Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings: 5 questions behind enemy lines

“The Bears have struggled in the red zone, so despite piling up some yardage, they haven’t been cashing in on offense.  Whether it’s been injuries, penalties or just plain missing field goals, the Bears have left points on the field and frankly, they’re not good enough to make up for it.  The defense has been coming together under Vic Fangio’s guidance, but they’re still a work in progress.   The Bears defense has struggled to get off the field on third down, extending opponent drives.”

“I think Cutler said it best himself when asked about John Fox’s support – “He doesn’t have a choice, I guess, at this point,” Cutler said. “Brian is out, so I’ve got to go.”

I think Cutler got a bad rap for the Bears’ offensive struggles the first couple of weeks while Hoyer got a lot of praise heaped on him for piling up yardage against bad defenses while still only guiding the Bears to one win during his stretch as the starter.  Of course, Cutler comes back just in time to face the top-ranked Vikings defense, so I’m not exactly holding out hope for a huge Jim McMahon-like performance against the Vikings like in 1985.

I won’t speak for all fans, but I know I’ve grown tired of the Jay Cutler era in Chicago.  I think it will benefit both sides to move on.  Cutler’s been here for eight seasons and the Bears have one playoff win to show for it.  You would be hard pressed to find anyone to say that Cutler isn’t the most talent QB in Bears history, but the results just haven’t been there for one reason or another.  With Cutler’s contract basically pay as you go starting next season, it’s hard to fathom that he’ll be back next season.  Then again, without a developmental quarterback on the roster, the Bears could draft someone next season to have as Cutler’s understudy.”

“I was hoping you could answer that for me!  It looks pretty bleak for the Bears offense on Monday night.  At first I was thinking that the return of Jay Cutler would help the Bears passing attack, but the Vikings are tough against the pass while only giving up 198 yards per game.  I expect to see Cutler under duress by a Vikings pass rush that’s gotten 19 sacks so far this season.  They’ll have opportunities with a couple of the Bears interior linemen nursing injuries.

Then I thought maybe Jordan Howard and Ka’Deem Carey could get the running game going, but I realized the Vikings only give up a shade under 82 rushing yards per game.  Considering the offensive line is in shambles, that will be tougher than usual.

The Bears’ best bet to attack the Vikings might be to try to create a couple of turnovers and play on some short fields.”

“On offense, look out for wide receiver Cameron Meredith.  The undrafted free agent out of Illinois State was on the fringe of the Bears roster last season before getting his opportunity this season.  With injuries to the wide receivers , Meredith has stepped up and shined with his limited opportunities.  He’s filled the role that the Bears have hoped Kevin White would assume.

Defensively, cornerback Bryce Callahan has taken advantage of his opportunities.  He’s played a lot of nickel and kept opposing slot receivers in check.  He’s proven to be a capable tackler in run support and isn’t afraid to get his nose in there among a lot of bigger players. “

“I think it will be more tricks than treats for the Bears on Halloween night.  Jay Cutler’s return will be a dizzying blur of Purple People chasing him around all night.  I expect the Bears will try to get Alshon Jeffery on the board, but it will be tough against the Vikings stout secondary.

The Bears defense will try to pressure Sam Bradford into some mistakes and hope to cash in.  I think it’s a low-scoring, defensive oriented game.

 Vikings 19, Bears 10.”