LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears got pummeled by the Vikings Nov. 29, but not until after Hunter Hillenmeyer forced an Adrian Peterson fumble that Alex Brown recovered on Minnesota’s first drive.

It was a rare good start by the Chicago defense that the unit obviously would like to repeat in Monday night’s rematch with the NFC North champions at Soldier Field.

Bears middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer forced two fumbles in the Bears' 36-10 loss to the Vikings Nov. 29 in Minnesota.

The Bears used to dominate early in games, but that hasn’t been the case throughout a disappointing 2009 season. After permitting just one touchdown and one field goal on opponent’s opening drives in both 2007 and 2008, Chicago has allowed seven TDs and one field goal on first possessions this year.

The fumble in their first meeting against the Vikings is the only takeaway the Bears have generated on an opening drive this season. In a 19-game stretch from Dec, 2, 2007 through Dec. 11, 2008, the Chicago defense registered seven interceptions while allowing one TD and one field goal on first possessions.

“That’s something we’ve always used to our advantage,” said defensive back Danieal Manning. “Recently, it hasn’t been going that way. Guys are definitely trying to cover, and we’re trying to put pressure on the quarterback. But we’re not getting the job done.”

The lack of early success is one reason the Bears have only scored first in three of 14 games this season and have been outscored 93-30 in the first quarter, including 24-0 in their last two contests.

Aches and pains: Punter Brad Maynard (groin) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game. Safety Kevin Payne (ankle), who doubled as an accomplished punter at Louisiana-Monroe, also did not work out and is doubtful.

Receiver Devin Hester (calf), defensive end Gaines Adams (ankle) and safety Al Afalava (knee) were limited in practice and are questionable. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), tackles Chris Williams (ankle) and Orlando Pace (groin), and running back Adrian Peterson (illness) practiced without restrictions and are probable.

“We have a group of guys that are all a little bit banged up,” said coach Lovie Smith. “We have a little bit of time still before the game and hopefully they’ll be ready to go. We’ll just have plan 2 in place if some of those guys can’t go.”

Image conscious: Linebacker Lance Briggs knows that a win over the Vikings Monday night won’t alter the perception that most people have formed of the Bears this season.

“I don’t think that we’re going to change the image of this team by this one game, but we can feel better about ourselves and feel better about what we’re doing and where we’re headed by coming out and winning this game,” Briggs said. “When you turn on “NFL Live” or “Inside the NFL,” they’re going to say “this team found a way to win.” But I think it serves more for us and the fact that it is a nationally-televised game can help.”

Cold shoulder: Vikings quarterback Brett Favre returns to Soldier Field Monday night for the first time since he struggled in a frigid 35-7 loss to the Bears on Dec. 23, 2007 when he still played for the Packers.

With a game-time temperature of 16 degrees and wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour dropping the wind chill to 18 below zero, Favre completed 17 of 32 passes for 153 yards with two interceptions and a 40.2 passer rating. He later said the conditions were the worst he’s ever played in during 17 NFL seasons.

“It was cold as hell,” Favre said after the game. “I’m not going to lie to you. I haven’t thawed out yet. I’ve played in colder [games] temperature-wise, but in my 16 years in Green Bay, I’ve learned that wind means everything. It can be zero degrees and not windy at all and it’s a lot easier to manage than 40 mile-per-hour winds."

The temperature at kickoff Monday night is expected to be in the 20s with winds around 18 miles per hour.