WHAT 2WATCH4
Keymatchup
The Vikings sacked Lions quarterback Matt Stafford six times last week, with defensive end Danielle Hunter setting the tone early by beating Lions right tackle RickWagner twice for sacks. Bears right tackle BobbyMassie knows what he’s up against.
“Hunter’s … big, explosive. He’s got long arms,” Massie said. “I know him. He knows me. We’ve played against each other a few times over the years. It’ll be a good game.”
The onus in general will be on the Bears’ offensive line, including the tight ends, to keep Mitch Trubisky as clean as possible in his first NFL start.
“Just so he can keep his confidence up,” Massie said. “It’s his first start against a hell of a defense on Monday night— prime time— so if we give him time and let him make his reads, he can show the world what he can do.”
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The Bears, who had just eight interceptions in both 2015 and 2016, have not had one in four games this season. They’re one of four teams without one.
The Vikings are one of three teams that have yet to throw an interception. They have none in 132 attempts by Case Keenum and Sam Bradford.
Key player
Bears rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky will make his regular- season debut against the Vikings. It’s a difficult assignment against a Vikings defense that ranks 12th in total defense and first in third- down efficiency but 20th in passing yards per attempt.
The Vikings faced two rookies last season: the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott was 12- for- 18 for 139 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 108.3 rating in a 17- 15 victory at U. S. Bank Stadium; the Eagles’ CarsonWentz was 16- for- 28 for 138 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for a 52.4 rating in a 21- 10 victory at home.
Of the 11 rookie quarterbacks to start for the Bears in the Super Bowl era, JimMcMahon had the best debut. Despite throwing two interceptions on his first two passes to wide receivers— one was returned for a touchdown— McMahon recovered to lead the Bears to a 20- 17 victory over the Lions. He finished 16for- 27 for 233 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for a 72.5 rating.
X- factor
When Trubisky made his NFL debut in the preseason, he completed his first 10 passes, led the Bears to three scoring drives and gave everybody on the field— and in the stands at Soldier Field— a palpable lift.
But that was the preseason, and it came against second- and third- team players. This is the regular season, and he’s facing one of the NFL’s top defenses. It remains to be seen what intangible impact Trubisky can have in this setting. He could be overwhelmed early. But the momentum can build quickly if he gets off to a hot start.