![]() Special teams was also an issue for the Bears at times as they had a field goal attempt blocked and had a muffed punt in the loss. They prevented all of the major Vikings playmakers from breaking the game open, but the offense couldn't grab the baton to keep the momentum rolling in their favor. Even with key starters sidelined and reserves starting in their place, the defense kept them in this game throughout. That proved to be the fatal flaw for Chicago as it otherwise outgained the Vikings in total yards of offense 370-193.ĭefensively, it was an impressive showing for the Bears as they were down multiple players, particularly in the secondary due to COVID. ![]() They couldn't get the football across the goal line when it counted and it kept them chasing the Vikings throughout the evening. However, their main issues came in the red zone. They had nine penalties that sent them 91 yards in the wrong direction. Over that same stretch, Minnesota would build up a 10-0 lead, which was essentially all it would need to win the game.Īll in all, there were too many instances where the Bears were beating themselves. They began the game offensively with a three-and-out and two fumbles (one coming at the Vikings 10-yard line). Why the Bears lostĬhicago played like a 4-10 team for the bulk of Monday's matchup. Of course, this wasn't a perfect showing by the Viking by any means as they probably should have blown this game open, but it was a solid enough effort to beat this current version of the Bears. They were also strong on third down, stopping Chicago on 10 of their 12 opportunities. For the large majority of the game, they were extremely stout once the Bears were threatening to score. That lone score they allowed was pretty inconsequential as it came right at the end of regulation on a last ditch attempt by Fields. The Vikings defense held the Bears to one touchdown in five total red-zone trips, while also creating multiple turnovers in that key area of the field. Meanwhile, the defense was able to come up big throughout this contest, especially in the red zone. They largely played mistake-free football and simply allowed the Bears to repeatedly make self-inflicting wounds that would put them behind the eight ball. Cousins had just 87 yards passing (fewest of his career as a starter) and even Cook was held in check on the ground. Offensively, it was a quiet night for the Vikings, despite being able to find the end zone twice. He also rushed seven times for 35 yards on the ground.įor more on how this game unfolded, check out our takeaways below. On the other side, Justin Fields threw for 285 yards and a garbage-time touchdown on the game's final play. In the loss, Chicago had two fumbles and two turnovers on downs in the red zone.Ĭousins finished with just 87 yards passing as he completed 50% o his passes for two touchdowns and an interception. The offense for the Bears was the main Achilles heel in the loss, particularly once it got into the red area. ![]() While Chicago's depleted secondary was a main storyline heading into this game, the unit largely made up of backups was able to hold its own against the Vikings and the pass rush was able to keep Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense in check. ![]() That said, Minnesota was able to sprinkle some scoring throughout the contest, including a a 7-yard touchdown to Ihmir Smith-Marsette on its first possession of the second half. That score was all the Vikings would really need as they held Chicago to a field goal until the final play of the game. Minnesota was able to get out to an early lead as they drove 54 yards down the field on their second possession of the evening, which culminated in a 12-yard touchdown reception by Justin Jefferson. 500 on the season as they advanced to 7-7 with a 17-9 win over the Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football." The victory moved the Vikings into the final wild card spot in the NFC ahead of the Saints. ![]()
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