Vikings at Bears

Vikings at Bears

12pm Central

RIVALRY GAME!

This week looks to be a very important game for both the Vikings and the Bears. Both teams can at steal a share of the divisional lead if the Lions lose. In a division that is as seemingly weak as the NFC North, all teams are in the race regardless of thier record.

The Vikings will be looking to put behind the Sex Boat allegations this week with a win, thus shifiting the national focus from thier off-field exploits, to thier on-field pilliaging. But considering the Vikings last game against the Falcons, thier on field pilliaging is nothing to really talk about. At least with the Sex Boat scandal, no one really focused on thier terrible performance on the field this year.

The Bears have also had thier problems on-field this year. They have a had a highly regarded defense coming into the year, like the Vikings, but also like the Vikings it has seemed to be more in terms of payroll size than performance. Lovie Smith was quoted as saying, ""We're set up to avoid the big play. Teams have to earn it a little at a time. We're not set up to give up big plays like that. We're not supposed to lose games like that, so yes, it's disappointing."

Look for the Vikings to nickle and dime the Bears defense all day, with little dump off passes, runs up the middle, and quick button hooks, ins and outs. The Vikings may not have the big play threat anymore due to the weakened offesive line, but Culpepper proved last year that he was able to hit the little guy with regularity. If Moore and Williams can set up the running game, we should be able to sustain long drives and keep the defense on the field for long periods of time. If we can wear out the defense with old fashioned football, wee may open up that deep threat. Make sure to keep a close eye of the offensive play calling this week. This could be the major factor in the outcome.

Major focus should also be on Daunte Culpepper this week. Keep a close eye on how he plays and juxtapose it with last year. It seems as though he has regressed greatly from last year. Some may claim that he does not have the O-line he used to have, some may say that he does no have the same quality of recievers. But when it comes down to it, he has made some retarded passes this year. He is taking too much time in the pocket, throwing the ball late, and always way off target. Depending upon his performance this week, there may be calls to institute Brad Johnson as the starter for a week. We have made quarterback switches in mid-season in the past, namely with Brad Johnson. Brad Johnson may be getting a little older, but he can hit the open reciever and has good vison. Considering we are in a close divisional race right now, and the guy manning the rudder is drunk, a change of QB may be a good move. But Daunte must prove himself incapable before this should happen. It is Daunte's job to lose.

The Bears are coming into this game with one of the lowest scoring offenses in the League (26th), and one of the worst passing games also (30th). The Vikings come into this game with a defense that has given up 26.8 points per game (27th), and the worst run defense in the league, giving up 178 yards per game. The Vikings should be able to shut down the passing game but may have to deal with an injured Thomas Jones with a 4.8 yard average. Kyle Orton will be starting as QB for the Bears, which does not really mean anything. Second stringers historically have a way of suprising the Viking defense.

Changes to the norm that will be made this week

Newman for Harris

Johnson in for Udeze

Goldberg for Johnson

Withrow will be replace by Fowler

Sharper Returns

This game will be a close one as two second rate offenses take on two second rate defenses. Look to the playcalling from the sidelines to determine who will attempt to take a share of the divisional lead.

Score Prediction - Vikings 17 Bears 14

Gameday Hero's - Sharper, Wiggins, and Brian Williams for not playing

Gameday Goat's - Goldberg, Edinger

"SERIES HISTORY - 89th meeting. Minnesota the leads series, 47-39-2, including playoffs, but hasn't won in Chicago since 2000. The Vikings, who have played the Bears more than any other opponent, are 20-21-2 against Chicago on the road." (Foxsports.com)

Skol Vikings, let's win the game!!!