The Bears’ defense took some lumps in Week 1, but ESPN’s Seth Walder thinks the unit is set up for a quick answer in Week 2 against Carson Wentz and the 1-0 Vikings.
Walder’s preview picked Chicago to come away with multiple interceptions, putting the spotlight squarely on Wentz’s tendency to give defenses chances.
"Vikings QB Carson Wentz will throw multiple interceptions. I know he had some impressive moments and didn't throw any picks in Minnesota's Week 1 win. But this is still Wentz, and I assume he's still prone to a mistake or four"
That prediction leans on more than just gut feel. Wentz’s Week 1 stat line looks cleaner than the tape behind it.
Minnesota scored three touchdowns with him at quarterback, but two turnovers helped set the Vikings up near the red zone, and another drive got a boost from penalties. He attempted 19 passes and completed 12.
He also had one turnover-worthy throw that went unpunished. Over his career, Wentz has posted a 3.5% turnover-worthy throw rate, compared with 2.9% for Bryce Young, and he was sacked three times.
So even with the win, the Vikings’ offense did not exactly deliver a spotless performance from its quarterback. A lot of the credit went elsewhere.
That opens the door for a Bears defense that is trying to steady itself after allowing 37 points to the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers. Chicago did still force a turnover in that game, and Walder’s read is that there’s enough playmaking in the secondary to bother Wentz.
Rookie Malik Muhammad made his NFL debut count with an interception in Week 1 and appears to have the starting slot job. He may surrender some chunk gains as he keeps learning, but the Bears will live with that if the splash plays keep coming.
Jaylon Johnson had a rough opener, though Chicago wants a better showing from him this week. Tyrique Stevenson also struggled, but he already has seven career interceptions.
At safety, Dillon Thieneman was another rookie making his NFL debut, and he should keep improving. Cam Lewis is also expected to start after not being sure what his role would be last week, and he should be more settled now.
Wentz didn’t play well in Week 1, and the Bears didn’t either. Still, Chicago has more room to sharpen up, and that’s why this matchup feels like a real chance for the defense to flip the script.
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