Bears With a Big Win on SNF
A popular knock on this Chicago Bears football team was that they couldn’t win against quality opponents. They had a 6-3 record coming into last night’s game, but hadn’t had any wins against a team with a winning record. Last night was their chance to prove to America that they were for real, with a game against a good Minnesota Vikings team on Sunday Night Football. The Bears took advantage of the opportunity, and certainly changed a lot of minds around the country as to how good this team is.
Photo: David Banks, AP
There wasn’t a whole lot of action early as the 1st quarter ended in just a 3-0 lead for the Bears, but there were two very important plays. First, the field goal from Bears kicker Cody Parkey was huge after missing four kicks last week off the upright. Putting one through the uprights early was big for his confidence going forward, and proved crucial at the end of this game. Secondly, the biggest Monster of the Midway Khalil Mack, forced and recovered a fumble after the Vikings were in the redzone about to score, stopping their momentum. Khalil Mack continued to be destructive on every offense he faces.
The most impressive drive of the night for the Bears was an 82 yard drive, crafted masterfully from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. On a night where Trubisky had two interceptions, this was his highlight drive as he combined completions along with several rushing attempts to keep the drive alive. He really showcased his potential with his arm and his legs, and when he does this the Bears offense is hard to stop. This impressive drive concluded with a touchdown pass from Trubisky to receiver Anthony Miller (Trubisky’s only touchdown of the game).
The Bears defense came up huge once again in the fourth quarter when Eddie Jackson intercepted a pass from Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned it 27 yards for the touchdown. But the Vikings wouldn’t quit as the veteran Cousins led his team on two impressive drives, both ending with touchdowns and one with a two point conversion. Their last touchdown, however, came a little too late in the game. Cody Parkey had just made his third field goal of the night, a 48 yarder, that put the Bears ahead by 11. The Vikings attempted an onside kick, but the Bears recovered, putting the nail in the coffin for the Vikings in this game.
More than anything, this game showed NFL fans around the country just how good the Bears defense is. This is easily a top defense in the NFL, good enough to where the offense has to be “just good enough” for this team to be successful. But the offense has to be better than it was last night. Granted the Vikings have a really good defense themselves, the Bears have to cut down on their mistakes. Trubisky had two interceptions, with the first one being just a really bad decision. Forcing a throw into triple coverage, Trubisky has to be smarter than that. But people forget he is still a very young quarterback and will make mistakes like this from time to time; he is still growing. Running back Tarik Cohen also lost a fumble early in the 4th quarter which led to great field position for the Vikings.
Overall, a solid football game for the Bears over a good opponent on a big stage. The defense will continue to win games for this Bears team as the offense will continue to grow and get better. Cody Parkey seems to have put his previous rough week behind him hitting all three of his field goals, with the last one coming in a big moment. This Bears team is a dangerous one for sure, and they are just getting better. Watch out NFL world!
Garett