IceRatz16 wrote:

He played well, IMO. But for all the good, you have to weigh that incredibly easy missed interception heavily when evaluating his overall game, especially since GB scored a few plays later.
If this is a critical game late in the season, in the playoffs, or in the Super Bowl, you have to make that play. Those are the kinds of missed opportunities that have defined far too many years of heartache for this franchise. We cannot afford to let that happen again, especially against the Bears this week.

Yes, that would have turned the game much earlier. But you also have to credit him with running down the WR that was somehow wide open beyond Jackson. He would have scored if not for Rodgers. And I think we held them to a FG at that point.

YEA!!!! To my surprise it's being aired locally for me! As a rule, if we play same time & same network as an NFCE team, that's the game I'm stuck with. Doing the happy dance.

Week 2 Coverage Map for early FOX games.

Minnesota @ Chicago - Joe Davis, Greg Olsen

Philadelphia @ Tennessee - Adam Amin, Drew Brees

Carolina @ Atlanta - Tim Brando, Matt Millen

Green Bay @ NY Jets - Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/onsi/bears-vikings-quarterback-nfl-week-2

Bears Can See Vikings Make Key Quarterback Mistake in Week 2

The Bears head into Week 2 as a -5.5-point favorite at the spread against the Vikings. Minnesota's best chance to cover and win may be with their accidental QB1, Carson Wentz.

It's unclear if Kevin O'Connell wants to embrace Wentz just yet, though.

Kyler Murray is still the team's planned quarterback for the season, though his status for Week 2 remains murky.

As the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, it'd be a surprise to see Wentz lock the job down if he gets the nod this Sunday. Murray is currently in the concussion protocol.

“I think with Kyler … everyone was looking forward to seeing the different dimensions this offense can have with a really dynamic quarterback who could move to throw,” Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee Show. “I’d be surprised if [Wentz] was their starting quarterback. Kyler is gonna come back, and I would expect it to be him.”

Rapoport's NFL Network colleague Mike Garofolo gives Wentz a more realistic shot to win the job against Chicago if Murray can't suit up.

“If not, Carson Wentz once again. Wentz played extremely well. How about the Carson Wentz career arc? Let’s see if he winds up being the guy. We’ll keep that updated throughout the week," Garofolo said.

Vikings Risk Plenty Bringing Kyler Murray Back Against Bears in Week 2

Murray making it back on Sunday would be a massive surprise. Bringing him back too soon would be a gaffe on O'Connell's part.

While Murray doesn't have a history of concussions, his one-year deal with the Vikings would be wasted if his return was rushed and he was immediately reinjured.

The Tua Tagovailoa situation in Miami over the past several years should be a warning to any NFL coaching staff considering rushing back a concussed quarterback from injury.

Without Murray in uniform during the 2026 season, J.J. McCarthy would be one awkward landing away from being the starter again, as things stand.

Week 2 is not important enough for O'Connell to risk being in that spot.

Bears Are Actually Less Equipped to Handle Carson Wentz

It'd be a shame for Minnesota if Murray couldn't attempt to match Caleb Williams' firepower as a dual-threat. A shame for Murray. Maybe not necessarily the Vikings.

The Bears struggled against traditional pocket passers like Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, and Joe Burrow in 2025. Wentz would probably give Dennis Allen more fits based on the personnel. Plus, he's riding Week 1 momentum.

We'll see if Murray's recovery forces O'Connell into a bad decision this coming Sunday.

https://beargoggleson.com/caleb-williams-should-easily-throw-for-350-yards-in-bears-week-2-vikings-game

Caleb Williams should easily throw for 350 yards in Bears' Week 2 Vikings game

The Chicago Bears had a field day on offense in their 59-37 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, largely thanks to nearly 300 yards on the ground. Expect the opposite to happen in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, courtesy of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Chicago got an outstanding performance from Williams, who completed 72.4% of his passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He used his legs more than the Bears fan base has ever seen, logging 10 carries for 65 yards and two more scores in the win.

Williams looked like a completely different, improved quarterback than the one on the field last year. That could be good news for the rest of the season, but in Week 2 against the Vikings, it should terrify their defense with what's about to happen.

Caleb Williams is ready to lite up Vikings' defense in Week 2 Bears game

Minnesota's defense is well known as one of the NFL's best thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his exotic looks. That Vikings unit was not the same one fans have been accustomed to seeing over the last few seasons.

In their Week 1 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings' defense allowed 353 yards, tying for the second-highest total with the Bears. They got the victory, which matters, but Williams must be foaming at the mouth to throw it on this defense.

For one, the Vikings' secondary is clearly not where it needs to be. They have an aging Harrison Smith who is not the same guy he was five years ago. Once a reliable veteran corner, Byron Murphy Jr. struggled against the Packers, allowing four receptions and a passer rating of 85.4.

