Bears-Vikings; Falcons-Raiders on 'Monday Night Football': What ...

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1. Vikings wear down Bears. Minnesota started this game well enough to take a 10-0 lead, but for a significant stretch of time couldn't find its offensive rhythm. 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 time of possession battle even with an offense that didn't break 275 yards until the game entered its final six minutes. That meant Minnesota didn't have an endless supply of opportunities, but fortunately for the Vikings, a combination of penalty yards and a methodical drive produced two touchdowns, pushing the margin out 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 they didn't dominate this game more significantly -- but they got the job done without a notably spectacular performance from any of their key weapons, which is what a winning team is expected to do. They can thank their swarming defense for playing an essential part in that.
2. Bears need to do right by Caleb. Although Caleb Williams" data-link="/players/caleb-williams/" data-slug="caleb-williams">Caleb Williams has been forced to run for his life for much of this season, he has proven he's the Bears' quarterback of the future. They've given him receiving talent. Next on the list: better protection and a coaching staff that can cultivate his development instead of asking him to play hero. Chicago's defense played well enough for a good portion of this game to make it competitive, but the offense failed to show up, no matter how hard Williams tried to bring it to life. An operational error robbed them of their sole moment of joy, too, wiping out a touchdown because an eligible lineman didn't report to the officials before the play. That starts with the coaching staff, which has already been altered by Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus' firings and will see more changes this offseason. If the Bears are going to turn around their franchise, it starts this offseason. Monday night's result was useful only as another motivating factor to drive the organization to take this offseason seriously.
3. Small signs of concern emerge for Minnesota. Look, we know the Vikings' full-strength offense is incredibly dangerous. Justin Jefferson" data-link="/players/justin-jefferson/" data-slug="justin-jefferson">Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison" data-link="/players/jordan-addison/" data-slug="jordan-addison">Jordan Addison form one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, a pair liable to 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 viciously at any moment. It made a cameo appearance Monday night, knocking right tackle Brian O'Neill out for a stretch of time and exposing the Vikings' lack of quality depth behind him. Sam Darnold" data-link="/players/sam-darnold/" data-slug="sam-darnold">Sam Darnold didn't look too great, either, freezing in the pocket at times and making some questionable throws that fortunately didn't hurt Minnesota's chances too seriously. Chicago's defense presents a challenge to most opponents, but we can't explain this one away with that as the sole reason. Even Jefferson dropped what would've been a touchdown pass Monday night. The Vikings will head back from U.S. Bank Stadium knowing they have some things to clean up. Fortunately, they were playing a team that simply doesn't stack up against them.

Next Gen Stats Insight for 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 accumulated 56 pressures this season, ninth-most in the NFL.

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