Bears-Vikings: 5 Matchups To Watch
By Dan Durkin-
(CBS) The Bears play their first home game in nearly a month this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Will they be rudely greeted or cheered on by their jaded fan base? Having already been swept on the season by the Packers, Sunday's game is a must-win for the Bears.
Here are five matchups to focus on throughout the game.
Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod vs. Vikings right defensive end Everson Griffen -- Bushrod has been the Bears' most reliable pass blocker, and Griffen has been the Vikings' most reliable pass rusher, so this will be a great individual battle. The Bears typically leave Bushrod on an island, trusting his ability to win one-on-one matchups. Griffen is a tremendous athlete who converts speed to power on the edge and is frequently used on stunts. Bushrod must be patient and balanced in his pass protection sets, as Griffen plays with great footwork and shows burst to close around the edge.
Bears right guard Kyle Long vs. Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd -- Many thought Floyd might end up with the Bears in the first round of the 2013 draft, but the Bears opted for Long instead. Both of these players have proved worthy of their early draft status, but Floyd's ascension at his position has been more rapid than that of Long. Floyd has first-step quickness and plays with violent hands to dictate engagements inside. Long must play with low pads as Floyd fires off low out of his stance to bulldoze the interior of the offensive line and press the pocket.
Bears right defensive end Jared Allen vs. Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil -- These two former teammates spent two years going against each other every day in practice, so they know each other's tendencies. After suffering a knee injury, Kalil is literally still getting his legs underneath him, as he's struggled to start the season. Allen is also struggling this season, registering a mere one-and-a-half sacks in eight games. Allen is still looking for a half-step in his rushes, but he'll have opportunities to get home against Kalil, who has been vulnerable when mirroring edge rushers.
Bears strong-side linebacker Shea McClellin vs. Vikings fullback Jerome Felton -- Felton is a bit of a relic in today's pass-happy NFL, as traditional fullbacks are few and far between. Nonetheless, Felton is one of the best lead blockers in the league and can take on linebackers at the second level and spring running backs on counters and lead plays. Even without Adrian Peterson, the Vikings use a traditional two-back run attack, which means the Bears will play a lot in their base defense. McClellin has struggled to shed blockers throughout his career, so the Vikings will surely target him early and often with strong-side running plays.
Bears strong safety Ryan Mundy vs. Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph -- Rudolph was a full participant this week in practice and looks to be recovered from his sports hernia injury. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is an intermediate thrower, which means Rudolph should be in line for several targets Sunday. All season, the Bears have struggled to defend opposing tight ends. Look for the Vikings to use a lot of play-action throws to test the Bears' linebackers eye discipline, which could create voids up the middle where Mundy patrols.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
