(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Bears (6-10) wind up their season at noon Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (7-9). WBBM Newsradio’s Jeff Joniak takes a look at the matchup.
OFFENSE
—Matt Nagy has a plaque at the very top of his cabinet behind his desk in his Halas Hall office that reads “Tuddyville.” It’s the place where touchdowns are scored — the end zone.
Unfortunately, the Bears have scored only 32 touchdowns this season, 29 on offense. The difficulty in scoring complicated this season, in addition to a turnover margin where the Bears rank 28th at -11. Earning an edge in both of those categories against the Vikings would lead to a third straight victory.
—In a season finale, much of the intrigue lies in numbers. For example, Darnell Mooney’s bid to reach 1,000 yards is still on the table. He is 71 yards shy and one catch short of 70 for the season. Mooney’s development into a top target and big play receiver includes a team-high 14 catches of 20 yards or more, including a team-high eight of 25 yards or more.
—Andy Dalton makes his second straight start with rookie Justin Fields sidelined and on the COVID-19 restricted list. It marks his 8th game and 6th start, and he will need to protect the ball from a Vikings defense that has forced 15 fumbles and intercepted 15 passes. In the week 15 loss to the Vikings, the Bears lost three fumbles.
—Leaning on the running game and putting it on the shoulders of the offensive line will be something the Bears will likely focus on. They have averaged 28 rushing attempts per game this season, and David Montgomery continues to get his touches, grinding out tough yards and of late a significant part of the check down passing game.
—What happens at the line of scrimmage against the Vikings is the main thrust of this matchup for the offense. Three weeks ago, the Vikings front stuffed the Bears seven times in the run game, and D.J. Wonnum had 3 sacks and 8 tackles. He must be blocked.
DEFENSE
—The introduction of several new pieces in the secondary signaled the start of a three-game stretch of really strong, creative, and physical play from Sean Desai’s unit.
—Desai has played 36 different players this season, but the use of personnel to mix and match against receivers and backs has led to some very good play on the back end.
—Eddie Jackson is lining up all over the field, and his reinvigorated play will eventually land him some big play opportunities.
—Cranking up the heat on Kirk Cousins will produce opportunity for the defense. He was held under 100 yards in Week 15 throwing the ball and still beat the Bears. However, his offensive line is in disarray due to COVID-19, and we’re not sure who starts where and how they will perform.
—Keeping the pressure on Cousins can only happen if the Bears front lines up and wins the point of attack and the cut-back lanes that RB Dalvin Cook uses. Mike Zimmer wants to run the ball, and Cook and Alexander Mattison are as good a duo as there is in the league. The results have been good for the Bears in keeping Cook from monster games, and the attention on him will continue to be significant.
SPECIAL TEAMS
—Bears special teams coordinator Chris Tabor continues to talk about Vikings return man Kene Nwangwu. He has two kick return touchdowns and is averaging 33.8. Tabor thinks he is extremely talented. The attention will be focused on Nwangwu.
—Without Jakeem Grant after a season-ending trip to injured reserve, we may get another look at rookie Dazz Newsome on punt returns. He flashed in his last opportunity in Seattle, and if he plays it would be another good evaluation moment for the future.
—Cairo Santos has had another solid season, and in his 100th career game he tries to finish with his fifth career 100-point season. Santos is at 96 points after making 26 field goals and 27 extra points. The indoor track will be an ideal opportunity to have a big day.
INTANGIBLES
—Like Week One in the NFL, the final week of the season is the great unknown. The Bears have been geared up to finish strong, while the Vikings are bemoaning a season of missed opportunities nearly every week. There is change in the air, which may impact this game in some way mentally.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM. Follow him on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
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