Bears vs. Vikings: 5 Halftime Adjustments Chicago Must Make

The Bears come into this game with a 2-3 record and are looking to pick up a win against the Vikings. Chicago is not playing the caliber of football it thinks it can and are looking to get back on track. It has a great opportunity to get to 3-3 with a win over their divisional foe.

Chicago has had a great half and look to be much improved over the past few weeks. Jay Cutler has time to find receivers down field, and Matt Forte has been running hard.

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

1. Keep Protecting Jay Cutler

The Bears have done a great job protecting Jay Cutler by using max-protect blocking scheme, keeping the tight ends/running backs in to block. Cutler has proven that he can be a great QB when he has time to find receivers down field.

Until the Vikings adjust their defense, the Bears need to stick with this gameplan. While there aren't as many options for Cutler to find, giving him time is crucial for the offense to click.

2. Keep Neutralizing Adrian Peterson

The Bears have been doing a great job containing the Adrian Peterson. Keeping the star RB to short gains will force the Vikings to have long third downs and will force the Vikings to throw the ball downfield. Until the Vikings stop dropping balls and McNabb making questionable throws, the Bears will be in a good position on defense.

Making the Vikings beat the Bears through the air greatly increases the chance that Chicago can pull out a win tonight.

3. Keep the Pressure on McNabb

Chicago's defense has been doing a great job making Donovan McNabb very uncomfortable in the pocket when he is trying to pass. This will be a key for the Bears defense to hold the Vikings offense to short drives and get the ball back to the offense.

McNabb has already made a few questionable throws and has taken a safety. Keeping the pressure can lead to more points from the defense and can lead to turnovers.

4. Keep Up the Vertical Passing Game

Jay Cutler has been doing great finding receivers downfield on medium to long range passes. By keeping the pressure off of Cutler, he can find the open players.

The long range passes have already led to big gains through the running game as well as a lot of first- half yards for Cutler. Keeping the pressure on the Vikings' secondary will lead to many more opportunities for short range, safe plays.

5. Find an Answer for Percy Harvin

Harvin has been the only real threat to the Bears in the first half. The Bears need to make sure they have a good matchup vs Harvin as often as possible. They need to limit the amount of times a LB or Safety is covering the speedster.

The Vikings should possibly consider double teaming Percy or having one of the talent cornerbacks shadow him wherever he lines up on the field.