• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Oct 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. The Vikings won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Three Questions for Vikings vs. Bears

December 30, 2017
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021
Bills

NFL Betting: Bills Well Represented on Conference Championship Props

January 24, 2021
Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

January 24, 2021
NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021
AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

January 23, 2021
Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021
Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

January 23, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

January 22, 2021

AFC Championship Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 22, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, January 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL Game Previews

Three Questions for Vikings vs. Bears

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
December 30, 2017
in Game Previews, Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Oct 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. The Vikings won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. The Vikings won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Bears and Vikings played a surprisingly competitive game in Chicago earlier in the season, with the Vikings winning on a late field goal. Since then, rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has seen a few more NFL snaps Minnesota has emerged as one of the best teams in the sport.

Though these two teams are heading in opposite directions after the final whistle Sunday, there is still a certain intrigue to this game. Here are my three biggest questions for the final matchup of the 2017 regular season.

More FromFPC

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021

Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

January 22, 2021

Will the Bears let their youngsters off the leash?

Though no fan heads into a season hopeful their team reaches just five wins, the truth is there are some things that the Bears have going for them. There has been some development from young players, namely Leonard Floyd, Adrian Amos and Kyle Fuller. Jordan Howard is still one of the NFL’s premier runners. Rookies Trubisky, Tarik Cohen and Eddie Jackson have flashed some star potential.

Under coach John Fox, there has been a clear initiative for Trubisky: Do not turn the ball over. As a result, Trubisky, and therefore the offense, has appeared tied down at times. When Trubisky, Cohen and rookie tight end Adam Shaheen have had the training wheels taken off, they have made plays. When the young players are allowed to play like young players, the offense has some identity.

But those moments have been few and far between. Too often, Fox’s and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ tentative game plans have taken all excitement out of the Chicago season. But now, the Bears are playing with house money. There is nothing at stake for them beyond pride and playing spoiler to the division rival Vikings. So theoretically, there is nothing to stop Loggains from giving Trubisky free range to play his game.

If that happens, chances are the Vikings defense will force a few turnovers, maybe get a few more sacks. But, at the very least, it should create a more compelling, albeit mismatched NFC North battle.

Can the Vikings regain their efficient third down offense?

Not too long ago, Minnesota had the number one third down conversion rate in all the NFL. To say it has taken a tumble would be an overreaction as they have only slipped to third. That being said, they have fallen off a bit from the team they were just three weeks ago. Overall, the Vikings have converted on 43.8 percent of third downs. But in the last two weeks, they have converted only 29.6 percent.

Part of this can be attributed to the offensive line’s struggles in pass protection the past few games. Case Keenum took 11 sacks in weeks 14 through 16 after taking just nine in the first 13. Minnesota averaged 3.8 yards per carry during the same stretch. While not an awful number, running for fewer than four yards per play puts the passing game behind the eight ball. As a result, the Vikings have been facing more third-and-longs, which needless to say, are harder to convert.

Tomorrow’s game will be a good opportunity for the Vikings to get back on track heading into the postseason. The Bears have some good players under the radar on their defense, particularly in the secondary. It will be a good test as to whether Minnesota’s newfound struggles on third down were temporary or if they remain a concern.

Are the Vikings going to play conservative in order to avoid further injuries?

Here is what the race for the second seed in the NFC looks like: The Vikings clinch if they win, the Panthers lose, the Rams win or the Saints win. They slip to the third seed if none of those things happen. So as it stands, it looks like Minnesota will be hosting a second round playoff game.

That being said, Mike Zimmer and company still have something to play for. Of the NFC playoff teams without locked-in seeds, the Vikings are the only team playing in the early slate. The Rams, Saints and Panthers all play at 3:25 central time. So nothing will be decided by the time the Vikings take the field and as a result, there will likely be no rested starters.

But the Vikings have some injury concerns: Shamar Stephen, Pat Elflein and Tramaine Brock will not play tomorrow and their status moving forward is in question. Nick Easton is already out for the season. Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff, though they will play, have nagging injuries, themselves. Simply put, the Vikings are not healthy right now. And they need to come out of this game as healthy as possible. That may mean a conservative game plan on both sides of the ball, but coming away with a full roster will likely mean more to the coaching staff than coming away with a flashy win.

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn

Tags: Case Keenumjohn foxMinnesota Vikingsmitchell trubiskyNFC NorthNFL Week 17Pat ElfleinRiley Reifftarik cohen
Share600Tweet375
Previous Post

Time For Change In Dallas

Next Post

If Players Kneel, The Colts Could Pay

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
Oct 8, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts kneel in the end zone before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

If Players Kneel, The Colts Could Pay

Nov 27, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Pierce (97) prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals Preview: Week 17 @ Ravens

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Yankees acquire Jameson Taillon
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8481815609.mp3
  • Ep 22: Championship Weekend Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8343554021.mp3
  • Ep 60: Conference Championship Weekend/Remembering Hank Aaron
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2498603921.mp3
  • Ep 47: AJ Lee
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9258885629.mp3
  • Ep 60: R.I.P. Ted Thompson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8176794666.mp3
  • Ep #86: Chiefs vs Bills AFC Championship Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9619884388.mp3
  • Ep. 185 - Just Chatting
    by Talkamania on January 22, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43062341/talkamania_episode_185.mp3
  • Ep.60: Horsemen Business
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2752739688.mp3
  • Episode 30: NFL Playoffs, Bears DC Search, Good Vibes on Deshaun Watson? (with Richie Chicago of Shoot Your Shot Sports)
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:53 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9697694193.mp3
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4775422577.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 47: AJ Lee
    by Evan Gomes on January 23, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

    WWE NXT Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. Fight Pit 2: Electric Boogaloo Results: Leon Ruff & […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 3:53 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. The One With -1’s Birthday Results: “Hangman” […]

  • Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    It is time for Big E to get his own Wrestlemania moment. After striking out on his own brand away […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 4:50 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend […]

More Wrestling News

  • Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    Saturday's blockbuster deal featuring the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic […]

  • Ovechkin Tops NHL’s 2021 UFA Class
    by Bob Duff on January 24, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    The Capitals Alex Ovechkin tops an impressive free agent class this offseason. The post Ovechkin […]

  • Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Starts’ in Columbus
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 12:32 am

    It was a trade that nearly every armchair GM could have made, and nearly everyone within the cities […]

  • 2021 AHL Schedule Release Breakdown
    by C.C. Hawkley on January 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    The AHL released its 2021 regular season schedule on Friday. C.C. Hawkley breaks down the number of […]

  • Blue Jackets Ship Dubois to Jets For Laine and Roslovic in NHL Blockbuster
    by Lyle Richardson on January 23, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    The Pierre-Luc Dubois and Patrik Laine sagas are over as the Blue Jackets and Jets swap disgruntled […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage