The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs. Week 1 offers more unknowns than any other, especially when considering new players, coaches and schemes.
In this weekly series, I’ll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I figure to be integral to their respective teams’ success. Like seasons past, you won’t see any QBs and you also won’t see any star defensive players like Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa.
No, these are more of the unsung variety. Yet, often just as critical
to the success of the team.
Let’s get started with the Chicago Bears.
Offense: Colston Loveland, TE
Whenever you add a first round pick that’s a weapon like Loveland, most eyes will be on the shiny new toy for any offense. While I can’t wait to see his pristine route running (especially for a TE) on display against the Minnesota Vikings, what I am looking forward to most is seeing how Ben Johnson deploys his young Tight End. With starting LT Braxton Jones not exactly instilling the utmost confidence in the coaching staff, I expect both Loveland and incumbent starter Cole Kmet to help in-line as a blocker against the potent pass rush of the Vikes. Stud pass rushers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and last years first rounder Dallas Turner combined for 5 sacks against us in the two games played. Expect Loveland to be moved all around the offense to keep the D honest and get plenty of quick passes as an extension of the run game that is dealing with some injuries. But how Loveland (and Kmet for that matter) holds up on the edge when blocking will be most curious to watch for me. And quite possibly most critical for our success on offense this week.
Defense: Grady Jarrett, DT
When the former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler was brought in this off-season on a 3 year $42,750,000 contract it was clear this staff believes he can still be a difference maker along the D line. Early indications reveal they were right from the way he has been reported to perform in practice in addition to recently being voted by his teammates as a team captain.
Chicago was in the bottom five last season league-wide in both rushing yards against and rush yards per carry allowed. Jarrett was brought in to help stop the run but will also be leaned upon to apply some pressure in the passing game. Considering starting LB TJ Edwards is doubtful for the game and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II is likely to be thrown into action early, Jarrett’s performance will be key to ensure the LB’s can do their jobs.
Minnesota Vikings
Offense: Jordan Mason, RB
Though the Vikings were in the bottom half of the league when it comes to rushing offense in both yards and yards per carry in 2024, they performed very well against us. In the two games, starting RB Aaron Jones Sr. totaled 192 yards on 40 carries (4.8 yard avg.) and had a rushing TD in each game. It was his backup, Cam Akers that struggled with a paltry 3.3 yard average despite a long of 15 yards. Enter Jordan Mason who spelled the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey last year and put up a very impressive 789 yards on 153 carries (5.2 yard avg.) and 3 rush TD’s.
Mason was brought in on a very respectable 2 year $10+ million contract and figures to be a large part of the rushing attack, especially in week 1 where the Vikings new starting QB will be making his first start in Primetime on the road against a rowdy rival. Considering Aaron Jones Sr. enters his age 30 season, I would not be surprised if Mason takes over as lead back sooner than later but either way, fully expect him to be heavily involved in this one. How the Bears can contain both backs will be critical, but Mason could be the spark needed for Minnesota who is also going to be without their WR2 in Jordan Addison.
Defense: Joshua Metellus, S
One of the few “chess-piece” type players on defense league-wide, Metellus is used all over Brian Flores’ defense. Listed at Safety, but plays Nickel cornerback, Linebacker and pass-rusher on occasion, Metellus is a one-man wrecking crew. Last season against Chicago, Metellus tallied 17 total tackles in two games, the most of any Viking, frequently stopping receivers for little to no yards after catch and blowing up run plays before they could get going. With more of a run focus and play-action pass game expected, and with long-time captain Harrison Smith out this week, Metellus figures to be right in the middle of the action. Be it covering Swift out of the backfield or shadowing Kmet or Loveland from TE. If Metellus can be neutralized, I like Chicago’s chances. If Flores and Metellus are one step ahead of Caleb Williams and Co., it could be a long night at Soldier Field.
