Minnesota Vikings Week 12 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings found a way to turn a comfortable win into a nail-biting overtime win. Caleb Williams did have a lot to do with things going awry in the final moments of regulation. The Vikings responded to the late collapse with defensive dominance and offensive excellence in overtime. Here are some of the players that made the 30-27 Vikings win over the Bears possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

This could go to a trio of playmakers. Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones made big plays all day. Each went for over 100 yards. It was Sam Darnold that made the offense mostly hum all game.

22/34

330 yards

2 TDs

He was excellent every time that he had to be. That was especially true on the overtime possession. He handled a sack on the first play and a couple penalties for 15 yards. 

6/6

90 yards

With 11 points in the final 22 seconds of overtime, the Bears had all of the momentum. In overtime, the Vikings defense took that momentum away and handed it to Darnold to win the game.

Defensive Player of the Game

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

All season, Jonathan Greenard has been wrecking the intentions of offenses. 

Against the Bears:

6 tackles

2 sacks

4 tackles for loss

His sack of Caleb Williams on the second play of overtime took all hope from the pesky Bears. Greenard should be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Jerry Tillery, DL

This was very much a tale of highs and lows for the Vikings special teams. There was a blocked field goal. There was a recovery of a muffed punt. John Parker Romo made all three of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra point attempts. Those are the highs. The Vikings special teams also gave up a 55-yard kick return that was crucial in the Bears frantic comeback. Then there was the failed onside kick recovery that gifted the Bears the opportunity for a regulation-ending, game-tying field goal. 

Jerry Tillery gets the nod here for his block of a first-half Bears field goal attempt. In a game that ended in overtime, his play was huge in this game.