With Murphy in the nickel position, that might be the opening Williams needs to exploit that situation. He and Kalif Raymond had really good chemistry in Week 1, as he led the Bears in receiving with eight receptions for 84 yards. Watch for Williams to attack that part of the Vikings' defense to perfection.

Another reason is that the Vikings are the most blitzed team in the NFL exiting Week 1. Flores blitzed over 80% of the Vikings-Packers game.

Williams likely won't get as many rushing yards, since the Vikings plan to send the house early and often. That will open the middle of the field for guys like Raymond, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet to get open and make big plays. Vikings could be in for a living nightmare in the middle of the field against the Bears' stellar tight ends.

There is every opportunity for Williams to go out there in Week 2 and sling the ball around for over 350 yards, as the Vikings have already exposed every issue they have on defense entering the game. Chicago's offense is so good that this is Williams' chance to show off the arm and put up big yards in the air.

https://beargoggleson.com/kalif-raymond-will-make-vikings-secondary-pay-by-exposing-their-weakness

Kalif Raymond will make Vikings' secondary pay by exposing their weakness

He is going to make them hurt.

The Chicago Bears got a surprise performance from their starting slot receiver, Kalif Raymond, in Week 1 that might work to their advantage in their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.

In last week's 59-37 shootout win over the Carolina Panthers, Raymond led the team in receptions. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams targeted Raymond nine times, and Raymond caught eight for 84 yards in the win.

It was surprising to see Raymond pay so well, especially after all the offseason and preseason hype about Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze. That might be the key to the Bears beating the Vikings in Week 2, though.

Kalif Raymond holds the key to a Bears win over the Vikings in Week 2

The Vikings' secondary got gashed by the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 despite picking up the double-digit win. They surrendered 353 yards in the victory, but one Minnesota player seemed to take the biggest hits.

Vikings corners James Pierre and Isaiah Rodgers played well and earned high grades from Pro Football Focus. Nickel corner and veteran Byron Murphy Jr. really struggled in the Vikings-Packers game. He allowed four receptions for 60 yards, with a passer rating of 85.4.

Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 54.4, ranking 63rd out of 91 corners in the NFL. He also received a coverage grade of 57.3 and a run-defense grade of 49.3.

Raymond, on the other hand, earned a spectacular PFF grade of 90.2 overall, ranking seventh out of 65 receivers. They also gave him a receiving grade of 86.8, ranking eighth among 65 qualified wide receivers.

Chicago now has a simple solution: get the ball to Raymond. Murphy will go up against Raymond, making it easier for the Bears to know what to do.

The Vikings blitzed over 80% of the time in the win over the Packers, which is just music to Bears head coach Ben Johnson's ears. All Chicago needs to do on those blitzes is get Raymond on a quick slant or crossing route and let his speed do the rest against Murphy, who won't be able to keep up.

This could also open the door for the Bears' tight ends, Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, to have monster days. If Murphy somehow gets stuck covering those guys, that could become a massive advantage for the Bears to exploit.

As long as the Bears keep attacking the middle of the field, they should have a massive advantage over the Vikings. Raymond could make that Week 1 performance look like child's play compared to how he can seriously hurt Murphy and Minnesota.

Bradbury strikes again.

Garrett Bradbury got manhandled by Panthers rookie NT Lee Hunter

we'll see how he holds up this week vs Big Citrus 🍊 https://t.co/3FxnhzkgZW

— Krauser (@Krauserrific) September 16, 2026

Cricket wrote:

