FULL BOX SCORE

1. Vikings wear down bears. Minnesota started this game well enough to take a 10-0 lead, but couldn’t find its offensive rhythm for long stretches. Chicago forced Minnesota into two three-and-outs early in the second half, and although they converted only one of 11 third downs, the Bears managed to win the battle of possession, even with an offense that hadn’t gained 275 yards by the game The breakthrough came in the last six minutes. That meant Minnesota didn’t have endless opportunities, but fortunately for the Vikings, a combination of penalties and a methodical push resulted in two touchdowns that pushed the lead far enough to all but confirm their eventual victory. Offensively, the Vikings weren’t as impressive as usual through four quarters – it was a little shocking that they didn’t dominate this game more clearly – but they managed it without putting together a particularly spectacular performance from one of their key weapons, which is what comes of one the winning team is expected. You can thank their teeming defense for playing an integral role in this.
2. The Bears have to do right by Caleb. Although Caleb Williams Forced to run for his life for most of this season, he has proven that he is the Bears’ quarterback of the future. They gave him receiving talent. Next on the list: better protection and a coaching staff that can encourage his development instead of asking him to play the hero. Chicago’s defense played well enough to be competitive for much of this game, but the offense failed to make an impact, no matter how hard Williams tried to bring it to life. An operational error also robbed them of their only moment of joy, negating a touchdown because an eligible lineman failed to report to the referees before the play. That starts with the coaching staff, which has already been changed with the firings of Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus and will see even more changes this offseason. If the Bears want to turn their franchise around, it starts this offseason. Monday night’s result was just another motivating factor for the organization to take this offseason seriously.
3. There are small signs of concern for Minnesota. Look, we know that the Vikings offense is incredibly dangerous at full strength. Justin Jefferson And Jordan Addison Form one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, a pair that can score multiple points on any given Sunday (or Monday or Thursday). But as the Lions have unfortunately learned in recent weeks, the threat of injury can strike at any moment. It made a cameo appearance Monday night, sidelining right tackle Brian O’Neill for a period of time and highlighting the Vikings’ lack of quality depth behind him. Sam Darnold didn’t look great either, as he froze in the pocket at times and made some questionable throws that luckily didn’t hurt Minnesota’s chances too much. Chicago’s defense poses a challenge for most opponents, but we can’t explain that as the sole reason. Even Jefferson dropped what would have been a touchdown pass Monday night. The Vikings will return from US Bank Stadium knowing they have some things to clean up. Luckily, they were playing against a team that just couldn’t keep up with them.

Next-Gen Stats Insights for the Bears-Vikings (via NFL Pro): Jonathan Greenard generated a team-high seven pressures and a sack against the Bears, with five of his pressures coming against rookie left tackle Kiran Amegadjie. Greenard has racked up 56 pressures this season, ninth-most in the NFL.

NFL Research: Sam Darnold’s 12 wins in 2024 are the third-most wins by a QB with a new team in the last 40 seasons (behind only Peyton Manning in 2012 and Steve McNair in 2006, who won 13 each).