5 things to watch for in the Vikings Week 4 game vs. the Bears
By Chris Schad
Can the Vikings contain the Bears’ pass rush?
If you watched the Bears’ victory over the Washington Redskins on Monday night, you can confirm that the Chicago defense is still good in the early going of 2019. While there are many pieces that make the Bears’ defense one of the best in the NFL, the biggest concern for the Vikings might be their pass rush.
Through three weeks, Khalil Mack has picked up where he left off from 2018 as he came into last night’s Philadelphia/Green Bay game tied for the NFL lead along with Cameron Jordan and Danielle Hunter with 20 quarterback pressures. His pass-rushing productivity rating is also strong with 10 snaps per pressure and finding a way to slow him down will be a priority for Kevin Stefanski and the Vikings offense.
The bigger problem, however, may be on the interior line. Although Akiem Hicks has missed time this week with a knee injury, he was a terror against the Vikings last season, collecting eight pressures including three sacks in the two meetings against Minnesota.
With Garrett Bradbury showing flashes of greatness, he has had his bad moments in the trenches too while struggling in pass protection. Mix in Josh Kline being out with a concussion and the Vikings should have their hands full even if Hicks is forced to miss Sunday’s contest.