12 Snap Reactions after Bears at Vikings
Each week, we offer a “snap reactions” piece detailing thoughts and analysis after the latest Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Bears at Vikings
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit random, and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won at home on Monday night over the Chicago Bears 30-12 and are owners of a 12-2 record through 15 weeks.
1 — For the first time in about two years, the NFL world feels a bit “yikes” about the Detroit Lions — mostly because of injuries and a loss to the Buffalo Bills — so now is the time for Minnesota to strike and win the division. Monday worked out well for the plan, winning a division game in primetime. The NFC’s No. 1 seed is attainable. Go get it.
2 — Sam Darnold had another “off” game, so to speak. When he encounters those, the offense doesn’t descend to hell as it did at times when Kirk Cousins had “off” games. It’s really encouraging that the offense still works, and the purple team can put 30 points on the scoreboard when Darnold isn’t in peak form. We’ve come a long way.
3 — The Vikings should wear white uniforms + white helmets at least once annually. They’re fantastic.
4 — Kevin O’Connell yet again equitably mixed passing game targets for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Each fired up 7 catches. Hockenson had 5 for good measure. Minnesota’s offense is in pristine form when everybody eats.
5 — Dallas Turner, alas, is experiencing significant playing time, and the guy closes so damn fast on the ball. He is not like Lewis Cine or Andrew Booth; sooner rather than later, he will be a featured piece on the defense. Have no fear.
6 — Will Reichard produced a perfect game for the first time since Week 8. Welcome back.
7 — Brian Flores tossed the second-team defense into the game with about six minutes remaining. The group looked feisty, hungry, fast, and opportunistic. Although it surrendered a touchdown, the unit did not disappoint.
8 — Aaron Jones is getting back on track, and it’s worth noting that this time on the calendar is when he got extraordinarily hot for the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
9 — Here’s the stat of the game, detailing why the Vikings won by three scores:
Vikings + Bears,
3rd Down Efficiency:
Vikings = 7 for 14 (50%)
Bears = 1 for 12 (8.3%)
10 — And here’s the stat to know about this season, courtesy of our own Janik Eckardt:
11 — One unsung item about Vikings football this year is how Sam Darnold has corrected his fumble bug. It plagued him before 2024. The issue is nearly nonexistent this season — probably why the man is a fringe MVP candidate.
12 — Minnesota hasn’t won at Seattle since 2006 — losing five straight at that building. It’s time to exorcise more demons. Do the thing.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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