The Vikings didn't just lose a game on Sunday in Chicago. They lost the game that promises to define their season, in a way that erases delusions of grandeur.

While getting grotesquely outplayed, their rookie quarterback, rookie running back and even star rookie linebacker looked overmatched and overwhelmed during the Bears' 21-13 victory at Soldier Field.

If not for a fake punt that led to an offensive touchdown, the Vikings would have been blown out by a team that had given up 50 points in consecutive games.

This was systemic failure. The offense barely moved after its first drive. The defense missed tackles and watched cornerback Josh Robinson get toyed with by receivers who seemed twice his size. The coaching staff stuck with man-to-man coverage that would have worked only if the pass rush had been effective, which it wasn't.

As of Sunday morning, the Bears were known as a dysfunctional group of underachievers. By Sunday afternoon, they were winning a laugher.

At 4-6, the Vikings are out of reasonable contention. On Sunday, 2014 became a rebuilding season.

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My actual column will be up tonight on startribune.com and in the actual newspaper tomorrow.

My podcast can be found at http://souhanunfiltered.com or via subscription on ITunes at http://tinyurl.com/l7wp96m .First two episodes feature Paul Molitor, Mark Craig and Ross Bernstein.