So much for momentum.
Despite recording an encouraging victory in Washington just 10 days ago, the Chicago Bears couldn’t bring any of the good ju-ju home to Soldier Field.
The end result was a 19-13 loss to a Minnesota Vikings squad without Justin Jefferson. But what’s worse is the uncertain health status of Justin Fields after the quarterback left the game in the third quarter with a hand injury.
The Bears are now 1-5 with the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town next weekend.
Here are our initial reactions to Sunday’s loss …
Adam Hoge
Maybe the Bears need to play all their games on short rest without a real practice. They’re apparently better that way. From the sack on their first offensive play and the offsides on their first defensive play, it was obvious they weren’t ready against a vulnerable Vikings team. The Justin Fields injury is brutal, and unfortunately, he did it to himself by taking two unnecessary hits on back-to-back plays. Depending on the severity, it could leave Ryan Poles in a very tough spot with major decisions to make at the quarterback position.
Nicholas Moreano
The Bears got us again. After an explosive offensive performance against the Commanders, Chicago looked absolutely lost against Minnesota at Soldier Field. The Bears knew the Vikings were going to bring the blitz, but the Bears had no answer for Brian Flores’ defense. Justin Fields was forced to leave the game with a right hand injury in the third quarter, but even had he been able to play, there was no evidence from earlier in the game that he would’ve made a difference in the end. Tyson Bagent sparked some energy with his 1-yard touchdown run, but Bagent also had two turnovers in the game, with his lost fumble leading to a Vikings touchdown. The Bears are the Bears, and everyone knows that is not a good thing.
Mark Carman
You can’t say it wasn’t entertaining albeit extremely frustrating. Fields hand injury clouds the season in a nightmare way for Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus. Tyson Bagent showed he deserves an opportunity to show what he can do while Fields is out.
Greg Braggs Jr.
Run. The. Ball.Too many times does this Bears coaching staff go away from what’s working. In the first half once they are right at the goalline and the run game got you there, you go away from it. On 2nd and 1, you throw a screen. When your division 2 quarterback is attempting an improbable comeback, you get a big first down, 2 minute warning is approaching and you dial up a bomb to the end zone? Run. The. Damn. Ball. Same problem I had during the Tampa game. Do what’s working. This coaching staff continues to get in their own way. Injuries are mounting, too. Nate Davis goes out early with an injury. Eddie Jackson reinjures his foot. But no injury more important than the apparent wrist injury to Justin Fields. How long will he be out is the question. If it’s for an extended period of time Bears fans will be back to where they were last year. Tank watch. Let’s hope he’s back soon. If not, the seasons more toast than it already is.
Kevin Kaduk
What a disaster. The Bears opened the door on their season a smidge with last Thursday’s win over Washington, then made sure it was closed shut after returning 10 days later against the Vikings. If Justin Fields is out for any period of time, it’s going to be a long and slow slog to Week 17. Ugh.
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