The Bears defense provided that opportunity with a stellar performance, generating four takeaways for the second straight game and limiting the Vikings to one offensive touchdown and fewer than 250 total yards for the second time this season. The unit held Minnesota to 2-of-9 on third down (22.2%) and 0-of-2 on fourth down.
“Defense creates momentum in a lot of different ways,” said coach Matt Eberflus. “They do it through third-down stops, they do it through big hits, and they do it through taking the ball away. That’s what we always preach to the guys, and they did all three things today.”
Monday night’s victory was particularly satisfying after the Bears had allowed the Lions to score 17 points in the final 2:59 last Sunday to turn a 26-14 deficit into a 31-26 win in Detroit.
“We all showed character tonight after not finishing last week and then kind of that sticking with us this week,” Santos said. “Getting the job done today was awesome for our team.”
“After last week we wanted to do the same thing, but just stick the knife in them,” said safety Eddie Jackson. “We wanted to go four quarters. It wasn’t pretty. We’ve got things to clean up on that touchdown drive. But overall, the defense, I feel like we played lights out.”
Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker and T.J. Edwards all registered interceptions, while Montez Sweat recorded 1.5 sacks, splitting one with Brisker.
Throwing mostly short, quick passes, Fields completed 27 of 37 for 217 yards and an 87.3 passer rating and rushed for a game-high 59 yards on 12 carries. He was sacked three times. Moore led all receivers with 11 catches for 114 yards.
With the win, the Bears improved to 4-8 and are now 4-4 since beginning the season 0-4.
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