Here are some other things I’m looking forward to when these NFC North rivals clash.
The Vikings reshaped the interior of their offensive line with the additions of Will Fries and Ryan Kelly and the drafting of Donovan Jackson. Guess what? The Bears reshaped their interior offensive line with the trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and the signing of Drew Dalman. Trench warfare will be fascinating Monday as the new Bears unit squares off against the Vikings front, and the Vikings’ improved line opens lanes for an enhanced running game. Fries vs. Grady Jackson. Brian O’Neill vs. Montez Sweat. I can’t wait.
KOC vs. Dennis Allen
Allen, the new Bears defensive coordinator, was 26-53 as an NFL head coach, but his defenses have easily been in the top 10 in the league for most of his career. This creates a cat-and-mouse situation with Vikings play-caller Kevin O’Connell. Allen likes to blitz more than his defensive play-calling predecessor, Matt Eberflus. And he wants his secondary to play more aggressively. O’Connell, on the flip side, is committing to the run more than ever with the aforementioned new linemen and the addition of Jordan Mason to pair with Aaron Jones. Both teams will see some wrinkles they aren’t used to seeing from their rival.
J.J. vs. J.J.?
Hopefully, the matchup between Pro Bowl players Justin Jefferson and Jaylon Johnson will occur. Jefferson, who was held out of practices with what was described as a hamstring issue, was not listed on injury reports last week. Johnson, a cornerback, suffered what he has called a “bad, bad” groin strain during the offseason and just returned to practice last week. He was limited in practice last week and listed as questionable on Sunday’s injury report. If Johnson can’t play, or is limited, this is a huge matchup advantage for the Vikings. Because the next man up would likely be Nahshon Wright, who appeared in one game for the Vikings last season.
This is a late story line entry. The playing surface Monday could be an issue, which wouldn’t be the first time at Soldier Field. Players have complained about the playing surface there through the years.
This time, five consecutive days of concerts there before Labor Day forced new grass to be installed, just a week before the first Monday night game of the season. The Vikings better pack the seven-stud cleats, just in case.