8 Reactions to an Ugly Vikings Loss vs. the Bears
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings met with the Chicago Bears on Monday night to conclude Week 12.
Unfortunately, it was an ugly loss for the Vikings in this one as they fell by a score of 12-10 at home. With the Vikings second consecutive loss in the books, here are 8 reactions to this game.
1. The Honeymoon Ends
It was a very poor showing from the Vikings starting QB on Monday night. After lighting up Minnesota’s opponents to keep Minnesota’s winning streak alive, it has been a couple really rough weeks for Josh Dobbs. Tonight he threw four interceptions and simply couldn’t generate any offense throughout the night. Fans will be questioning whether or not he should remain the starter after the bye.
2. Conservative Play Calling Down the Stretch
The Vikings made a living in 2022 by completing games in the fourth quarter with aggressive plays to win games. This season, it’s been the opposite. On Monday night, the Vikings really lost the game on their final offensive possession. Up by a point and after another takeaway from the defense, the Vikings ran two runs and a screen play, resulting in a three-and-out and allowing the Bears to drive downfield and win the game.
3. Alexander Mattison Is Waking Up
Despite the loss, a positive for the Vikings has been some improved rushing from Alexander Mattison over the past few weeks. On Monday night, he totaled 10 carries for 52 yards and continues to display a much better burst to pick up yards after contact. Many have questioned his ability as an RB1 during this season, but he has been much better in recent games.
4. A Great Night for Sheldon Day
Prior to this game, the Vikings added defensive lineman Sheldon Day to their active roster following Dean Lowry’s placement on IR. The veteran journeyman proved that this was the correct decision as he had a terrific game putting together a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. He was very close to a sack as well.
5. The Old New Viking Comes Up with a Turnover
Anthony Barr was brought back to the Vikings a couple weeks ago after Jordan Hicks went down with his injury, and on Monday night, he came up with a fumble recovery that very well could have and should have sealed the deal for Minnesota. On a Justin Fields scramble late in the fourth, Josh Metellus forced the fumble while Barr was able to jump on it. Great to see the veteran still able to make plays.
6. Josh Metellus Belongs in the Pro Bowl
Josh Metellus has been one of the many great stories on the Vikings defense this season. On Monday night, he was one of the most impactful players on the field, recording nine more tackles, half a sack, and a pair of forced fumbles. On the day where Pro Bowl voting opened, the Vikings safety proved why he his so valuable to Minnesota’s defense. Fans should reward him with plenty of votes.
7. Jordan Hicks Was Missed
Ivan Pace certainly has a role as an explosive pass-rusher, but he simply doesn’t have the size to hold up against the run or shed blockers in the screen game. The Bears spammed these plays all night long, and Minnesota simply couldn’t stop them enough, especially during the first half. Things could have gone differently with Hicks on the field.
8. On to the Bye
At 6-6, the Vikings have a lot to think about going into this bye week. Luckily, they still hold a playoff spot, and they will have star receiver Justin Jefferson back in the lineup for their Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a disappointing loss, but hope still exists for this team to make the playoffs.
A Former Vikings QB Made His First NFL Start in Week 12
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.