Vikings Win What is Likely Mike Zimmer’s Final Game as Head Coach

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Jan 9, 2022
Vikings get a critical win in Chicago
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) is tackled in the second quarter against Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle James Lynch. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports.

For some this game was meaningless. For others, it was the game of the year. Both sides though can come together and agree that the Vikings Week 18 matchup with the Chicago Bears was likely going to be the final game of Mike Zimmer’s head coaching tenure in Minnesota. In the end, the Vikings managed to avoid their first 10-loss season with their head coach. They beat the Bears 31-17 and finished the season at 8-9.

Things got off to a rocky start for both sides, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The o-lines struggled to keep the defensive fronts out of their respective QBs’ laps, and there was little production on the scoreboard. The Vikings finished the first half with a measly 85 yards and a 14-3 deficit.

Then, lightning struck for Minnesota. Rookie wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette broke free for a 44-yard touchdonw reception on the first drive of the second half. The defense then made a goal-line stand to get the ball back. After a Chicago field goal on the following drive, Cousins connected with Justin Jefferson for a 45-yard score. Jefferson needed 91 receiving yards to become the first player to record 3000 in his first two seasons, and it was cut in half with that play. It also was his 10th receiving TD on the season.

Equally as important, the score tied the game 17-17 early in the fourth quarter. The Vikings once again held Chicago’s offense in check, largely due to a Dalvin Tomlinson sack. Minnesota’s defense got to Andy Dalton seven times total on the day.

With the Vikings offense back on the field, fans were imploring the Vikings to throw the ball to Jefferson, who not only broke 3000 yards, but also was just 17 yards away from Randy Moss’ Vikings franchise-record for single-season receiving yards. Instead, Cousins hit KJ Osborn for a 21-yard TD, giving the Vikings a 24-17 lead. On the following Chicago drive, Patrick Peterson snagged a pick-six, his first INT of 2021, putting the game away 31-17. The Vikings finish the season at 8-9 while the Bears fall to 6-11, and the focus now turns towards the offseason for both teams where big decisions will have to be made.

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