5 things that stood out in the Vikings' road win over Bears
The Vikings got the victory in Chicago on Sunday to improve to 2-4 and set the stage for another critical game Monday night agains the 49ers. Here's what stood out in the win...
1. Ugliest turnover of the season avoided
Halfway through the second quarter the Vikings almost turned the ball over for the 13th time this season. It came when Kirk Cousins panicked and threw a backward pass in the vicinity of Cam Akers and the Bears recovered, but officials reviewed the play and rules that Chicago didn’t recover the ball in bounds.
The gaffe happened after T.J. Hockenson went in motion and then he and fellow right end Josh Oliver blocked nobody, which led to immediate pressure on Cousins.
It doesn’t go in the book as a turnover, but it was a 9-yard loss and three plays later the Vikings had to punt.
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is hit by Chicago Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) causing a backwards pass for fumble in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
2. Mattison drop leads to interception
Alexander Mattison let a second down pass go right through his hands and then he got beat on a block on third down that led to Cousins getting hit by T.J. Edwards as he threw and the ball popped into the air for an interception by Bears linebacker Tremaine Edwards.
Mattison's hands have been a problem this season.
3. Rare points off turnovers
Danielle Hunter pushed a lineman into Justin Fields on 3rd-and-2 and his pass floated into the air before it was picked off by Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks late in the second quarter and Minnesota turned that into a touchdown pass from Cousins to Addison.
That was just the fourth forced turnover of the season, though they would go on to force two more to get the total to six on the season. And the last turnover proved to be the game-winning score asJosh Metellus strip-sacked Tyson Bagent and Hicks picked up the ball and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown and a 19-6 lead in the third quarter.
Minnesota first three forced turnovers of the season generated a total of 10 points. When Theo Jackson intercepted Jalen Hurts in Week 2, Mattison fumbled on the very next play. They turned a Chargers fumble in Week 3 into 3 points and in Week 4 against Carolina they turned a Bryce Young fumble into a 48-yard D.J. Wonnum touchdown return.
4. Danielle Hunter wreaking havoc
Hunter was as menace from start to finish, generating numerous pressures and finished the day with an unofficial seven tackles, two sacks and a tipped pass. He was responsible for Justin Fields' interception in the second quarter as he bull-rushed an offensive lineman into Fields' throwing motion.
Hunter is now up to 8 sacks on the season as his name has been rumored as a potential trade candidate before the Halloween NFL trade deadline.
5. Offense was bad without Justin Jefferson
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) attempts to make a diving catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
There's no escaping the truth: Minnesota's first game in more than three seasons without Justin Jefferson was ugly on the offensive side of the ball. Cousins completed 21 of 31 passes for just 181 yards. It was especially ugly in the second half as Cousins was 6 of 9 for just 38 yards.
"I thought Kirk played really clean, really efficient football," head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the win.
Minnesota's drive summary left a lot to be desired.
- Field goal -- 53-yarder by Greg Joseph
- Field goal -- 51-yarder by Greg Joseph
- Punt
- Fumble
- Touchdown
- Punt
- Punt
- Missed field goal
- Punt
- Punt
- End of game
