Windy City Gridiron
Looking back on Week 1 is hard — the Chicago Bears dominated a middling Minnesota Vikings team before losing late. At the time, it felt like equal parts the Bears folding to their old ways and the Vikings maintaining a winning mettle.
But in retrospect, given the shape of the season, it sure feels like a missed opportunity. After McCarthy won Offensive Player of the Week, he has been downright bad, to the tune of a 65 Passer Rating and 27 QBR, both figures near league worst. In a vacuum, the Bears could be 7-2 right now, alone atop the NFC North and with a clear path to the playoffs. Instead, they are on the edge of the playoffs and in desperate need of a statement win.
As we pass the mid-point of the season, these teams have a lot to play for, with major players with a lot to prove. My focus this week was going to be on two players who wear the number 9, and who both need to make an impact. But with Bears safety Jaquan Brisker sidelined with a back injury, he may not be able to play Sunday, so I had to pivot.
If by some chance Brisker is able to go, then he’d be my pick for the key one on one matchup this week, but with his back issue messing up my planned 9 vs 9 jokes, I’ll stay at safety, and spotlight Kevin Byard III.
MCarthy has thrown six interceptions this season, with three of them coming against safeties (Billy Bowman, Xavier Watts, and Malaki Starks). Both of his interceptions last week came on deep passes, an indication that he is not always on the same page with his receivers.
Byard is tied for the league lead with four interceptions, and his 48 tackles are second on the Bears. He also has five passes defended and three tackles for loss. His leadership and football IQ will need to shine in getting Chicago’s secondary all on the same page to stymie and confuse McCarthy in what he’s seeing with the Bears’ coverage.
Additionally, McCarthy is an above-average runner, capable of making plays with his legs. Byard’s willingness to attack the line of scrimmage and stop runners outside of the pocket will be important for the Bears to keep McCarthy’s legs in check.
If the Vikings are going to beat the Bears’ defense, it’s going to be with intermediate to deep passes and McCarthy keeping drives alive with his legs. The Bears need Byard to step up and make an impact in this game, especially with Brisker possibly sitting out.
A big game by Byard will go a long way in ensuring this result is different from Week 1.
