The Minnesota Vikings are looking to turn their season around amid a losing record and last place in the NFC North. They’ll face a fierce division rival, the Chicago Bears, who have quietly put themselves into the conversation for a playoff spot if they can keep finding ways to win.
They’ve managed to turn a corner under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who has been trusting his quarterback, Caleb Williams, despite the constant scrutiny and criticism he’s faced. A lot of that arrived after the Bears dropped their season opener, and when Williams looked shaky in several other losses.
Following an injury hiatus, Minnesota has its young star quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, in the lineup for Sunday’s crucial home game against a Bears team he defeated in a comeback victory at Soldier Field to start the season. Even though the Vikings have that previous win, the Vikings coaching staff isn’t taking Caleb Williams and the Bears lightly.
Read more: Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Makes Concerning Statement About Broncos Game
During this week’s press conference, Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, recently spoke about what Williams is doing this season and what his team must do to secure another vital win against the Bears.
“I think you can see major improvements, just from mechanics, command of the offense. You know, he’s still you know one of the most elusive and big-time quarterback mobility and arm strength and can make throws from every angle,” he said, adding that Williams is “certainly a lot better at just sitting in the pocket and making throws.”
He also said that Williams “looks like he thrives” in the big moments when he’s under pressure to lead his team to a victory.
“For us, we know that when it comes down to those moments—which most NFL games do—we’ve got to be at our best because he’s going to be at his best, and so are they. It’s a division game, so that’s probably what it’s going to be: a 60-minute battle,” he told reporters.
Flores extended his praise for the Bears offense, noting coach Johnson’s “great schematics” and how “everybody is playing well for them right now,” including the receivers, running backs, tight ends, and offensive line.
In September’s home game against the Vikings, Williams threw 21-of-35 completions for 210 yards and a touchdown. He also scored a rushing touchdown and took two sacks.
In that game, the Bears looked amazing on their opening drive for a touchdown, and through the first half. However, one of the major takeaways was that Minnesota scored 28 points in the fourth quarter and prevented Caleb and the Bears from getting a late-game win to start their season.
Since their season-opening win, the Vikings have stumbled, losing five of their next eight games. They currently sit at 4-5 in the division, below the Green Bay Packers at 5-3-1 and the Bears and Detroit Lions at 6-3. However, Minnesota holds wins against both Chicago and Detroit this season.
Another division win against the Bears could ultimately propel them to a win streak, or at least move them closer to a tiebreaker should it come down to that for an NFC Wild Card spot near the end of the season.
Read more: Giants Make Starting QB Decision Amid Jaxson Dart Injury
For more Chicago Bears and NFL news, visit Newsweek Sports.
