Three keys to the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears

In a sloppy game, the Bears grabbed four interceptions and found more success on third down to gain an edge against the Vikings.

By Naila-Jean Meyers Star Tribune

November 27, 2023 — 11:52pm

Key player

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson

While it is tempting to pick no one in such an ugly game (or reward Cairo Santos for his four field goals, including the winner with 10 seconds left), the name of this game was turnovers. Johnson was directly involved in two of the Bears' four interceptions and also had the biggest what-if play of the game. He made a perfectly timed leaping catch on Joshua Dobbs' first interception of the night early in the second quarter, and then tipped a Dobbs pass on fourth and 3 that was caught by teammate T.J. Edwards in the third quarter. Johnson bobbled and dropped a near-certain pick-6 late in the first half that would have broken the game open, but still finished three passes defended.

Key play

Bears' final third-down conversion

Neither offense was sharp on third down after the first quarter. The Vikings finished 2 of 9 (22.2%) while the Bears were 8 of 18 (44.4%). The Vikings forced and recovered fumbles on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter, the first leading to the only touchdown of the game. But after the second one, the Vikings went three-and-out and needed one last stand from their defense with 2:29 left. At their own 49, the Vikings got Justin Fields on first and second down, forcing incompletions. On third and 10, though, Fields found D.J. Moore wide open over the middle for a 36-yard gain. Cairo Santos kicked the winning 30-yard field goal four plays later.

Key number

There are so many abysmal numbers to choose from, on both sides. But it keeps coming back to turnovers for the Vikings. The four interceptions Monday (no fumbles at least) give the team 23 giveaways on the season and they are minus-8 in turnover differential.

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