INSIDE SLANT

NFL Team Report - Minnesota Vikings</h2><br>Vikings impressed by Bears improvement<p></p> Khalil Mack's preseason trade to the Chicago Bears sent shockwaves through the NFL, one of the league's best defensive players being traded across conferences for just draft picks days before the start of the regular season.<p></p> In Minnesota, and the NFC North, shock was replaced by trepidation.<p></p> "Certainly would have loved for him to stay in the AFC," Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "He's a great player and I want as many great players on opposing teams to be in the AFC. But you understand, no matter what your schedule is, there's going to be good players in every division and he's certainly one of them."<p></p> While Minnesota and Chicago are plenty familiar from facing each other twice a year, the first matchup of this season brings more intrigue than usual due to the Bears' busy offseason.<p></p> Matt Nagy was hired to be the head coach after five seasons in Kansas City, most recently as the offensive coordinator. Receivers Allen Robinson II and Taylor Gabriel, and tight end Trey Burton were signed in free agency. Receiver Anthony Miller was a second-round draft pick to continue the offensive alterations.<p></p> "Their team speed is much better now," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said. "Those guys have all added a lot of things to them. Then you throw in there (Tarik) Cohen and Anthony Miller, who has done a nice job. They're opening things up a lot more. This isn't two yards and a cloud of dust deal."<p></p> Chicago's changes have caught Minnesota's attention, and Nagy is a big factor.<p></p> Nagy has varied the Bears' offense and helped second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky take a big step. Trubisky is completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 2,304 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.<p></p> Trubisky has also run for 320 yards and three touchdowns.<p></p> "He gets the ball out with accuracy," Zimmer said. "There's other times he looks like Fran Tarkenton scrambling. Some of the runs he's made are unbelievable. They're obviously using him in a bunch of different ways. I think the command of the offense is probably his biggest thing is being able to go through progressions more, now."<p></p> Nagy and Trubisky have naturally received credit for the turnaround, but Minnesota knows the outside playmakers have played a big role.<p></p> "I believe Allen Robinson was a great addition to them," Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said. "Other than that, guys are way faster, so the tempo of the offense can be faster. Guys just running, running pretty damn fast if you ask me."<p></p> Mack has transformed the look, and perception of the defense.<p></p> "I think he's added a lot of swagger to the football team," Zimmer said. "I think they have swagger anyway, but I think he's added some to it knowing that they've got a guy of his caliber that's in there. He really adds a lot of physicality to their defense, I think that's part of it."<p></p> Mack switching teams is a ground-shaking move for the NFL.<p></p> "I think Reggie White was kind of like that when he went from Philadelphia to Green Bay, but that's a long time ago," Zimmer said. "They were a pretty darn good defense a year ago. They were I think a top-10 defense a year ago. Obviously, they've improved, they're healthy, I don't think they've had a lot of injuries defensively, and adding a guy like him is going to be a big factor in getting them better. I think it allows them to play the style of defense that they would like to play."<p></p> Chicago also drafted speedy linebacker Roquan Smith in the first round. Smith has 63 tackles and three sacks.<p></p> The Bears are fourth in the league in total defense, one spot ahead of Minnesota. They have 30 sacks, which is fifth in the league and have the second-most takeaways in the NFL this season with 16 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. As a result, they lead the NFL with a plus-13 turnover margin.<p></p> "Very much something we talk about and are aware of," Cousins said. "I think it's one of the biggest statistics to point to as to why the Bears are playing at the level they are. When you create turnovers, that is a critical factor in winning football games. Something we have to be very aware of."<p></p> Two familiar teams have new looks -- Minnesota's, in part with Cousins and Richardson - will get their first look at the changes. The nation will get a chance to see both with the game flexed into the prime-time Sunday night slot.<p></p> "People think it's bigger because they flexed it to the night game," Smith said. "It doesn't make a difference to me."