Vikes-Bears preview

[dead_poet]

http://firststopfantasy.com/nfl-teams/m ... led-bears/

I'm obsessing over these far too much and know I'm missing some storylines. Most notably missing in this one: Ponder's suckitude, Locke, Mitchell/Bishop, Melton, Tillman, Vikings linebackers, Rudolph. But I'm rambling on enough as it is and I suppose I can't touch on everything and still get this up before the weekend. Hopefully I added something to the conversation and hit on the major things to focus on. Anyway, enjoy. Or hate. Or be indifferent.

[Mothman]

I'm amazed at how much I enjoyed, hated and was indifferent to that game preview.

Seriously, you did a great job (again). I'm really glad you put some focus on Ellison and Line near the end of that piece. I'm honestly more perplexed by the discrepancy in snaps between those two in last week's game than by the lack of more snaps for Patterson. When you consider how well Ellison blocked for peterson last season and the fact that he made an effective block on that great opening run last Sunday, it's difficult to understand why he wasn't the "main man" blocking for peterson. he should be this week.

I'll definitely have my eye on the Kalil/Peppers matchup in this game. I think it will have a big impact on the game, one way or another.

Simpson had one of his worst games of 2012 at Soldier Field. Hopefully, he'll be eager to build on what he did in Detroit and redeem himself with an even better performance this week.

One last thought: I know turnovers are a big concern, especially when ponder's involved, and I'm hoping he can avoid committing any this week. However, the Bears excel at forcing them so I think it's reasonable to expect one or two from the Vikes in this game. I'm hoping that won't happen but it seems likely so I think one of the big keys in this one will be the ability of the Vikings defense to force a few turnovers themselves, especially if they can give the offense a short field in the process (or just turn them into points themselves. Cutler's been known to throw a pick 6 once in a while).

Anyway, thanks for the link. You're doing a great job!

[dead_poet]

I'm amazed at how much I enjoyed, hated and was indifferent to that game preview.

Seriously, you did a great job (again). I'm really glad you put some focus on Ellison and Line near the end of that piece. I'm honestly more perplexed by the discrepancy in snaps between those two in last week's game than by the lack of more snaps for Patterson. When you consider how well Ellison blocked for peterson last season and the fact that he made an effective block on that great opening run last Sunday, it's difficult to understand why he wasn't the "main man" blocking for peterson. he should be this week.

I'll definitely have my eye on the Kalil/Peppers matchup in this game. I think it will have a big impact on the game, one way or another.

Simpson had one of his worst games of 2012 at Soldier Field. Hopefully, he'll be eager to build on what he did in Detroit and redeem himself with an even better performance this week.

One last thought: I know turnovers are a big concern, especially when ponder's involved, and I'm hoping he can avoid committing any this week. However, the Bears excel at forcing them so I think it's reasonable to expect one or two from the Vikes in this game. I'm hoping that won't happen but it seems likely so I think one of the big keys in this one will be the ability of the Vikings defense to force a few turnovers themselves, especially if they can give the offense a short field in the process (or just turn them into points themselves. Cutler's been known to throw a pick 6 once in a while).

Anyway, thanks for the link. You're doing a great job!

Thanks, Jim!

One of the keys to this game that I didn't mention in the article but referenced on Twitter was the need to win the turnover battle. Unless Peterson rushes for over 150 yards and 2-3 scores, I just don't see how the Vikings can pull off a road win in Chicago by losing in this area.

As much as I hate to say it, I think week 1 might be Simpson's best stat line of the season. It'll be interesting who Tillman matches up against on Sunday (likely Jennings), but it won't get much easier against CB Tim Jennings. Jennings forced two fumbles last week while Tillman had two interceptions. Last season Jennings had a league-best 9 interceptions and 21 defended passes (he's only 5'8!).

I don't like the way the Vikings' offense matches up in this one. Especially on the road. It's hard for me to predict a victory here.

[dead_poet]

Vikings QB Christian Ponder is 1-5 in NFC North road gms. The win: last yr. in Det. He threw for 111 yds. & Vikings scored twice on ST.

[S197]

Great writeup DP. It will be interesting to see if they put Rhodes of Jeffrey or if they put him on Marshall as they did with Johnson at times. In either case, I think the Vikings are better off with two larger corners going into this game vs one last year. I think Marshall has proven he can't be stopped (thanks for helping me win my league last year Brandon) so if he can be contained that would be a victory in itself.

