Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Bears Game

CHICAGO -- WBBM Newsradio's Jeff Joniak's keys to today's Vikings-Bears game:

RUN AROUND THE WILLIAMS WALL: Much like the Bears did in Green Bay against an underrated Packers defense they need to keep grinding out rushing yards on the Vikings. 

It’s an imposing task given few teams have run successfully against them in the past two years.  Pro Bowl tackles Kevin and Pat Williams are as good as they come in a 4-3 defensive front.

It’s another big challenge for the Bears interior three of Ruben Brown, Olin Kreutz, and Roberto Garza to clear room to run for Cedric Benson. Tight ends, receivers, and the fullback will all need to be assignment and technique sound to help spring the run game. 

The Bears ran it 21 times for 51 yards in the first 2006 meeting at the Metrodome and won by three. In the Bears 10-point Soldier Field December win, the Bears ran it 25 times for 83 yards. Benson had nine carries for 60 yards including a 24-yard touchdown run. All that came on a day the Bears managed only six  first downs and 107 yards of offense.

NO UNDERESTIMATION: It would appear highly unlikely the Bears would take this game for granted.

All they have to do is put on the tape and watch the 2007 Vikings.  They may be 1-3, but those three successive losses have come by a combined 13 points.  They frankly could have and maybe should have won all four of their games.

In addition to an outstanding run defense, the Vikings have what could eventually be a “special” running attack with highly regarded rookie Adrian Peterson and veteran Chester Taylor.  While the quarterback position is still a work in progress, they have a nice player at receiver in Sidney Rice, a rookie out of South Carolina who is flashing big play potential.
  
BLACK AND BLUE LINEBACKERS: We are blessed as fans to enjoy some of the most talented, and physically gifted linebackers in the NFC North. They will again be major factors in today’s game.  The Bears have the best two in the division in middle backer Brian Urlacher and weak side star Lance Briggs (pictured).

The Vikings boast former Maryland second round middle linebacker E.J. Henderson and weak side linebacker Chad Greenway was the 17th pick in the first round of the 2006 draft only to lose his rookie season due to injury. Greenway is currently the Vikings leading tackler.  The division is loaded with tandem backers like Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk in Green Bay and Detroit’s Ernie Sims and Boss Bailey.
 
GRIESE ENGINEERED: Ready to make his third start at quarterback for the Bears, Brian Griese has a handle on the offense.  He’s completing 64 percent of his passes and he’s starting to find all his weapons. He hit nine different targets in Green Bay spreading the field both horizontally and vertically.  The tight end package proved to be a matchup difficulty for the Packers and will be for most teams. 

The Vikings cover two base defense should present some real advantages for play caller Ron Turner and Griese. Rookie Greg Olsen can line up everywhere on the field drawing and outside linebacker he’s faster than or a defensive back he’s bigger than.

Desmond Clark has been the biggest Bears playmaker in five games, and is on his way to a career year.  Griese will keep finding this duo which should open up the outside for the wide receivers.  The Vikings have given up a lot of passing yards, but the numbers also reflect teams abandoning the run this season. 

A.D.: The initials define Adrian Peterson, Minnesota’s rookie running back from Oklahoma.  A.D. stands for “All Day” because Peterson can run all day. Despite having last week off, Peterson still leads the NFC with 549 scrimmage yards.  He’s piled up 383 yards on the ground and 166 receiving. 

He can do everything and he’s running at a five-yard clip.  Gap control and sure tackling is critical Sunday for the Bears.  Peterson is a fast, physical runner who is not shy when it comes to contact. He also figures to get an increased workload after sharing carries with the talented Chester Taylor in a loss to the Packers. Peterson had only 13 touches in that loss two weeks ago, but still had 118 yards of offense.

He’s also averaging 30  yards on four kickoff returns including a long of 51. He’s an ever-present danger.