The Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vikings 33-27 behind 2 TD’s by David Montgomery and (4!) Cairo Santos field goals. The offense showed up today early on, and maintained through at least the middle of the 4th quarter. Mitch Trubisky was electric on the Bears 2nd drive moving the pocket and hitting Darnell Mooney for an 8 yd TD to take an early 7-0 lead. They then scored on 6! of their 7 drives (drive before the half with :26 on the clock technically counts). They looked comfortable and they were running the ball at will. The offensive line was phenomenal, no penalties and only allowing 1 sack. It was another nice display from Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney when they were needed. Mitch Trubisky had a decent day, until the late INT that brought nerves to all watching. Being the only turnover of the game so far at a critical time. It was nice to see David Montgomery carrying as many times as he did, 32, and gaining 146 yds in the process. It helps the play action and gets Mitch on the move. It is nice to see Bill Lazor playing to his personnel rather than the scheme. They need to keep it up if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive through the season.

Let’s talk about the defense, or lack there of today. Yes they had two 4th down stops, 3 sacks, and 1 INT (on a Hail Mary). Let’s take a look at the overall numbers: allowing 407 total yards, 249 through the air, and 158 on the ground. Oof. After a tremendous showing against the Houston Texans, they dropped a dud against the Vikings. This being a team they have handled in the past without any issues. They did well on 3rd down to the tune of 4-11. Great, but they were giving up several chunks of yards and then trying not to break in the red zone. Yes, they were without Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine in the secondary but they allowed the Vikings flexibility in their offense. It was frustrating to watch knowing the personnel is far better than what they showed. We did see Robert Quinn with a strip sack, his first since week 2 against the Giants. Bilal Nichols continuing to play at a high level, and Roquan Smith letting himself roam and make plays. I have harped on this all season, Chuck Pagano needs to be let go. He is Nagying the defense trying to force them into a scheme they do not have the personnel for. Eddie Jackson made the tip on the Hail Mary INT, other than that he hasn’t been able to make the plays we are accustomed to seeing. Up front Brent Urban is having a sneaky great season getting to the QB and disrupting things. The strength of the Bears is supposed to be their defense but the offense has carried the load the last 3 weeks, which is nice to see them get a break, but they aren’t even showing up. Nagy challenged them after the Detroit game and they showed up loud but then regressed. They are more important for the final two weeks, especially if Green Bay has to win.

Special Teams was also a huge part of the win. Cairo Santos has made 22 consecutive field goals, including 4/4 today. He has been the steady PK the Bears have been hoping for. Since Eddie Pineiro has been out he has been a huge piece of the team. Cordarelle Patterson was hurt early in the game and was minimal in the kick return game. Pat O’Donnell only punted once! Chris Tabor isn’t your top of the line ST Coordinator but he’s done a pretty good job this year.

The Bears travel to Jacksonville next week against a 1-13 Jaguars team. They need to not overlook anything, if they wish to stay “in the hunt”.