Vikings coach Mike Zimmer knows the importance of today's game against the Bears – if the Vikings win, they make the playoffs. If they lose, they have to hope Philadelphia – the defending Super Bowl champion playing an undermanned Redskins team – also loses.
Zimmer does not intend to watch the scoreboard. His motto this week is "win and in" and backing into the playoffs, believe me, has not entered his mind.
The Vikings put themselves in good position by beating Miami at home and Detroit on the road, with the offense showing some positive signs under interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.
"We started out slow last week, but we got going again," said Zimmer, who is clearly happier that the Vikings' run game has improved. "Kind of wearing guys down. We've got to continue to do a good job with that. Starting fast. We've got to do a better job on third downs and red zone when we get in there."
One of the keys for the Vikings is the play of rookie offensive tackle Brian O'Neill, who has not allowed a sack this season. When the Vikings took him in the second round out of Pittsburgh, he was considered a project. But he has developed quickly.
"He's been playing better and better," Zimmer said. "He'll have a big test this week. They've got a couple of really good rushers. (Leonard) Floyd and (Khalil) Mack. It will be a good test for him this week."
Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs haven't been as productive as they were early in the season, but the receivers are drawing extra attention and focusing on establishing the run has probably cost them catches.
"Each game is a little bit different," Zimmer said. "You get some kind of coverage for them. But not all the time."
