Bears get first TD-less win since 1993. Plus, Frank Reich’s firing won’t change much for Panthers

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🐻 Good morning to everyone but especially …

JUSTIN FIELDS AND THE CHICAGO BEARS

It was following the script Justin Fields and the Bears have seen so often. Lifeless offense. Killer turnovers. Another loss incoming.

And then Fields flipped the script, his up-and-down career hitting a definite up as he drove Chicago 66 yards in 10 plays — highlighted by a beautiful 36-yard dart to DJ Moore — to set up Cairo Santos‘ 30-yard game-winning field goal for a 12-10 win over the Vikings.

• Fields had fumbled on each of the previous two drives — the second setting up Minnesota’s go-ahead touchdown — so seeing him bounce back was great. It’s his third career game-winning drive.
• The defense had four interceptions, its most in a game since 2018.
• It’s the first time the Bears have won a game without scoring a touchdown since 1993. Kevin Butler booted field goals of 48 and 52 yards against the Falcons for the 6-0 win back when Jim Harbaugh was Chicago’s starting quarterback. They had lost 39 straight such games since. 

I don’t think this win alone changes the long-term outlook on Fields, this roster and this coaching staff. But I do think all wins are worth celebrating. So celebrate away, Chicago.

👍 Honorable mentions

😟 And not such a good morning for …

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Joshua…