LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears (4-6) are looking to snap a four-game losing slide when they host the Vikings (8-2) at noon CT on Sunday at Soldier Field. Here are three storylines to follow in the matchup.
Brown vs. Flores
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams knows well what he’ll be up against Sunday. He'll face quite the challenge from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme.
“Obviously, you know he’s going to blitz you,” Williams said. “He’s the king of Cover-0 blitz and finding a bunch of different ways to do it.”
Flores is aggressive against all opposing quarterbacks, and you best believe he’s ready to send heat on the rookie Williams and a Bears offensive line that's struggling.
Williams has been sacked 41 times this season, more than any other quarterback in the NFL. The Vikings rank third in the NFL with 35 sacks and are first in pressure rate at 29.6%.
In matching wits with Flores, new Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will need to put Williams in a position to make quick decisions to get the football out before the pressure arrives. The Bears could benefit from using more 12 or 13 personnel to assist the offensive line, and they'll need to strike the right balance with play-action looks and timely screens.
In his debut as the Bears’ offensive coordinator last Sunday, Brown utilized a scheme that better fit Williams and the team's playmakers, but a tall task looms against the Vikings.
Slow the superstar
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson loves matching up against the NFL’s top receivers, but he missed that opportunity against Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson in 2023.
Jefferson missed seven games due to a hamstring injury in 2023, an absence that was bookended by contests against the Bears, meaning Johnson didn’t get his chance.
Jefferson is healthy now and ready to go as the Vikings come to town. He’s back to form this season, hauling in 59 receptions for 912 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. In six career games against the Bears, Jefferson has 41 receptions for 585 yards and two scores.
In the past, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has preferred not to have Johnson shadow a single opposing receiver. Instead, Eberflus' philosophy usually has cornerbacks playing one side of the field. But given that Chicago has struggled to solidify its other cornerback position, Eberflus may want to consider having Johnson follow Jefferson throughout this game.
Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has allowed a 100.3 passer rating against and has surrendered three touchdowns this season. That's part of the reason that Terell Smith has rotated in at cornerback in place of Stevenson. Meanwhile, Johnson has allowed a 65.3 passer rating and no touchdowns this season.
Fan engagement?
During the Bears' ugly 19-3 loss to the Patriots on Nov. 10 at Soldier Field, a new chant broke out. Fans called for Eberflus to be fired.
That was hardly new territory for Bears fans, who had previously voiced their frustration for former coaches Marc Trestman, John Fox and Matt Nagy. But it was worth noting as this season is spiraling.
Bears chairman George McCaskey once worked as the team’s ticket manager and to this day still responds to emails and letters from fans. He’s in tune with the feelings of the fan base. Hearing those chants resonates with McCaskey.
The Bears have three home games remaining on their schedule. If this team continues to lose – and the playoffs officially become out of reach – it will be worth watching how the home crowd at Soldier Field receives its team.
Looking to avoid a fifth straight loss, the Bears' bleak playoff hopes, pride and perhaps jobs are on the line.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.