12 Knee Jerk Reactions to Vikings Loss vs. Bears
The Minnesota Vikings failed at their last best chance to make something of the 2025 season, losing to the Chicago Bears on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium by a score of 19-17.
Twelve knee-jerk reactions to Bears at Vikings in Week 11, capturing immediate takeaways, surprises, concerns, and standout moments from the tilt.
Minnesota and Chicago engaged in a typical game by the rivalry’s standards, showcasing low-octane play and one team doing just enough to defeat the other.
Snap Reactions to Vikings-Bears
Another home loss for a team that claimed to have Super Bowl aspirations.
1. The Vikings would have to finish the season 6-1 to maybe enter the postseason, and that’s just not going to happen. Losing back-to-back games at home can be considered the season’s dagger. There just isn’t much hope or oomph to turn it around. It doesn’t get any easier with the next two games at Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers) and on the road at Seattle, a historic house of horrors for Minnesota.
2. Folks keep waiting for a complete game from J.J. McCarthy, but through five starts, that does not exist. One of two things is happening: a) He’s a slow burn, waiting longer than usual to turn the corner in his development b) He’s just not any good. Thankfully — sort of — he has seven more games to give his coaches, general manager, and owner(s) a peek into his future. He’ll have to rally.
3. Kevin O’Connell’s quote from last year of “organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations” will be put to the test like none other. He’s smack dab in the middle of that situation, facing the choice of sticking with McCarthy, hell or high water, or realizing he picked the wrong guy to define his legacy. His decision, along with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, will shape Vikings history to the utmost.
4. O’Connell had a decision after the first [bad] offensive drive of the 3rd Quarter: give up on McCarthy for the time being — or give up on the season’s hope of ending in a playoff appearance. He chose the latter, and stunningly, Minnesota almost won the game. But special teams let the squad down, and the mammoth kickoff return by the Bears cost the Vikings the game. There’s always something wrong with the 2025 Vikings. It’s like scooping water from a sinking boat.
5. Somehow, Minnesota drafted the guy (McCarthy) who has the juice to go lights on the game’s final drive but struggles for the 2 hours and 45 minutes preceding crunchtime. How does that even happen?
6. O’Connell’s offense was 3 for 11 on 3rd Down, and that’s a theme this season. The 3rd Down offense is wretched, and when one glances under the hood at those stats, it’s no wonder that the club is 4-6.
7. Dallas Turner fostered a fabulous game, so it’s not all bad. He banked 7 tackles, 3 QB hits, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass defended. He filled in for Jonthan Greenard as a pure pass rusher; in previous starting assignments, he took on the “Andrew Van Ginkel role.” Perhaps he’s best suited to the Greenard role.
8. The Vikings were dominated in time of possession, 37 minutes to 23. This remains a theme of the O’Connell era. He just can’t fix it.
9. Chicago rushed the ball 39 times. Minnesota tried the ground game 22 times — an increase, believe it or not, from last week. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason performed great as a tandem, but it just wasn’t enough with an anemic passing offense.
10. The Bears will lose their first playoff game, whenever that may be. They’re not very good. They’re the 2022 Vikings, finding ways to win close games. They only beat bad teams, and Minnesota is one of those.
11. It’s a bit ironic that Minnesota may finally have a totally healthy lineup by next weekend — but it’s just too late. The aforementioned Greenard and center Ryan Kelly could finally play. Too bad it’s too late. A final reminder: The Vikings must finish the season with a 6-1 spurt to entertain a playoff spot.
12. Minnesota suffered from about half a dozen drops, which is the last thing in the world that can happen with a young quarterback begging to improve his accuracy. In those situations, it absolutely feels like a twilight zone.
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