The Chicago Bears (1-5) were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings (2-4), 19-13, on Sunday. It marked the team’s 15th loss in the last 16 games, and the team hasn’t won at home since Sept. 25, 2022.
This was a winnable game for the Bears, who faced a struggling Vikings team without star receiver Justin Jefferson. While Chicago’s defense did its job — allowing a season-low 19 points — the offense never found a rhythm. To make matters worse, quarterback Justin Fields suffered a dislocated thumb that’s expected to keep him out for a little bit.
Here’s a quick position breakdown of what we saw during the game and how we graded the Bears in this loss.
Quarterbacks: C-
Even before Justin Fields suffered a right hand injury in the third quarter, he wasn’t playing particularly well. Sure, a big part of that was the play of the offensive line (more on that later), but it a step down after his previous two outings. Fields completed 6-of-10 passes for 58 yards and an interception. He did rush for 46 yards on eight carries. Tyson Bagent replaced an injured Fields, where he led the team to its lone touchdown (a one-yard rushing score by Bagent). While he nearly orchestrated a comeback, Bagent committed two costly turnovers.
Running backs: B
Considering the Bears were down three running backs — Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer — D’Onta Foreman and Darrynton Evans more than held down the fort as the Bears rushed for 162 yards on the ground. Foreman led the way with 15 carries for 65 yards (4.3 yards per carry). Evans added nine carries for 32 yards (3.6 yards per carry).
Wide receivers: B
DJ Moore didn’t have another monster game, but he did lead the team with five catches for 51 yards on eight targets. On the plus side, Darnell Mooney landed in the box score with two catches on three targets for 48 yards, including a 39-yard reception from Fields. Even rookie Tyler Scott saw some action after Bagent got into the game, with two catches for 12 yards.
Tight ends: C-
It wasn’t a good day for the tight ends in the passing game. Cole Kmet was held to just two catches for nine yards on three targets. Robert Tonyan added one catch for 11 yards.
Offensive line: F
The offensive line had an atrocious day, where Fields was under duress all game (including taking two sacks on the opening series). Fields was sacked four times, and Bagent once (after replacing Fields late in the third quarter). Cody Whitehair continued to struggle snapping the ball, and Lucas Patrick later replaced him at center. It didn’t help that Nate Davis left with an ankle injury, and he was replaced by Ja’Tyre Carter.
Defensive line: B
The defensive line had a solid game, where Justin Jones led the way with his best game of the season. Jones totaled seven tackles, including two for a loss, and two QB hits. DeMarcus Walker split a sack with Jaquan Brisker and added three tackles. Yannick Ngakoue had three tackles, including one for a loss. Rookie Zacch Pickens had a nice tackle for loss.
Linebackers: B+
The linebacker group had an impressive outing against the Vikings, where their new additions T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds shined. Edwards tied for a team-best eight tackles and added a sack. Edmunds had six tackles, one pass breakup and an interception that was later ruled a fumble recovery. Jack Sanborn tied for a team-high eight tackles, including one for a loss.
Secondary: B
The Bears secondary didn’t have to face Justin Jefferson, but there were some other weapons they faced on Sunday, including Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn and T.J. Hockenson. Chicago’s secondary, which was whole for the first time since Week 1, was solid. Jaylon Johnson in particular stood out, including notching a pass breakup on a crucial third down where Minnesota had to settle for a long field goal. Brisker had six tackles, 0.5 sack and one QB hit.
Special teams: B+
It was another solid outing on special teams, where Cairo Santos remained Mr. Reliable with field goals of 22 and 53 yards, as well as connecting on his lone extra point attempt. Trenton Gill had a strong day, including a punt inside Minnesota’s 5-yard line. Velus Jones had a solid day returning kickoffs, including returning the opening kickoff 37 yards. Rasheem Green blocked an extra point.
Coaching: C-
Matt Eberflus gets credit for his defense’s performance, which included a season-low 19 points allowed. Even though the Vikings were without Justin Jefferson, the defense had a dominant outing. But Luke Getsy reverted back to his old ways putting Justin Fields and the offense in bad situations.
