Big challenge for Bears' Beekman

First-year starter Josh Beekman has as tough a job Sunday night as anyone on the Bears.

The second-year guard has the unenviable task of lining up across from Vikings three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who with nose tackle Pat Williams forms "The Williams Wall," a nearly impenetrable barrier to attacking ground forces.

"They're dynamic players," Beekman said. "They can do things that they're normally not supposed to and get away with it. That just goes to their abilities."

Only the Steelers allow fewer rushing yards or a lower average per carry than the Vikings, and the 650 pounds of Williams girth is the main deterrent.

Nevertheless, the Bears will make every effort to establish some semblance of a running game. That means a rigorous workout for Beekman, who is generously listed at 6-feet-2 and 310 pounds.

"He's huge and quick," Beekman said of Kevin Williams. "He has size and speed. That's a dangerous thing."

Six-foot-5 Kevin Williams is listed by the Vikings at 311 pounds, and the roster says 6-foot-3 Pat Williams is 317 pounds. Maybe in their high school graduation pictures.

"Going against that defense, I'm not sure you ever feel real good about running the ball," Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "You've got three all-pros on the defensive line (defensive end Jared Allen is the third). They're very tough to run the ball (on), but you have to. You have to stick with it. We believe in our offensive line, and we believe in Matt (Forte), so we're going to go in and give it a shot.

"Hopefully we can get some first downs. If we can get in some kind of rhythm, then maybe we can get something going, but that's easier said than done against that defense."

The Bears managed 327 yards against the Vikings six weeks ago, but only 53 of them came on the ground, and it took 22 carries to get that much.

Beekman has been studying film from that game looking for an advantage and improvement.

"It was a great challenge the first time just being coached up," Beekman said. "Luckily I've got that tape to look at and hopefully sharpen my skills a little bit better. You just want to minimize your mistakes.

"There are concepts and things that you need to do in executing your job, and it's just locking in and focusing on that. You're always going to stumble out there, but you never want to make mental mistakes, and I hope to limit those and do what I have to do to help the Bears get a 'W.'"