Bears vs. Vikings: 5 Halftime Adjustments Minnesota Must Make

The Vikings come into this NFC North showdown with a 1-4 record. Minnesota will look to get its offense on track with a healthy dose of one of the best RBs in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. This game could be the performance that boosts the team towards a winning record. 

While there have been a few bright spots for the Vikings in the 1st half, there has been a lot that hasn't gone right. The Vikings will need Adrian Peterson to get on track to get back in the game.

Here are five things Minnesota must do in the second half against Chicago:

1. Convert 3rd Downs

3rd downs will be even more crucial for the Vikings in the second half. For the Vikings' gameplan to work, the vikings will have to be excellent on 3rd down. The Vikings should keep getting manageable 3rd downs with a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson.

The Vikings will have to prove that Donovan McNabb can hurt them through the air, especially on 3rd downs. A run heavy, but balanced offense will have to be the way the Vikings win the game.

2. Get Pressure On Cutler

The Vikings defense needs to find a way to get pressure on Jay Cutler. The Vikings have been using a lot of "big" packages with multiple tight ends to help keep pressure off of Cutler. 

The Bears have been terrible so far this year protecting their QB. The Vikings need to use more blitzes to force Cutler into making throws that could lead to key interceptions.

3. Limit Big Plays

Minnesota needs to keep the Bears from breaking big plays. By limiting big plays, the defense can get the Bears offense in advantageous position where the Vikings can get the ball on offense.

The Bears already threw a long touchdown to their speedster Devin Hester. Make the Bears go on long drives where there are more chances for Chicago to make mistakes.

4. Fix the "Drops" Problem

Early in the first half the Vikings were dropping catchable balls from McNabb. The Vikings receivers need to help out McNabb by making tough catches to keep the chains moving.

The Bears have been focusing in on stopping the run game and the receivers need to make the Bears respect the passing game. Percy Harvin has been has been the bright spot so far and he should be the focus of the vertical passing game for the 2nd half.

5. Keep Finding Percy Harvin

Percy Harvin has been the lone star in the passing game in the first half. The Vikings need to keep running plays where he is the main option until the Bears find a way to stop him.

Minnesota needs to put Percy in various different spots on the field and try to get him matched up on a safety or linebacker.