The Chicago Bears (4-9) are once again back on the field looking to end their losing streak when they face the Minnesota Vikings (11-2) on Monday Night Football. For the second time in three games, the Bears and Vikings will meet, after Minnesota defeated them in the first matchup, 30-27 in overtime after Chicago scored 17 points in the fourth quarter.
Last week in the debut of interim head coach Thomas Brown, the Bears looked flat against the San Francisco 49ers in what would be a 38-13 beatdown on the road. It was a game in which the Bears had more punts (5) than offensive yards (4) in the first half, and they only saved some respect for themselves with two touchdown passes from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze in the second half.
Chicago’s problems are clear and obvious, their offense is flat for the entire first half almost this entire season, and their defense is worn down. For majority of their performances this season, the Bears have been playing from behind and changing that has been a major point of emphasis this week, where now they’ll have to prove it. Going into Monday Night Football, here are three reasons for optimism for the Bears to end their losing streak.
1. Caleb Williams playing mistake free
In his last seven games, Williams has not thrown an interception, and until last week’s loss to the 49ers where he lost a fumble, he had not committed a turnover during that span. It seems unimaginable to have a quarterback not throw an interception in seven straight games, while his team loses all seven of those games, but that’s been the story for the Bears right now. There’s no denying the talent level of Williams at this stage of his rookie season, and after showing great success against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ heavy blitz pressures, Williams could show even more in their second matchup.
2. Vikings’ weak passing defense
If a quarterback is playing mistake free, taking care of the football, and going up against a vulnerable passing defense, it should all mean good things for him and his offense. This is the case for Williams and the Bears, facing a Vikings defense that ranks 29th in the NFL, giving up over 250 passing yards per game. Last time out, Williams threw for 340 yards, with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen combining for 192 yards and 16 catches, with a touchdown for each of them. The offense continues to come around, and the passing game could be their key to success against Minnesota.
3. Thomas Brown needs this victory
Brown’s coaching debut went as bad as it could for an interim head coach looking to get a good look for the permanent role in 2025. Having five games to prove himself worthy as head coach, Brown and the Bears will have three games against NFC North opponents, none of which will be easy to win, with two of them (Minnesota and Green Bay) taking place on the road. Brown is not only looking to get a win and end the team’s losing streak, but he’s looking to show a football team competent and ready to play. After the embarrassing display of effort in San Francisco, Brown will have to show he can quickly turn this team around against Minnesota.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: Reasons for optimism in Week 15 prime-time matchup