The Vikings limited the Bears to 5-for-15 on third downs but did their best situational work in the red zone. Chicago moved the ball inside Minnesota’s 20-yard line on three separate occasions and came away with zero points on those occasions.
In addition to the final series, which Isaiah Rodgers nearly ended with an interception if not for his heels landing out of bounds, Rodgers recovered a fumble at the 1-yard line after Jalen Redmond punched the ball from D’Andre Swift, a nod to former Bear Charles “Peanut” Tillman, who was at the game.
Chicago drove 64 yards on 11 plays to open the second half before the timely takeaway.
Rodgers also kept points off the board when he blocked a field goal to end Chicago’s penultimate possession. He screamed from the right side of the line to keep the Bears from tying the game at 6 with 6:21 remaining.
Additionally, Byron Murphy, Jr., recorded an interception in the first half.
Rookie first-round pick Caleb Banks showed up multiple times, finishing with six tackles, including one for a loss.
Minnesota has started 2-0 against division opponents for the first time since 2003 and third time in franchise history.
Here are four more observations.