Chicago Bears takes on NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 – NFL Preview
Chicago Bears will face their National Football Conference (NFC) North opponents Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 on Sunday, December 09, 2012, at Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Despite stumbling in Week 13 with a 17-23 defeat against Seattle Seahawks, Bears are aiming to resume regular service on the field and take one step forward in cementing a place in the playoffs.
Bears (8-4) are firmly placed at first position in NFC North. However, they are facing tough competition from Vikings, who despite having a roster full of young and inexperienced players are alive in the playoff contention.
Vikings are standing at the edge and a loss against Bears would nearly make it impossible for them to qualify for the playoffs.
The team still has services of marvellous running back Adrian Peterson who has the ability change the course of the game at any moment. Giving his views about Peterson, Bears head coach Lovie Smith said:
"He ran for 210 yards -- that's important -- but it's not as important to him as the fact that we didn't win the game. He's a total team guy."
Peterson is currently leading the league with 1,446 rushing yards and has scored eight touchdowns.
Meanwhile, quarterback Christian Ponder has struggled to get going lately. The player finished last game with 12 of 25 for 119 yards and scored a touchdown.
Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier insists that quarterback will come up with goods this time. Frazier said:
"We believe that Christian is our No. 1. That being said, if things get to a point where your No. 1 is really costing you some situations that could preclude winning, you do have to do what's best for the football team."
Vikings have a 5-1 record at home this season and could benefit from playing at home. They could also be helped on the way by Bears’ defence that is struggling to cope up with injuries.
Vikings are expected to have their star defensive end Jared Allen on the field even though the player is having back spasms.
Bears are currently without star linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, and cornerback Charles Tillman.
Urlacher might not be able to play again with Bears who drafted him in the 2000 offseason. Giving his views about this scenario, Urlacher said:
"I do not think that's going to happen. But, if it does, I have had a really good and long career so I would be sad, but I would not be crushed."
Bears have not lost a single game against their division rivals since the 2010 season. The two teams will face each other for the second time in three weeks. During the last contest against Vikings in Week 12, Bears won 28-10.
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