Three big-picture takeaways from the Bears’ 19-13 loss Sunday to the NFC North rival Vikings at Soldier Field:
Bringing up the rear
The loss to the Vikings left the 1-5 Bears in sole possession of last place in the NFC North. They’ve lost to both two-win teams in the division: the Packers and Vikings. The good news is that the Panthers, who owe the Bears their first-round draft pick in 2024, remain winless and would get the top overall choice were the season to end today.
A better defense
The Bears’ defense played by far its best game of the season, allowing 220 yards. That was a season low for the Vikings, who were without star receiver Justin Jefferson. The Bears entered Sunday allowing an average of 384.2 yards, the fourth-most in the NFL. They also allowed the Vikings to convert only two of their 13 third downs.
At least they could run
With their top three tailbacks injured, the Bears leaned on D’Onta Foreman (15 carries, 65 yards) and Darrynton Evans (nine carries, 32 yards). Receiver Velus Jones even took two handoffs, one for 17 yards and another for a loss of two.
Overall, they ran 36 times for 162 yards. Even with backups carrying the ball, the Bears’ numbers were similar to those in their previous two games, when they ran 31 times for 171 yards against the Broncos and 32 times for 178 yards against the Commanders.
