what makes Johnson’s offense so dangerous. Brian Flores and his Vikings defense are going to have a huge job on their hands trying to contain the Bears’ threat.

Dillon Thieneman was a favored potential draft pick for the Vikings for the lead-up to this year’s draft. Despite being on the board when it came to Minnesota’s time to pick, the Vikings went a different route and Thieneman was drafted later in the first round. The new Bears safety had an impressive debut as Thieneman led the team with 10 tackles in Week 1 as he was all over the field. The concern for Thieneman is when he is asked to go in coverage, but he held up well in his first game. It is an area that the Vikings with their array of offensive weapons should look to test in Week 2.

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