Vikings notes: Clock issues tick off Zimmer

CHICAGO – Vikings coach Mike Zimmer usually has a pretty good filter when speaking at the podium, saving his salty language for the practice field. But he slipped a little Sunday when asked about the clock malfunction at Soldier Field during the Vikings' 21-13 loss to the Bears at Soldier Field.

The game clocks in the north and south end zone weren't operating properly, causing Soldier Field officials to turn them on and off throughout the game. What frustrated Zimmer, who used an off-color term — caught by CBS — for cow manure, was when the clocks were turned off during the final Vikings offensive series in a one-possession game with 2:03 left.

"It was musical clocks," Zimmer said.

Teddy Bridgewater threw an interception with 42 seconds left to seal the Bears victory, but he wasn't sure how much time was on the clock during the no-huddle situation through the referee.

"It was tough trying to communicate the time and trying to call a play at the same time when we were working against the time," Bridgewater said.

Daktronics, which manufactured the scoring and timing system at Soldier Field, released a statement saying it was unknown what prompted the clock issues. Daktronics said the problem wasn't corrected during the game despite having two technicians on site for the game.

"The whole day the whole thing was going out, so it was just another thing," Zimmer said. "Excuse my language."

The Bears nearly matched that many third-down conversions in one game. They converted 10 of 17 third downs against the Vikings.

"We didn't cover, it's that simple," Zimmer said.

The Vikings blew their coverage assignments at times on third downs with quarterback Jay Cutler proving once again how dangerous he can be improvising on the run. Missed tackles also contributed to the third-down struggles.

Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr, who has become about as sure of a tackler on the team this season, missed three tackles on the Bears' first offensive drive.

Vikings defensive players said Cutler got rid of the ball quickly on third downs to avoid pressure, relying on wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall to make contested catches. They did all game, combining for 225 and three touchdowns on 28 catches.

The Vikings entered the game with the NFL's 10th-best third-down percentage (.376) despite their early-season issues on third down.

Whether it's the playing conditions, the environment, the wind or that game clock, the Vikings haves struggled at Soldier Field.

The losing streak in Chicago was extended to seven, marking also the fourth time the Vikings lost by one possession.

Last year the Vikings lost 31-30 in Week 2, giving up a touchdown with 16 seconds left to squander the lead. This year, the Vikings jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and couldn't sustain the hot start.

Zimmer, who suffered his first loss in Chicago as a Viking at Soldier Field, wasn't buying the strange misfortunes the Vikings have had in the Windy City.

The Vikings dealt with a few injuries through the game, but all players affected ended up returning.

Wide receiver Jarius Wright was the first to exit, during the second quarter, because of a hamstring injury. Wright played the rest of the game but was targeted just once.

Wide receiver Greg Jennings suffered a rib injury in the third quarter but returned on the next drive. He had one catch for 4 yards on two targets.

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn dealt with cramps during the fourth quarter and sat out for a few plays to receive treatment. Rookie cornerback Jabari Price was brought on as the third corner in the slot.

It took 23 games, but cornerback Xavier Rhodes had his first career interception just before halftime.