The Chicago Bears face a steep challenge on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Not only do they have to play in a tough road venue, but they’re also playing an opponent with one of the hottest offenses in the NFL. That isn’t great news, considering how hard it’s been for the Bears to score points this year. Now they must contend with Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, and Kirk Cousins. Then again, they may not fear Cousins as much as some may think.
The longtime Vikings quarterback hasn’t exactly had a pristine start to 2022. Over the past three games, he’s thrown for 754 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. Minnesota still managed to eke out narrow wins over Detroit and New Orleans, but perhaps people are too quick to hand them an easy victory over Chicago. One person Cousins probably isn’t too happy to see is Matt Eberflus. Things didn’t go well the last time the quarterback and longtime coach faced off. Courtney Cronin of ESPN brought it up in her recent column.
“Kirk Cousins will have another three-interception day against the Bears’ defense, akin to the last time the Vikings played against Matt Eberflus in Indianapolis, where Cousins recorded a 15.7 passer rating and three picks. This scheme has not changed and is bolstered on the back end by Eddie Jackson, who leads the NFC in interceptions with three in four games.”
Eberflus’ history against Kirk Cousins goes back even further.
Before joining Indianapolis, he was part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff in 2017. They played Cousins twice that year when he was still the starter for the Washington Redskins. The results were much the same. Though he threw for 514 yards, he had three touchdowns, three interceptions, and four fumbles in those two games. Washington lost both of them. So Eberflus has a good idea of what it takes to fluster the former Pro Bowler.
Unfortunately, the Bears’ defense won’t be at its best Sunday. Top cornerback Jaylon Johnson is doubtful for the game due to a quad injury. That makes covering Jefferson much more difficult. They also have the worst run defense in the league, making Cook a big concern. If they can’t stop the run, Kirk Cousins won’t have to worry about throwing the ball much. However, if they can run the game plan Eberflus wants to, the quarterback could be in for another long day.
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Be patient Bears fans. Follow the Jimmy Johnson formula. Let da Bears tank this and next season. Secure top 3 picks each year. Build a talented roster. If da Bears don’t make the playoffs in year three, time to clean house again.
Play Sanborn at LB sit Thomas. He was great at Wisconsin against the run!
I am most assured that Cousins is shivering in his boots from the game plan Mat Nagyflus and his “pee wee” crew are devising for the Vikings.
alan williams is no matt eberflus though
If they don’t run it 35 times, the Vikings are crazy