We are just a couple of days away from the Chicago Bears starting the season on Monday Night Football.
But what will it take for the Bears to defeat the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings have a top-flight coach in Kevin O’Connell and one of the best defensive coordinators in the league as well with Brian Flores.
What answers can Ben Johnson realistically have?
It’s going to be fascinating to find out.
We asked our crew to give us their keys to the game. Here’s what they had to say.
**Sam:** A tough Monday night game to open the season isn’t what anyone wants, but there are no easy games in the NFL. Braxton Jones has to be more than solid against the blitz-happy Brian Flores defense and Caleb Williams has to get rid of the ball quickly, be decisive and process fast. I’m fascinated by the Brian Johnson vs. Flores and Kevin O’Connell matchups because Johnson is one of the most hyped offensive coaches in recent memory and O’Connell has quickly established himself as one of the better coaches in the league. Hopefully, we see Jaylon Johnson playing and following Justin Jefferson around the field. And what Dennis Allen has in store to keep J.J. McCarthy uncomfortable in his first real NFL start.
**Lester:** Ben Johnson’s ability to scheme around left tackle Braxton Jones will be crucial this week… and each game until he’s recovered and rounds into shape. The Vikes have good pass rushers who will attack him so move the pocket right, play action, maybe a 6th OL in for jumbo packages. On defense, slow Aaron Jones and the Viking run game and see what J.J. McCarthy has in his debut.
**Josh:** This game is going to come down to which team has the more comfortable quarterback. Chicago is going to need to keep Caleb clean long enough for him to be comfortable with his read so he can deliver the ball. Meanwhile, they need to make JJ McCarthy uncomfortable enough that he makes mistakes that they can exploit.
**Gary:** On offense, success will come with the run game; getting the running backs going early will help Caleb Williams and the passing offense settle in by keeping the pressure heavy Flores defense honest. Caleb Williams already has put up respectable numbers against Flores in 2024, and with a good rushing attack Ben Johnson’s fondness of play action will fully be on display. On defense keeping J. J. McCarthy off balance by generating pressure is key. A quasi-rookie making his first career start on the road, Dennis Allen needs to make his life as difficult as possible. I would expect a lot of man coverage on the backend while Allen dials up the blitz to get home.
**Mongo Peanut:** dominate the middle of the field. The Vikings have a weakness in covering over the middle, and with the addition of OZ, Loveland, and Burden, the Bears suddenly have an abundance of talent. Getting Caleb easy completions that keep the chains moving will be critical. Consequently, the Bears’ LBs need to limit big plays from Jones, and keep players like Hock and Nailer from establishing a presence in the middle. If the Bears can do those things, they should win.
**Bryan:** With two young QBs making their first starts in new offenses in prime time against division rivals, I expect this game to come down to whoever can control the line of scrimmage, particularly in the run game. Both teams invested heavily this offseason at DT, but will it be enough to slow down the opposing team’s run game? From there, the play-action passing will be key. Who can hit the big throws when it counts? McCarthy has plenty of experience doing so at Michigan, and Ben Johnson will have Caleb lean on that this season. Whomever does it best will lead their team to success in week 1.
_What are your keys to the game? What’s it going to take to for Chicago to start the season 1-o?_
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