What we learned from Minnesota, Atlanta wins

FULL BOX SCORE

1. Vikings wear bears down. Minnesota started this game well enough to take a 10-0 lead, but couldn’t find its offensive rhythm for an extended period. Chicago forced Minnesota into two three-and-outs to start the second half, and despite converting just 1 of 11 third downs, the Bears managed to win the possession game with an offense that didn’t break 275 yards until the game went into walk. his last six minutes. That meant Minnesota didn’t have an endless supply of options, but luckily for the Vikings, a combination of penalty yards and a methodical drive produced two touchdowns that pushed the margin wide enough to all but confirm their eventual victory. Offensively, the Vikings weren’t as impressive over four quarters as usual – it was mildly shocking that they didn’t dominate this game more significantly – but they got the job done without a particularly spectacular performance from any of their key weapons, which is what a winning teams are expected to do. They can thank their swarming defense for playing a significant role in that.
2. Bears must deal with Caleb. Although Caleb Williams has been forced to run for his life for most of this season, he has proven that he is the Bears’ quarterback of the future. They have given him receiving talent. Next on the list: better protection and a coaching staff that can nurture his development instead of asking him to play completely. Chicago’s defense played well enough for a good chunk of this game to make it competitive, but the offense didn’t show up no matter how hard Williams tried to bring it to life. An operational error also robbed them of their only moment of joy, wiping out a touchdown because an eligible lineman did not report to the officials before the play. That starts with the coaching staff, which has already been changed by the firings of Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus and will see more changes this offseason. If the Bears are going to turn their franchise around, it starts in the offseason. Monday night’s result was only useful as another motivating factor to drive the organization to take this offseason seriously.
3. Small signs of concern are emerging for Minnesota. Look, we know the Vikings offense at full strength is incredibly dangerous. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, a pair that can explode for multiple scores on any given Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday). But as the Lions have unfortunately learned in recent weeks, the injury bug can strike maliciously at any time. It made a cameo appearance Monday night, beating right tackle Brian O’Neill out for a while and reveal the Vikings’ lack of quality depth behind them. Sam Darnold didn’t look too good either, freezing up in the pocket at times and making some questionable throws that thankfully didn’t hurt Minnesota’s chances too badly. Chicago’s defense is a challenge for most opponents, but we can’t write this one off with that as the only reason. Even Jefferson dropped what would have been a touchdown pass Monday night. The Vikings will head back from US Bank Stadium knowing they have some things to clean up. Fortunately, they played against a team that simply does not hold up against them.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Bear 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 the rookie left tackle Kiran Amegadjie. Greenard has accumulated 56 pressures this season, ninth-most in the NFL.

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