https://beargoggleson.com/caleb-williams-should-easily-throw-for-350-yards-in-bears-week-2-vikings-game
Caleb Williams should easily throw for 350 yards in Bears' Week 2 Vikings gameThe Chicago Bears had a field day on offense in their 59-37 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, largely thanks to nearly 300 yards on the ground. Expect the opposite to happen in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, courtesy of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Chicago got an outstanding performance from Williams, who completed 72.4% of his passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He used his legs more than the Bears fan base has ever seen, logging 10 carries for 65 yards and two more scores in the win.
Williams looked like a completely different, improved quarterback than the one on the field last year. That could be good news for the rest of the season, but in Week 2 against the Vikings, it should terrify their defense with what's about to happen.
Caleb Williams is ready to lite up Vikings' defense in Week 2 Bears gameMinnesota's defense is well known as one of the NFL's best thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his exotic looks. That Vikings unit was not the same one fans have been accustomed to seeing over the last few seasons.
In their Week 1 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings' defense allowed 353 yards, tying for the second-highest total with the Bears. They got the victory, which matters, but Williams must be foaming at the mouth to throw it on this defense.
For one, the Vikings' secondary is clearly not where it needs to be. They have an aging Harrison Smith who is not the same guy he was five years ago. Once a reliable veteran corner, Byron Murphy Jr. struggled against the Packers, allowing four receptions and a passer rating of 85.4.
With Murphy in the nickel position, that might be the opening Williams needs to exploit that situation. He and Kalif Raymond had really good chemistry in Week 1, as he led the Bears in receiving with eight receptions for 84 yards. Watch for Williams to attack that part of the Vikings' defense to perfection.
Another reason is that the Vikings are the most blitzed team in the NFL exiting Week 1. Flores blitzed over 80% of the Vikings-Packers game.
Williams likely won't get as many rushing yards, since the Vikings plan to send the house early and often. That will open the middle of the field for guys like Raymond, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet to get open and make big plays. Vikings could be in for a living nightmare in the middle of the field against the Bears' stellar tight ends.
There is every opportunity for Williams to go out there in Week 2 and sling the ball around for over 350 yards, as the Vikings have already exposed every issue they have on defense entering the game. Chicago's offense is so good that this is Williams' chance to show off the arm and put up big yards in the air.

I hope the Bear's think Flores is going to blitz at an 80% rate.

Based on history, I highly doubt that will happen.

LIVE: Head Coach Kevin O'Connell talks to the media https://t.co/C6RMIld1E7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

greediron wrote:

Hmm, wonder if the o-line can open a hole big enough to drive a Ford or Bentley thru?

They've signed Ford to the practice squad.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announces the #Vikings have placed RB Jordan Mason (thumb) on IR and signed RB DeeJay Dallas to the 53-man roster.

RB Jerome Ford has also been signed to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/3ixNEuxzGt

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

QB Kyler Murray (concussion) will be limited during today's practice as he progresses through the protocol.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

Kevin O'Connell on what he's seen of @DallasDeejay so far pic.twitter.com/ijtX3Qopxk

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

"I told our recievers today it's going to be a challenge... you got to have a plan, work your technique and you got to compete" - Kevin O'Connell on Chicago's defense pic.twitter.com/4RaZBnohXd

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

The expectation is to go out and do whatever you think is best to win a football game. pic.twitter.com/e67ol85yvM

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

Kyler Murray will be a limited participant in practice today, per Kevin O’Connell. Means he has moved at least to phase 3 of the 5-phase concussion protocol.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 16, 2026

O’Connell says Murray has plenty of reps logged this summer and the team will monitor him during the week. https://t.co/sPGdtTwSuD

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 16, 2026

Kevin O’Connell makes clear the Vikings haven’t ruled out Kyler Murray for Sunday’s game in Chicago. Likely would need to be medically cleared by Friday for him to play.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 16, 2026

The Jordan Mason absence certainly hurts. Thought he had a phenomenal training camp, and his 28-yard hit late in Sunday's boosted the run game reuslts. Mason forces missed tackles. Creates more responsibility for the scheme and run-blocking unit.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 16, 2026

#Vikings RB’s:

• Aaron Jones
• Jordan Mason (IR)
• Demond Claiborne
• Deejay Dallas
• Jerome Ford (PS) https://t.co/3J5m6YfZ0w

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 16, 2026

Never in doubt.@showtyme_33

📺: https://t.co/Rzh8T78Y8s pic.twitter.com/mfALeYPsFi

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2026

Kevin O'Connell with very high praise for Dallas Turner:

"He's always (had) the physical talent. So gifted athletically. Strength, his ability to use his length as a rusher. Slowly and surely sometimes at that position, it happens. When he first got here, he had two Pro Bowlers…

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 16, 2026

Kevin O'Connell with very high praise for Dallas Turner:

"He's always (had) the physical talent. So gifted athletically. Strength, his ability to use his length as a rusher. Slowly and surely sometimes at that position, it happens. When he first got here, he had two Pro Bowlers in the same position group. It's not like you can say 'Hey, we're gonna throw him in there at a different spot.' That's not great for his development, to help him get to where I believe he is now.

I do believe he's maximized his offseason. He's maximized his comfort in the defense. Flo and his staff have done a phenomenal job pinpointing how to activate him as one of our real impact players. And then he's following it up with a toolbox and a skillset now, to be hard to block 1 on 1. He's hard to block within our scheme, where people are obviously concerned about pressure.

And then it's his comfort level of applying the techniques and his athleticism in those moments that's so exciting. I've seen it firsthand, trying to move the ball against that group in training camp. And then just, there's a maturity factor that comes along when you've put in all that work. You just feel it. He's a guy, got a bunch of votes to be a captain. People look at him, not only as an ascending player on the scene now, but a guy that's gonna have an impact here for a really long time."