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The Chicago Bears notched their first win of the 2021 season with a 20-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, which was due in large part to Chicago’s dominant defensive effort, where they had four takeaways and four sacks.
With Andy Dalton exiting the game with a knee injury, rookie Justin Fields stepped into the lineup, where he had some expected rookie struggles. But, at this point, it’s hard to look at Fields and think it’s good to go back to Dalton. Although, we’ll see what Matt Nagy ultimately chooses to do.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings lost another heartbreaker, this time a 34-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Minnesota was primed for their first victory of the season, but Vikings kicker Greg Joseph missed a 37-yard field goal wide right as time expired.
The loss dropped the Vikings to 0-2 on the season — and last place in the NFC North — while the Bears retained sole possession of the division through Sunday’s games with a 1-1 record.
AHEM. #FirstPlaceBears pic.twitter.com/TKruq899Qz
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) September 19, 2021
Of course, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will face off on Monday Night Football, where Chicago will likely be tied atop the division with either Green Bay or Detroit — barring a tie.
But, right now, it feels good for the Bears to be atop the NFC North following last week’s brutal loss and this week’s close call.
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