LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — After ending a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak, the Bears have their sights set on starting a winning streak.
The Bears (1-4) will host the Vikings (1-4) on Sunday at Soldier Field in an NFC North matchup. Kickoff is set for noon. Here are three storylines to follow.
1. Can Fields handle Vikings' pressure?
Bears quarterback Justin Fields has enjoyed the best two-game stretch of his young career, throwing for a combined 617 yards, eight touchdowns and just one interception in a close loss to the Broncos and a win against the Commanders. Fields has thrived recently within the confines of an offensive scheme that has fit his skill set well.
Fields has begun to redefine his third NFL season with the pair of impressive performances. After struggling early on and inviting concerns that the Bears needed a change at quarterback, Fields is showcasing strong progress. At the least, he has earned the right to keep his starting job for the entire 2023 season.
On Sunday, Fields will face a Vikings defense that has blitzed an NFL-high 56.2% of the time. Fields has struggled against blitzing defenses in the past, including in a loss to the Buccaneers on Sept. 17.
"We have a plan for that," Bears coach Matt Eberflus said of the Vikings' blitz.
Fields has found success in part due to his connection with top receiver DJ Moore, who has 27 receptions for 531 yards and five scores this season. During Chicago's 40-20 win at Washington on Oct. 5, Moore caught eight passes for a career-high 230 yards and three touchdowns.
If Fields can overcome the Vikings' challenging defensive attack and produce a third straight strong performance, his breakout will warrant more attention.
2. Defensive identity
In the win against the Commanders, the Eberflus-led Bears defense utilized a new tactic.
The Bears blitzed often against the Commanders, a departure from their usual Tampa 2 defensive identity. Even with his secondary decimated by injury, Eberflus continued to dial up pressure.
The Bears expect to get reinforcements in their secondary this Sunday. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) and safety Eddie Jackson (left foot) returned to practice Wednesday, while nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon (hand) has been designated for a return from injured reserve and is eligible to be activated.
For the first time since their season opener on Sept. 10, the Bears could have a full complement in the secondary. So, will Eberflus rely on his base defensive scheme or stick with a more aggressive attack?
The Bears can afford to be more aggressive defensively given that the Vikings have placed star receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) on injured reserve, removing the most dynamic playmaker from the game. That will force Minnesota to recalibrate its offense.
3. O-line shuffle
Once again, the Bears are shuffling their starting offensive line.
Left guard Teven Jenkins' return from injured reserve last week coincided with center Lucas Patrick suffering a concussion. The Bears weren't comfortable with Jenkins taking on a full workload in his first game back, so they rotated Ja'Tyre Carter in at left guard after Patrick went down.
It seems likely that the Bears will allow Jenkins to have a full workload this week, with Cody Whitehair assuming the role of center once again. Meanwhile, second-year center Doug Kramer has been designated for a return from injured reserve and could potentially factor into a role at some point this season.
Bears left tackle Braxton Jones remains on injured reserve due to a neck injury, and it's unclear when he'll return. Larry Borom has played left tackle in Jones' absence.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