Oh yeah, and thanks for ruining Family Guy for me. I never realized it before but I don't think I'll be able to get that image out now that it's there

[PurpleKoolaid]

Great writeup DP. It will be interesting to see if they put Rhodes of Jeffrey or if they put him on Marshall as they did with Johnson at times. In either case, I think the Vikings are better off with two larger corners going into this game vs one last year. I think Marshall has proven he can't be stopped (thanks for helping me win my league last year Brandon) so if he can be contained that would be a victory in itself.

Oh yeah, and thanks for ruining Family Guy for me. I never realized it before but I don't think I'll be able to get that image out now that it's there

They better put Cook on Marshall, and always have safety help. And if the Dline doesn't get pressure, Marshall will be a nightmare.

And very nice write DP.

[The Breeze]

I just realized that with all the analyzing and second guessing about week one results that no week 2 discussion has been started. So, I'll use this thread to express my take on how we should kick the crap out of the bears.

1st...bears fans are obnoxious at sports bars......advantage Vikings.

Seriously, I watched a good deal of the Bengals bears matchup. The bears O-line is still shakey and Cutler threw several iffy passes. The Bengals just came up short of fleecing the ball away more than once.
After a poor showing last week it could be a good opportunity for our D-line to create some serious havoc.

Unfortunately my optimism peters out there. Most of what needs to happen for a Vikes victory is obvious and remains a wait and see adventure.

Limiting turnovers is the key, as it appears to be the main cause for last weeks loss. The bears are good at forcing them. I hope there is some aspect to our gameplan that has wrinkles the bears have yet to see from us.....things to do with Jennings/Pattersn and possibly AD.

Glad week one is gone.

[NextQuestion]

Cook on Marshall? Cook got torched all last game. Put Rhodes on Marshall

[PacificNorseWest]

I agree with Rhodes on Marshall. BMarsh is as physical as they come at WR and his length and physicality has ate Minnesota alive since he's gotten to Chicago. He'll cook going against Chris. At least match up size.

I also worry about their defense against Forte who is another back with above average pass catching ability. Without a guy like Winfield who can step up and deliver a solid tackle in the flats, I wonder where they'll find it.

Offensively they need to make sure to get Patterson and Jarius Wright involved. Makes no sense not to.

[dead_poet]

Offensively they need to make sure to get Patterson and Jarius Wright involved. Makes no sense not to.

I agree, but can see the difficulty. Jennings, Wright, Peterson, Rudolph, Simpson...there's just a lot of mouths to feed on a run-first offense that has trouble staying on the field for extended drives.

[Mothman]

I agree, but can see the difficulty. Jennings, Wright, Peterson, Rudolph, Simpson...there's just a lot of mouths to feed on a run-first offense that has trouble staying on the field for extended drives.

It'll help them if the defense can get OFF the field a little more.

Last week it was a perfect storm of circumstances to minimize the number of offensive plays. The defense had trouble stopping Detroit and the offense scored quickly when they scored and then either turned it over or barely did anything the rest of the time.

Another thing they have to do this week: avoid penalties. They sustained Detroit's last TD drive for the Lions by committing penalties at the worst times.

[Tark10]

Ponder... I want Ponder to succeed as much as anyone elso here. I'm a 42 year disgruntled fan running out of patience. Unfortunately, there are more elder statesman on this site who have suffered far longer. I will post this same statement until I have reason to believe otherwise. PONDER CAN NOT READ DEFENSES.. If the primary guy is open. ok.. After that ..look out. Ponder looks a lot like David Carr when he was a Texan. Could not read defenses. If the primary receiver is covered, his eyes get big and he takes off. Typically to his left. If you all see this in Chicago. Time for Cassel. If not, it may eventually cost Frazier his job. AND I LIKE FRAZIER!

[Eli]

If not, it may eventually cost Frazier his job. AND I LIKE FRAZIER!

So do I, but at some point you have to ask whether or not his demeanor and his low key approach to head coaching work in the NFL in 2013. There's a reason Frazier didn't receive a contract extension in the offseason, and that's because the Wilfs are taking a wait and see approach to the situation. If the Vikings have a losing record this season, I think Frazier will be shown the door.

[The Breeze]

My question is, is it the Wylfs idea to wait and see on Fraizer or is it via Spielman?

I hope the latter....cause I think the ownership is too naive to be trusted.

Also....who's offensive philosophy are we seeing here?

[Mothman]

My question is, is it the Wylfs idea to wait and see on Fraizer or is it via Spielman?

I'm not convinced it wasn't just a money-saving choice. They picked up an option that will make Frazier head coach through 2014 if they do nothing more. It allows them to wait and see how things go but it also means they don't have to deal with the additional expense of a new contract until at least next offseason. It's a win-win for them and it's anybody's guess to what degree Frazier is actually on the hot seat this season.