The Chicago Bears face off with the 1-0 Minnesota Vikings in what should be a massive test for both the offense and the defense. Despite the defense giving up 37 points to the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers, Seth Walder of ESPN thinks the Bears defense can bounce back against Carson Wentz.
Chicago Bears expected to shut down Carson Wentz in Week 2
Walder made a bold prediction of the game in ESPN’s weekly preview. He predicted the Bears would record multiple interceptions in their Week 2 game.
"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"Seth Walder
Despite giving up 37 points, the team did record an interception in Week 1. So, the Bears can still force some turnovers. As Walder mentions, Wentz is prone to giving them up as well.
Even in the Vikings game in which Wentz threw for three touchdowns, the box score is a bit misleading. Two turnovers gave the Vikings the football near the red zone. Another drive was penalty-aided. In total, Wentz threw 19 passes and only completed 12.
Wentz had one turnover-worthy throw that did not get punished. For his career, he has a 3.5% turnover-worthy throw rate. Young is at 2.9% for his career. He was also sacked three times.
So, while Wentz got the win, the defense and the players around him might get more of the credit for it.
The Bears defense struggled in Week 1, but could find a way to bounce back against a more turnover-prone passer.
Rookie Malik Muhammad had the interception in his Week 1 debut. He looks to be holding down the starting slot job. The rookie might give up a few chunk plays as he learns the position. Still, if he can create as many positive plays, it could be worth the growing pains.
Jaylon Johnson struggled in Week 1, but the team is looking for him to have a better game. While Tyrique Stevenson also struggled in Week 1, he has seven career interceptions.
At safety, Dillon Thieneman was another rookie making his NFL debut. He should continue to improve. The team will also start Cam Lewis, who was unsure what role he would play last week. He should be more settled.
Wentz did not play well in Week 1, and while the Bears did not either, they have more room for improvement.
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