3 takeaways from the Bears 19-13 loss to the Vikings
The taste of victory was nice while it lasted for the Chicago Bears. However, that feeling is gone after a week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This loss marked the tenth straight divisional loss for the Bears. That is an embarrassing statistic for the organization and its fans. On top of that, the loss also halted any momentum the team may have been building. Here are the three big takeaways form the Bears’ loss to the Vikings.
Justin Fields Woes are back
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
Coming into this week, it looked like Fields was turning a corner after having two spectacular games. However, Fields came back down to earth in a big way this week. Finishing the day going 6 for 10 and 58 yards passing, and 8 carries for 48 yards. His poor stats in the passing game came because he held onto the ball too long again. Although the problem looked fixed the past two weeks, it apparently is not, and it created more pressure, hits and sacks against the Vikings. This ultimately led to Fields suffering a dislocated thumb early in the third quarter and not returning to the game. An injury like this puts in question Fields availability for the week, as he is currently doubtful to play against the Raiders. If this injury ends up costing him a few games it will be determinantal in his assessment at the end of the season.
healhly secondary
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
The Bears started a game with a healthy secondary for the first time since week one, and they looked great. They were able to bat balls away and play tighter coverage. The tighter coverage helped the Bears get off the field more often, as they only gave up two first downs on third down. That was a major improvement for a team that has been horrendous at stopping other teams on third and any distance. Not giving up first downs meant that the defense only surrendered 12 of the 19 points the Vikings scored. That is tied for the least amount of points they have allowed in two seasons under head coach Matt Eberflus. Although that is impressive, it does come with the caveat that the secondary did not face Justin Jefferson, one of the league's best wide receivers. Yet, fans can still be excited with what the secondary showed.
Offensive line struggles
One week removed from playing well against a stacked Washington Commanders front, the Bears offensive line looked bad against the Vikings. The stark contrast in game plans between the two teams is the reason why. The Commanders rely on their star studded front four to get pressure, whereas the Vikings blitz more because they do not have the talent. The Bears knew the Vikings would bring the blitz entering the game, but they did nothing to combat it. That led to frequent pressure, which created collapsed pockets and five sacks. A disastrous performance like this falls on the players and coaches. Hopefully, the Bears will be more prepared for the blitz when they meet later in the season.