The Chicago Bears head into their Monday night matchup with the Minnesota Vikings with a clear opportunity sitting in front of them.
According to Beacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, the Vikings‘ “biggest problem” is the unknown with quarterback JJ McCarthy and the “support issues” surrounding him. That problem could not be more pronounced as the young QB prepares for his first NFL start in a hostile environment under the bright lights at Soldier Field.
McCarthy isn’t just dealing with the usual jitters. He’ll be without key pieces of support and facing a Bears defense that has grown into one of the most opportunistic units in the NFC. If Chicago can play to its strengths, the NFC North rivals might be heading in opposite directions right from Week 1.
Minnesota’s Uncertainty with J.J. McCarthy Plays Right Into Chicago’s Hands
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
When analyzing the matchup, Gagnon pointed to the numerous factors that stacked against McCarthy.
Not only is the Vikings quarterback making his first career start in a tricky spot Monday against Chicago, but he’ll also be doing so without suspended receiver Jordan Addison,” he wrote.
Addison, who flashed as a dynamic weapon last year, was supposed to relieve some of the pressure from not only McCarthy but the rest of the offense.
Speaking on just McCarthy, CBS Sports highlighted that he’s the first first-round quarterback drafted with zero collegiate seasons with either 3,000 passing yards or 500 rushing yards since the Vikings drafted Christian Ponder in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The uncertainty doesn’t end there. Minnesota’s offensive line is also in flux. While star left tackle Christian Darrisaw is expected to play, Gagnon notes, “it’s tough to tell how effective the left tackle will be coming off a major knee injury.” Not only Darrisaw, but the Vikings added Indianapolis Colts’ offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, who are both coming off major injuries.
Bears Must Capitalize Early
The Bears can take full advantage by exposing McCarthy’s inexperience early. With a revamped defense, they can exploit the Vikings‘ weaknesses early and shift the game in their favor.
Equally important, Chicago’s offense doesn’t need to be perfect; it simply needs to be efficient. With Caleb Williams making his first start under Ben Johnson, the Bears can focus on ball control and sustained drives. The more time McCarthy spends watching from the bench, the more pressure he’ll feel when he does take the field.
The timing of this matchup also could be huge for Chicago. As Gagnon highlighted, “They [Minnesota] could easily be in the wrong place at the wrong time Monday night, and there are no soft spots on the schedule until they play the Browns in London in Week 5.
For the Vikings, an early loss in Chicago could create a ripple effect for McCarthy and the rest of the team. For the Bears, it’s the perfect chance to prove they are no longer the division’s afterthought and are ready to contend.
Bears Have Prime Opportunity to Exploit Vikings ‘Biggest Problem’