The Minnesota Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North after defeating the Chicago Bears 30-12 on Monday night. Aaron Jones and Cam Akers scored touchdown runs in the second half to complement the Vikings’ stifling defense, which held the Bears scoreless for over two quarters.
Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards, including a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter. The Vikings’ defense made several key plays, including Jonathan Greenard’s sack and forced fumble on Caleb Williams, which set up Darnold’s touchdown pass.
The Bears, meanwhile, struggled on third down, going 1 for 12, and fourth down, going 1 for 3. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 24 of 40 passes for 231 yards and threw his first interception in five games.
The Vikings’ victory clinched a spot in the playoffs and puts them squarely in contention for the division title, which is now within reach after Seattle’s loss to Green Bay on Sunday. The team celebrated with their energized crowd behind them, who were honored by former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed as they wore white helmets for the first time in franchise history.
The Bears’ struggles continue, with a losing streak of five games and an 0-5 record in scoreless first halves over the past three games. Their recent coaching changes have not seemed to yield results, with the team producing several “can’t-happen” plays that ultimately doomed them.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/dec/17/minnesota-vikings-chicago-bears-game-report