Chicago Bears (3-14) – Minnesota Vikings (13-4): 13-29
In a preseason-like game, Minnesota went for a victory that still allows it to hope to steal second place in San Francisco. If he only played the first two quarters, Kirk Cousins (17/20, 225 yards, 1TD) was clean. The Vikings were mainly able to count on Alexander Mattison (10 races, 54 yards, 2TDs) to widen a crippling gap for their evening opponents.
With the first choice of the next draft for only objective, Chicago gave itself all the chances to lose this match and succeeded. Nathan Peterman (11/19, 114 yards, 1TD) and Tim Boyle (2/8, 33 yards, 2int) alternated possessions and once again proved they didn’t have the makings of a quarterback starter in this league.
Holders widen the gap
Qualified but with the hope of seeking second place in the conference, Minnesota aligns its holders in the first half. As often, the Vikings enter the game well and score from their first possession, for the eighth time this season. Adam Thielen is found by Cousins in the end zone, the extra point is missed, the routine for Minnesota.
Slowed down by a fumble from Dalvin Cook, the attack of the violets returns a second time to the promised land at the start of the second quarter. Alexander Mattison adds to the score, 0-13.
On the other side, Peterman struggles to complete two passes in a row. Result, the Bears do not advance. After three unproductive possessions, the Chicago quarterback gives way to Tim Boyle. For his first attempt, the newcomer is obviously not on the same wavelength as his receiver and signs a very ugly interception. Greg Joseph took the opportunity to increase the score on field goal, 0-16.
Abused, Chicago will finally react. In quick succession, Cole Kmet (4 receptions, 57 yards, 1TD) catches two passes for a total of 33 yards, before Velu Jones Jr takes advantage of the passivity of the opposing defense. Thinking that the running back will leave the field, the violets let Jones slip away who did not ask for so much. The two-point attempt is missed, 6-16.
A bit of madness on the Chicago side to get back to the end-zone #MINvsCHI #DaBears
🎥 @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/gCTOvgCJ9L
— DNA of Sports.com – NFL News 🏈 (@DNA of Sports) January 8, 2023
Just before halftime. Minnesota is advancing well, finds itself in the redzone, but shows everything not to do in time management. The latter file before Joseph can increase the lead of the Vikings and the score does not move.
Substitutes do the job
With a gap of 10 points, Kevin O’Connell decides to leave his incumbents on the bench and Nick Mullens (11/13, 116 yards, 1int) enters the track. Carried by Mattison, the violets scored their third touchdown of the day, 6-23.
Chicago continues its quarterback rotation and Peterman is back. Well helped by his ground game and Kmet, the Bears pick up the score, 13-23.
Suspense revived? Not really. The Bears offense returns to hibernation while the Vikings pile up the field goals. 29-13 for Minnesota, final score. The purples will wait for the result of San Francisco to know their ranking in NFC. For Chicago, this fourteenth defeat of the season tastes like victory. Coupled with the success of the Texans, the Bears get the first pick of the 2023 draft. A first for the Illinois franchise since 1947.
