4 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears – Week 17
By Adam Patrick
Mack doesn’t make a difference
There may be no bigger difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL this season than Bears pass rusher Khalil Mack.
In 13 games this year, Mack has a total of 47 tackles (10 for a loss), 18 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. His presence on the field has been a tremendous part of Chicago’s turnaround this season.
Back in Week 11, the Vikings had a lot of trouble trying to contain Mack. During his team’s win over Minnesota, the Chicago linebacker generated five quarterback pressures and forced one fumble.
But that was against a Vikings offense that had John DeFilippo leading the way. With Kevin Stefanski calling the plays for the last two weeks, Minnesota has been able to minimize the opposing defense’s pass rush and their ability to cause game-changing turnovers.
Expect the Vikings’ interim offensive coordinator to put his team in a good position once again on Sunday against Chicago and prevent Mack from making any sort of impact on the result.