Minnesota Vikings: 4 steps to beating the Chicago Bears

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Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates his sack during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4) Keep the pass rush going against Jay Cutler

The Minnesota Vikings have the third highest graded pass rush according to Pro Football Focus so far this season. While PFF’s grades are an excellent tool, it’s the actual numbers of the individual pass rushers and how quarterback Jay Cutler does against the rush that matters most.

PFF also measures the pass rushing productivity (hits, hurries, and sacks on quarterbacks compared to pass rushing snaps) and two Vikings defenders are among the top-10 most productive in the NFL this season. Both Brian Robison and Everson Griffen have been impressive this season, getting after the quarterback consistently 371 pass rushing snaps and accumulating 49 pressures in the process.

Perhaps more importantly, Jay Cutler does not perform well against pressure. PFF provides measurements here as well and are able to show that when under pressure, Cutler is completing less than 50 percent of his passes. When facing blitzes, he is completing exactly 50 percent.

If the Vikings can keep the pressure on Cutler, they can disrupt an offense that may have to rely on the passing game to keep pace with the Vikings, especially if the Vikes can keep the touches to Matt Forte at a minimum.

On the whole, the talent of the Vikings should be more than enough to overwhelm the Bears in this Week 8 matchup.

Next: 5 Vikings with rising stock

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