Two less positive matters need addressing: Kevin O'Connell, just kick that field goal. Cam Robinson, thank goodness you're here, but be careful before the snap, please.
1. No. 2 Run Defense Dominates Early
The Vikings' run defense finally showcased its No. 2-ranked defense, making crucial stops, including two fourth-down stuffs, that kept the Vikings in control of a sloppy 13-0 game en route to a 30-12 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. After being gashed for 312 yards the previous two weeks, the run defense set a tone on the opening possession when Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Greenard stopped D’Andre Swift for no gain on fourth-and-1 at the Bears’ 39-yard line. That stop led to a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Later in the half, the line again held firm, and linebacker Brian Cashman tackled Swift again for no gain on fourth-and-1 at the Vikings’ 29-yard line. That stop resulted in another field goal and a 13-0 lead. Another key run stop in the first half: Harrison Smith on a called QB run by speedy Caleb Williams, limiting the play to just 1 yard on second-and-10. This led to a Greenard strip-sack takeaway on third-and-9, setting up a 7-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, extending the lead to 10-0.
2. Play-Action Creates Space for Jefferson
The Vikings' play-action game, ranked among the best in the league, made the Bears pay by leaving Justin Jefferson open in man coverage on his 7-yard touchdown reception. Instead of Jefferson drawing defensive attention, Aaron Jones helped create space for Jefferson on a crossing route in the back of the end zone. Safety Kevin Byard III bit on the run fake to Jones, which allowed Jonathan Owens to be left in a hopeless matchup against Jefferson. The 39-yard touchdown drive began with coach Kevin O’Connell calling three straight runs as Jones gained 13, 9, and 1 yard before K.O. used play-action to open up the passing game.
3. Kick the Field Goal, K.O.!
The Vikings were leading 10-0 when the old-school football fan inside me thought, "Just kick the 42-yard field goal, K.O.!" Why risk reigniting a dead Bears team that had lost seven straight games? While I understand the aggressive mindset of young coaches like O’Connell, the possession was a disaster, and settling for three points seemed like the better decision. For starters, Justin Jefferson dropped what would have been a 30-yard touchdown after losing focus on the ball (yes, it really happened) at the 6-yard line. The drive ended with Darnold throwing his first interception in five games on fourth-and-3 at the Chicago 23-yard line. The Bears then drove 58 yards with some momentum, but the Vikings’ run defense stood tall again with another fourth-and-1 stop.
4. Offense Leans on Jones Early
Unlike recent weeks, this was not a game of explosive plays. The longest play for the Vikings was a bubble screen to Justin Jefferson that gained 21 yards. However, Aaron Jones was explosive and gritty enough at running back to help his defense maintain control. Jones had five touches for 46 yards, including a 13-yard run and a 17-yard catch that helped the Vikings build a 10-0 lead after the first quarter. He added another 14-yard run and a 1-yard rushing touchdown, symbolizing the life this former Packer has injected into the ground game. Jones' touchdown was followed by a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Cam Akers, pushing the Vikings' total rushing touchdowns to nine, already surpassing last season's total of seven.
5. Clean It Up, Cam!
Watching Bears rookie left tackle Kiran Amegadjie struggle mightily in his first NFL start should make fans appreciate Cam Robinson's importance. Thanks to the trade for Robinson after Christian Darrisaw went down, the Vikings' offensive line remains stable. However, four presnap penalties in one game is concerning. Robinson was penalized for illegal formation and three false starts, the last of which led to a sack and a blocked punt on third-and-3. Robinson now has 10 penalties this season, with seven of them coming in just seven games for the Vikings.
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