Bears-Vikings Preview 11/22/12

Lake Forest, Illinois-Some people are calling the Bears game against the Vikings Sunday a 'must-win' game for the Bears.  If it's not, it's close to one. 

The Bears were beaten down Monday in San Francisco.  A win over a solid Vikings team would lift them back up.

"When you have a disappointment you want to have a game like this.  A team like this again," says Lovie Smith.

The Bears have beaten only one team that has a winning record.  The Vikings will come into Soldier Field at 6-4 and looking to pull even with the Bears in the division.

"We have to have a sense of urgency with six games left in the season," says receiver Brandon Marshall. "We're still in a great position. We have some guys that are willing to fight."

The Bears have had a short week to prepare for this game coming off the Monday nighter.  The Vikings on the other hand are coming off a bye week, so they'll be refreshed coming into Soldier Field.  And a fresh Adrian Peterson could be big trouble for the Bears defense.

Peterson is the NFL's leading rusher with more than 11 hundred yards.  He's had some big games against the Bears.

"Of course they have one of the best players in the game since he's come into the league in Adrian Peterson. It all starts with him on the offensive side of the ball," says Smith.

And on the other side of the ball Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway is tied for the NFL lead in tackles with 100.  And defensive end Jared Allen can bring a pass rush as well as anybody.  He has eight sacks.  He had a Vikings record 22 sacks last season.

"We're going to have to make sure that we account for him every play," says Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice. "Every time we drop back to throw the ball he's Waldo. We have to make sure we know where he is and find him."

When the Vikings are on their game they can play with anyone.  They showed that in week three by beating the 49ers.  The Bears like to believe they can beat the best teams too...even though it hasn't turned out that way the last two weeks.

"We believe in what we're doing, and this is a good football team," says Smith. "That's why we can't wait to get back out there."