4 Takeaways after Vikings Escape Slugfest with Bears

After a 1-0 start to the season, the Minnesota Vikings headed to Soldier Field with the difficult task of slowing down a Chicago Bears offense that scored 59 points in Week 1.

While they were assisted by some rain, the Vikings more than accomplished that goal, inking a 9-3 final score into the W column. Minnesota now sits as the only 2-0 team in the NFC North with sole lead of the division, and more importantly, both of those wins came against division rivals.

Here are four takeaways following that 9-3 victory in Chicago.

1. Young Defenders Shine

After a strong showing against Green Bay last weekend, the young Vikings defenders, particularly on the defensive front, were on a mission to make life miserable for the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.

Dallas Turner led the way with some elite play, recording a pair of sacks. This included the game-sealing sack of Tyson Bagent at the end of the fourth quarter.

Jalen Redmond can’t go unnoticed, either. He put together four tackles, was a force in the running game, and he saved the Vikings with a touchdown-saving fumble forced on D’Andre Swift at the goal line. Who knows if the Vikings actually pull this game out with that tackle.

Caleb Banks also put together a solid day with six total tackles (three solo) and a tackle for loss. After going unnoticeable in Week 1, he made a great positive step in his second NFL game.

2. Aaron Jones Turns in Banner Day

Without Jordan Mason in the lineup because of a thumb injury that has landed him on IR, Aaron Jones was forced to become the bell cow back for the Vikings. He did an admirable job of taking on that challenge, carrying the ball 23 times for 105 yards.

A big challenge for the Vikings over the past few years has been finding a way to consistently run the football. Through two games this season, Minnesota has put up 226 rushing yards. It’s not the most impressive number in the world, but it is far better than the weeks we’ve seen in the past where they could not find a way to establish any sort of rushing attack.

On a day where weather played a factor and both defenses controlled the day throughout, you saw firsthand why a consistent running game makes a difference in winning and losing these close games.

3. Caleb Williams’ Injury Looms Large

This game cannot be talked about without mentioning the Caleb Williams injury. Yes, the Vikings spent the majority of the day keeping the dynamic quarterback in check, but late in the fourth quarter when Williams had the Bears driving, he pulled up on a run where he very well may have made it into the end zone to give the Bears the lead.

That left Tyson Bagent to try and overcome a strong Vikings defense that was firing on all cylinders, and the backup couldn’t get the job done.

As of now, it appears to be a hamstring injury for Williams, but it remains to be seen how severe that injury is. This is something that may not only impact this week’s outcome, but also games in the coming weeks as well if he were to miss any time.

4. Special Teams Wins the Day

Let’s give some credit to the Vikings on special teams. They got the job done in all aspects. Will Reichard was a perfect three-for-three on field goals, extending his streak to 23 consecutive made field goals. It’s a stretch that Vikings fans really shouldn’t take for granted.

Then, there’s the rookie Brett Thorson. He answered a strong NFL debut by being forced to punt six times, and he averaged just under 50 yards per punt, including a pair of punts that ended up inside Chicago’s 20. It comes after he put three punts inside the 20 in the season opener against Green Bay. If the Vikings continue to be led by their defense and play hard-fought, close games, Thorson’s abilities will be essential to keep opponents pinned.

Finally, Isaiah Rodgers made a massive play on special teams, blocking a field goal attempt that would have tied the game 6-6 in the second half.

Editor’s Note: Information from ESPN helped with this article.

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