There was a time during the 2020 season that the Chicago Bears were on a six-game losing streak and all hope was lost. Now, after a 33-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears’ chances for a postseason spot looms large.
It wasn’t the ideal start for both teams as the Bears started the game with a three-and-out, but the Vikings did the same. However, on the next possession for both teams, they were able to find the end zone.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky found rookie receiver Darnell Mooney for an eight yard touchdown to start the game, but the Vikings responded with a touchdown pass of their own from quarterback Kirk Cousin to receiver Adam Thielen from three yards. The Bears were able to respond with a Cairo Santos 42-yard field to give the Bears a 10-7 lead into the second quarter.
Halfway through the second quarter, the Bears were able to extend their lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back David Montgomery. The Bears offense was powered by Montgomery with 32 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
Just before halftime, the Bears and Vikings exchanged field goals that would give the Bears a 20-10 lead. The Vikings would got the ball to start the second half and they were cut into the Bears’ lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back Dalvin Cook.
Even with the Vikings starting strong in the second half, the Bears never gave up and found ways to answer Minnesota. After the Cook touchdown, the Bears responded with a 14-yard rushing touchdown from Montgomery.
The Vikings kicked a 22-yard field goal, then the Bears kicked a 20-yard field goal. However, the Vikings scored on a 20-yard pass from Cousins to Tyler Conklin, then the Bears got themselves into the red zone and Trubisky tossed an ill-advised interception to Viking rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler in the endzone.
Leading 30-27, the Vikings had a chance to keep their postseason chances alive, but they failed as the Bears defense forced a turnover on downs. The Bears weren’t able to get a first down to end the game, but Santos extended their lead to 33-27 as the Vikings had 0:56 to work for a comeback.
The Vikings had moved the ball into Bears territory after a few throws by Cousins, but they had to rely on a Hail Mary with seven seconds left in the game. The pass was deflected into the air by safety Eddie Jackson in the end zone and it resulted in an incompletion to give the Bears their seventh win of the season.
The Bears aren’t in the playoffs just yet, but they are still in the hunt. The team the Bears have to keep an eye on and root against is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the evening, while the Bears will get ready for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.