Five Fun Facts About The Bears-Vikings Week 2 Game
By Adam Carlson
Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) attempts to sack Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will attempt to rebound in Chicago against the Bears after a disappointing defeat in Detroit on Sunday. The Vikings lost in every phase of that game, and will hopefully be more prepared for this game. But let’s put that Detroit game behind us and take a look at a few things to look forward to in week 2.
Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Members of the Chicago Bears pays tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears will be wearing their 1940’s throwback jerseys. The team made this announcement via their Twitter account on September 11th. The classic look of these jerseys helps remind the team of the success that they had during the 40’s when they wore this style on a regular basis. The last time they wore these jerseys was in their home finale against the Packers, where they lost 21-13.
Dec 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Referee Ed Hochuli (85) makes a call during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Hochuli and his crew have been assigned to referee the game. This isn’t really that big of a deal, but I think every football fan at some point has made reference to Hochuli’s “guns”. I know I always love to joke around that he purposely flexes each and every opportunity he gets on camera just to show off those muscles he has.
Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (93) against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings DT Kevin Williams is back. Williams has been out since his preseason injury against the San Francisco 49ers. He finally resumed practicing this week and is expected to get the start against the Bears. Rookie Sharrif Floyd got the start in his place in week 1, but the Vikings can use his experience and leadership back on the field.
Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens former head coach Brian Billick is interviewed by FOX reporter Laura Okmin during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The game will be called by Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick with Laura Okmin on the sidelines. Maybe it’s just me, but I love when the Vikings have a game on Fox that isn’t called by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Brennaman and Billick always keep the conversation flowing while actually talking about what is going on during the game. It’s nice not to have to mute the TV.
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) and Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) talk after the game at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Cincinnati 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears are currently 6 point favorites in Vegas. While part of that has to be the home-field advantage, I think a lot of it has to do with the way these teams are playing. With the Bears coming off an impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, they have a lot of momentum coming into this game. The Vikings, meanwhile, are trying to bounce back after a crushing defeat. The Vikings have not won in Chicago since 2007.
If you can’t be at the game, I hope that you find a comfortable place to enjoy this one. It should be a fight between these two division rivals. Both teams are looking for respect in the league and know that winning is the only way to get that.