The primetime game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears on Monday evening at US Bank Stadium perfectly summed up the current state of both franchises.

The Vikings, who could win the NFC North this season, took on the Bears, who seemed to wish they could fast-forward to next season. It was obvious how high the motivation was or wasn’t throughout the game as the Vikings seemed to be the far superior team.

Even though it wasn’t the Vikings’ prettiest performance, they still took care of business convincingly en route to victory.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ 30-12 win over the Bears:

Aaron Jones was the straw that stirred the drink

The Vikings’ ability to maintain their dominance depended on experienced running back Aaron Jones. He finished the game with 18 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown while adding two more catches for 20 yards.

This was the type of game the Vikings needed from Jones, with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold appearing slightly out of rhythm for long stretches.

Just being able to pass the ball to Jones did a lot to keep Darnold comfortable while he settled in. It also helped the Vikings put the game on ice as they fed Jones regularly down the stretch.

If Jones can continue to perform over the next few weeks, the Vikings will be an extremely tough opponent in the playoffs.

Justin Jefferson had a shocking drop that cost him a touchdown

With the chance to decide the game before halftime, star receiver Justin Jefferson literally dropped the ball. Not only was it a perfect route by Jefferson, it was also a perfect throw by Darnold that absolutely should have resulted in a 30-yard touchdown.

Instead, Jefferson looked away from the ball and it slipped from his grasp before he could complete the catch.

As frustrated as he was with himself after the game, Jefferson still had a solid performance, finishing the game with seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Without his shocking drop, Jefferson would have had eight catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Brian O’Neill played through the pain

There were several points throughout the game that suggested right tackle Brian O’Neill was unable to continue. He injured his right knee early on, and although he was able to push through the pain for a while, it wasn’t long before he was limping to the sidelines again.

When the Vikings played the first series with O’Neill after halftime, it was assumed he would not return. When asked if he had missed the first series, O’Neill said he was being taped after having a brace fitted to his right knee. Shortly after, he went back onto the field and played every snap for the rest of the game.

It is unclear whether O’Neill will need to wear a brace on his right knee for the foreseeable future. That will be decided this week after further assessment.

Dallas Turner did his best Jonathan Greenard impression

It’s common for star edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to make a splash. He made his presence felt from the start for the Vikings, forcing a turnover on downs and then strip sacking it.

This is to be expected from Greenard as he has slowly established himself as one of the best players in the NFL at his position.

The fact that rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner has also made a splash is a very good sign heading into the playoffs. The shining moment for Turner late in the game when he looked like he’d been shot out of a cannon on his way to a sack. The explosiveness he displayed in that pass rush simply cannot be taught.

Caleb Williams certainly looked like he quit

This spot is usually reserved for players who win, lose or draw for the Vikings. However, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams deserves to be highlighted after a disastrous performance from him.

At no point in the game did Williams display the leadership qualities one would expect after the Bears selected him No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. In fact, it looked like Williams had quit, his body language on the sideline often speaking for itself.

His final stats would have looked much worse if it hadn’t been for a meaningless performance in the garage. However, not even this positive play from Williams could make up for how unmotivated he looked as the game got away from the Bears.