The Bears had given up on the season a few weeks ago. By all appearances, they are tanking for the second time in Ryan Poles’ three years as general manager. Nice. The Vikings interviewed him when they were searching for a general manager during the 2022 offseason. It sure looks they chose wisely when they hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. No matter the effort-level, the Bears have often been a pain for the Vikings. That is especially true on Monday night. The Vikings have faced the Bears in the prime time slot more than any other team. Beating the Bears have never been easy. At least, the game wasn’t in Chicago. Around Halloween.
The game was in Minnesota and it was spectacular. It was a white-out game as the Vikings wore their “Winter Warrior” all-white uniforms. The fans wore white. It was beautiful. The game also had special meaning as legends Cris Carter and Jake Reed were honorary captains and honored former teammate Randy Moss and his battle with cancer. They held Moss’ #84 jersey aloft as they approached midfield for the coin toss. Current Vikings legend, Justin Jefferson, further honored Moss during his touchdown celebration. Jefferson also donned a Moss jersey during his postgame press conference. Get healthy, Randy! #mosscancer.
The game. It never really felt like the Bears posed a threat. The only real threat to the Vikings was their own play. The offense never really felt like they were in sync. After about a month of pinpoint passing, Sam Darnold was off on several throws. He missed some wide open receivers. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison probably should’ve had a repeat of last week’s 100-yard games. It wasn’t just Darnold that was a little off. Jefferson dropped what was sure to be a 30-yard touchdown. Three plays later, Darnold threw his first interception in about a month. If Jefferson does what he always does, catch the ball, the Vikings probably put the Bears away in the first half rather than the second half. While the offense was a little hit-and-miss through most of the game, they did have some second half success running the ball. Aaron Jones and Cam Akers scored touchdowns from the one-yard line. Goal-line running has been a season-long problem. Those short scores were refreshing to see and a positive moving forward. The Vikings defense had a bit better night than the offense. They were terrific on third and fourth downs throughout the game. The Bears couldn’t sustain drives. The pass rush had Caleb Williams on the run. The defense snuffed out a couple second half scoring opportunities and forced the Bears to settle for field goals. The final, late touchdown felt charitable.
Some of the offenses’s difficulties could be attributed to an injury to right tackle Brian O’Neill. After losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season, the Vikings simply can not lose O’Neill as well. He’s been excellent all season. Fortunately, he returned to the game. That was reassuring. Then, he left again just before the half. That wasn’t good. He returned to the game in the second half and finished the game. That was reassuring.
The best thing the Vikings offense did was converting third-and-longs. The worst thing the Vikings did was getting into third-and-longs. 10 penalties are way too many penalties.
I suppose it’s a good thing that the Vikings put up an 18-point win despite some ragged play. Particularly on offense, they can play so much better. Most of the problems feel correctable. Darnold was a little off on some throws. Jefferson had a shocking drop. He was shocked. I was shocked. Everyone was shocked. That sure touchdown would’ve put the Vikings up 17-0 early in the second quarter. Instead, it was only 13-0 at the half. If there’s reason to worry, it’s that the Vikings can’t keep putting up games with some inconsistent play. The Bears are a team that’s probably been more focused on the offseason than the games still in front of them. The Vikings have no more such games.
12-2.
The Vikings are 12-2 with a playoff spot secured. If they win their remaining three games, they win the NFC North and perhaps even the NFC’s #1 seed. The final three games are tough.
@Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers
@Detroit Lions
Each game is against a team either in or fighting for the playoffs. In that sense, the playoffs start next Sunday.
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