<p></p> SERIES HISTORY: 114th regular-season meeting. Vikings lead series, 60-51-2. Minnesota has won the past three meetings between the two teams, including a 23-10 home win to cap last regular season. Latavius Murray ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns, while the Vikings held Chicago to 201 yards of offense. Minnesota has won two of the past three games in Chicago. </div> <div class="flex gap-2"> <div class="font-bold text-gray-600">The Sports Xchange</div> </div> <div id="comments" class="pt-6"></div> </div> </div> <div class="py-6 space-y-6"> <div class="space-y-4"> <h2 class="md:col-span-2 lg:col-span-3 font-bold text-xl text-gray-800">Recent Stories</h2> <a href="/feature/testing-buffalo-bill-page" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Testing Buffalo Bill Page</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> Joe Horrigan knows the Buffalo Bills </div> </div> </a> <a href="/feature/06e3032cec6e442ab60a7fd8ae1b3701" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Steelers positional analysis: Kenny Pickett stands alone in QB room</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> 2/17/2024If the Steelers were concerned about the uncertain future at quarterback when Ben Roethlisberger retired, the outlook at the position might not be any more ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/feature/07f24b7086b24e9e83c29e8bf9cd913b" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">49ers coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t deserve criticism since Super Bowl</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> Globe StaffUpdated February 17, 2024, 9:38 a.m.Kyle Shanahan has been on the defensive all week following the 49ers’ 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs in the Super ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/feature/2ae9263e12c74de88c5fb4aa552a1f3e" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">New Raiders GM expected to be aggressive in search for top QB</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> February 17, 2024 - 4:19 PMIf Tom Telesco’s past offers clues about his future, expect the Raiders’ new general manager to be aggressive in bringing in a top-level ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/features?skip=22" class="group flex items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg shadow px-3.5 py-2.5 text-gray-800 hover:text-gray-700 font-medium"> <span>Read More Stories</span> <span class="transition-transform group-hover:translate-x-1 motion-reduce:transform-none"><i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-right"></i></span> </a> </div> <div class="space-y-4"> <h2 class="md:col-span-2 lg:col-span-3 font-bold text-xl text-gray-800">Latest Player Notes</h2> <a href="/note/65f70668f166e2567ab51b31" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">How a Wisconsin legend got his German protégé into Badgers pro day</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> Mar 15, 2024 Marlon Werthmann put his life on hold for the opportunity in front of him Friday at the McClain Center.Werthmann ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f70667f166e2567ab51b24" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Why former Wisconsin football running back Braelon Allen didn't run the 40 at pro day</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> Mar 15, 2024 Braelon Allen’s sweat covered his shirt and dripped off his beard as he approached a group of reporters Friday.The ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f70667f166e2567ab51b11" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">How can UW recruit its best class ever? It starts with these five prospects</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> By Andy Yamashita Seattle Times staff reporter Jedd Fisch has lofty recruiting goals at Washington. He didn’t waste any ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f70664f166e2567ab51ad3" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Texas football kicks off spring practice Tuesday. We answer 24 questions for the 2024 team</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> Things certainly look fresh for the 2024 college football season, especially on the Texas campus.There’s a new conference ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f70661f166e2567ab51a86" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">College Football Playoff: Conferences solve their differences (for now) and agree on general framework for 2026 and beyond</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> The FBS conferences and Notre Dame agreed on Friday to continue the College Football Playoff beyond the 2025 season, signing ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f70661f166e2567ab51a7d" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Ball security, leadership key as Aztecs look to identify starting quarterback</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> San Diego State seemingly auditions a new starting quarterback on an annual basis.In the past 12 years, the Aztecs have opened ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f7065ff166e2567ab51a5a" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Results and more: A look at what happened at Penn State football’s Pro Day inside Holuba Hall</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> Most of those at Penn State’s Pro Day Friday were relatively quiet throughout the afternoon’s workouts, but there was one ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f7065ef166e2567ab51a4a" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Defense dominates first two weeks of Oregon State spring practice as Beavers ready for 2-week breather</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> CORVALLIS – Oregon State hit the break of spring practices Saturday, not exactly the midpoint but a good place to assess ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f7065ef166e2567ab51a31" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Dillon Gabriel to have similar input, autonomy as Bo Nix had in Oregon’s offense</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> Published Mar. 16, 2024, 6:26 p.m.By James CrepeaEUGENE — Dillon Gabriel will have much of the same autonomy as Bo Nix did ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/note/65f7065df166e2567ab51a1d" class="group flex flex-col bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow"> <div class="flex flex-col gap-2 p-6"> <h3 class="font-bold text-lg text-gray-800 group-hover:text-gray-700">Two transfers, one underclassman who impressed in Missouri football's spring game</h3> <div class="text-gray-600 group-hover:text-gray-500 line-clamp-6"> <span class="font-light"> </span> With that, spring camp’s a wrap.Missouri football held its Black & Gold spring game Saturday in front of a healthy crowd ... </div> </div> </a> <a href="/notes?skip=20" class="group flex items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-gray-100 hover:bg-white transition rounded-lg shadow px-3.5 py-2.5 text-gray-800 hover:text-gray-700 font-medium"> <span>See More Player Notes</span> <span class="transition-transform group-hover:translate-x-1 motion-reduce:transform-none"><i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-right"></i></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main>  <footer class="bg-gray-900" aria-labelledby="footer-heading"> <h2 id="footer-heading" class="sr-only">Footer</h2> <div class="mx-auto max-w-7xl px-6 pb-8 pt-16 sm:pt-24 lg:px-8 lg:pt-32"> <div class="xl:grid xl:grid-cols-3 xl:gap-8"> <div class="space-y-8"> <a href="/" class="flex items-center justify-between md:justify-start gap-3"> <img src="/static/images/Pro_Football_Hall_of_Fame_logo.svg.png?v=c6d7cf3613f0e96a1fab7aab706baba8318bf3d016f59cbaef2b968d81cb8a3078e61f99dee19ca3a6a4bf476d34981c18a5b19f15ac2da0ae29d677be70ebad" alt="NFL Hall of Fame" class="w-2/12" /> <img src="/static/images/hall-logo.svg?v=7142371ad3e955e1749283170eb357dfed785130bc4b7018879d586e9bac3d40a3b7041b25e105981fd507b5f139a52b87438262733cadfa76f763ec18812523" alt="Hall of Football" class="w-6/12" /> <img src="/static/images/tsx_logo.png?v=eb566de558e45b6331e9b1ddba019c212d34ad6dddeab86829489d36e4974961a8dd4926d489b9ac8eaeeacdafce8a6f4974b5a97dd7df4694d4642b94c437ea" alt="The Sports Xchange" class="w-2/12" /> </a> <p class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300">Hall of Football is owned and operated by The Sports Xchange (TSX), which has provided news, analysis, and research for fans and professionals since 1987.</p> <div class="flex space-x-6"> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-xchange/" target="_blank" class="text-gray-500 hover:text-gray-400 text-2xl"> <span class="sr-only">LinkedIn</span> <i class="fa-brands fa-linkedin"></i> </a> </div> </div> <div class="mt-16 grid grid-cols-2 gap-8 xl:col-span-2 xl:mt-0"> <div class="md:grid md:grid-cols-2 md:gap-8"> <div> <h3 class="text-sm font-semibold leading-6 text-white flex items-center gap-2"><i class="fa-solid fa-football fa-fw"></i>Preps</h3> <ul role="list" class="mt-6 space-y-4"> <li> <a href="/preps" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Latest News & Notes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/prep/ratings?ranking_id=" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Ratings</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="mt-10 md:mt-0"> <h3 class="text-sm font-semibold leading-6 text-white flex items-center gap-2"><i class="fa-solid fa-graduation-cap fa-fw"></i>NFL Draft Scout</h3> <ul role="list" class="mt-6 space-y-4"> <li> <a href="/features" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Latest News & Notes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/cfb/teams" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Teams</a> </li> <li> <a href="/player/ratings?ranking_id=" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Ratings</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="md:grid md:grid-cols-2 md:gap-8"> <div> <h3 class="text-sm font-semibold leading-6 text-white flex items-center gap-2"><i class="fa-solid fa-shield fa-fw"></i>Pro Football</h3> <ul role="list" class="mt-6 space-y-4"> <li> <a href="/nfl_features" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Latest News & Notes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/nfl/teams" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Teams</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="mt-10 md:mt-0"> <h3 class="text-sm font-semibold leading-6 text-white flex items-center gap-2"><i class="fa-solid fa-trophy fa-fw"></i>Hall of Fame</h3> <ul role="list" class="mt-6 space-y-4"> <li> <a href="/hofs" class="text-sm leading-6 text-gray-300 hover:text-white">Recent Hall of Fame Stories</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mt-16 border-t border-white/10 pt-8 sm:mt-20 lg:mt-24"> <p class="text-xs leading-5 text-gray-400">©<script>document.write(new Date().getFullYear())</script> The Sports Xchange. All rights reserved.</p> </div> </div> </footer> <script src="/static/js/jquery-3.6.4.min.js?v=6913f9128895022b08339049963616cb09bbc61bd759a45c3bf7cb6662854f0c3ef16d975758468c34cd607176c011d9c62f5fcb8196cba93d0b4b265760747e"></script> <script src="/static/js/plotly.min.js?v=a8cca95f0be13f9712eebf9dfc13afb3aa92d319a96a0ee5540833aad7ace213d48ea1a1650310a035a02064ca97e09738bc4aad659ad66e840d408c6290fcee"></script> <script src="/static/js/flowbite.min.js?v=09453b0f96202c849a154e82a425e65c6e9d6430fb468601a1c1f0ba4c9ded2624172d29ee03f7cd71922ceb49d5b10b2672ba698060e2dee19e5d1df0393660"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/static/js/comments.js?v=75fa06f9940025e48e822761e5ffd57823c34ebd04636803f6d08b70a146d0360b304adbdbb2cc1e1686620862c3d94512a714acb1ea55855cb9db5c5d8c4115"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> // get any comments for this feature $(document).ready(function() { load_comments( 'note', 'inside-slant', '' ) }) </script> </body> </html>