(670 The Score) The Bears (3-8) visit the Vikings (6-5) for a Monday night matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Here are three storylines to follow in the game.
1. Home stretch for Fields
Six games remain for the Bears to assess whether Justin Fields can be the franchise's quarterback of the future. As Fields plays out the homestretch of the Bears' disappointing season, the front office will be carefully evaluating his performance while also scouting quarterback prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Fields played well last Sunday in his return from a dislocated right thumb, throwing for 169 yards and a touchdown while adding 104 rushing yards in a 31-26 loss to the Lions. He played with purpose, executing an offensive game plan that fit his skill set while he avoided mistakes. The Bears were in position to win largely because of Fields but squandered a 12-point lead in the final 4:15.
In his third NFL season, the 24-year-old Fields is at a pivotal point in his young career. To be the long-term answer in Chicago, he must show legitimate progress toward becoming a franchise quarterback while the Bears map out their future at the position.
The Bears have a 61% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. They own the first-round pick of the Panthers (1-9), who have the worst record in the NFL. Chicago’s own selection sat at No. 4 overall entering Week 12.
The Bears could very well hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and the right to choose any prospect from a deep quarterback class, but Fields can affect the team's plans with his own play.
On Monday, Fields will face an aggressive Vikings defensive front that will be ready to pressure him from all angles. He was 6-of-10 for 58 yards and an interception in the Bears' loss to the Vikings on Oct. 15, a game he didn't finish after suffering his thumb injury. Fields was sacked four times before leaving that game.
Dobbs vs. Bears
Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat has an appreciation for what Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs has accomplished in his short time with Minnesota.
Back in Week 1, Sweat recorded 1.5 sacks of Dobbs as he rushed for the Commanders against Dobbs and his Cardinals. The two players will meet again Monday with their new teams. For Dobbs, it will mark his third start for the Vikings since being acquired in a trade to replace injured quarterback Kirk Cousins.
"A lot of appreciation, a lot of respect for a guy who's been on a journey like that,” Sweat said.
The 28-year-old Dobbs is playing for his fourth NFL team and is trying to lead the Vikings back to the playoffs. While he isn't the most talented quarterback, Dobbs has thrived because of his intelligence. That's evident in his play each game.
Sweat has been an impactful player for the Bears since he was acquired from the Commanders in a trade in late October. He needs to pressure Dobbs and be a disruptive force for the Bears defense if they want to prevent the Vikings from having a big night.
Emotions check
Inside the visiting locker room at Ford Field last Sunday, the Bears were heartbroken. Afterward, coach Matt Eberflus attempted to accentuate the positives of a gut-wrenching loss.
Without the results to show for their effort, the Bears are a frustrated team.
"We want to change the culture here,” safety Jaquan Brisker said. “We want to win games and change a lot of things around here. We just got to keep digging and work.
“We can't just fall right now.”
The embattled Eberflus needs to keep the attention and belief of his team in these final six games. The Bears aren't fighting for a playoff berth, but they need to continue to work with the future in mind.
As Eberflus looks to save his job for 2024, the Bears’ fighting spirit or lack thereof will underscore whether they're still playing for their coach.
This primetime game is a chance for Eberflus to show he can move the Bears in the right direction.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.