By Brice Duhamel – January 9, 2022 at 10:20 p.m.
In a game without stakes, the quarterback of the Vikings released a high level second half to reverse a meeting badly started.
Minnesota Vikings (8-9) – Chicago Bears (6-10) : 31-17
In this duel between two coaches who will certainly not spend the winter, it is ultimately Mike Zimmer who wins. Mistreated early in the match, Kirk Cousins (14/22, 250 yards, 3TDs) ended up exploding the opposing defense.
After having often bent and little broken, the defense of the Vikings took over, with constant pressure on Andy Dalton (33/48, 325 yards, 1TD, 2ints), sacked 7 times. The only satisfaction on the side of the Bears, Darnell Mooney (12 receptions, 126 yards) was very productive, regardless of the cornerback that was offered to him.
The Bears alone in the world
Before their last possession in the first half, the Vikings had gained only 22 yards. Worse, they were -3 yards to the pass. Two Cousins assists save appearances a bit and allow Minnesota to score three points on the gong.
For their part, the Bears were much more productive, covering 210 yards and keeping the ball for nearly 20 minutes. Only, Chicago sinned in the finish scoring only one touchdown in 5 possessions in the opposing camp. The work of Damien Williams (3 receptions, 33 yards, 1TD) which allows his team to logically lead to the score, even if the gap should be greater, 14-3 at halftime.
Dalton and Damien deliver for #DaBears.
????: #CHIvsMIN on FOX
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/5VdgxHwd6j— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
The Vikings wake up
Led by 11 points, Minnesota finally reacts. Cousins constantly finds the solution in the defense of the Bears, including two bombs for Ihmir Smith-Marsette (3 receptions, 103 yards, 1TD) and Justin Jefferson (5 receptions, 107 yards, 1TD). He also found KJ Osborn (1 reception, 21 yards, 1TD) in the endzone, just to please all his receivers.
Defensively, the purples also raised their level, as evidenced by the two interceptions, including one from Patrick Peterson returned to touchdown.
Patrick Peterson Pick-6 with Gus Johnson on the call ????????
????: #CHIvsMIN on FOX
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/RHZxbwY1xX— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
For Chicago, this second half was catastrophic. The first two possessions, however, suggested that the Bears would continue at the same pace. A field goal followed by a long possession which ends with a fourth failed attempt on the opposing 1 yard. But behind, the visitors are nowhere near, symbolized by Andy Dalton constantly under pressure.
In the dying minutes, only a possible new franchise record for Justin Jefferson kept audiences going. But Mike Zimmer proves once once more that he’s no fun, and doesn’t give his catcher a chance. In the end, Jefferson will miss 17 yards to beat the record for yards in a season, held by a certain Randy Moss.
FINAL: @Vikings finish the season with a W! #Skol #CHIvsMIN pic.twitter.com/SYgHqAGtxP
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
