Football
Despite an 18-point victory, it was hardly their best performance. That’s definitely a good thing.“Bad Game” Still Translates to Strong Win for Vikings
At no point throughout Monday night’s contest against the Chicago Bears did it seem like the Vikings were threatened. Minnesota continued to have a stranglehold on the game, and they never really did anything impressive.
 warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p><p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004194_168394844_lowres.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004194_168394844_lowres.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004194_168394844_lowres.jpg” alt><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>There were dropped passes, interceptions, and poor execution for Kevin O’Connell’s squad. Against a better opponent, that could have spelled disaster. On Monday against the hapless Chicago Bears, though, it was the recipe for a thumping victory.</p><p>Minnesota held Caleb Williams to just 191 yards on 31 passes. He threw a touchdown and didn’t throw an interception, but Jonathan Greenard knocked him silly enough to force a fumble. D’Andre Swift had more success running the football this time around and turned in 79 yards on the ground. No Bears receiver surpassed the century mark.</p><div><figure><img loading=)
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004666.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004666.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25004666.jpg” alt>
O’Connell called upon his quarterback, Sam Darnold, early and often. He threw the ball 40 times and racked up 231 yards through the air. His interception was an ugly one but wound up being inconsequential. Overall, he protected the football and continued to put his team in positions to win. Aaron Jones did his part on the ground, and he held onto the football while scoring a touchdown.
After being held down by Chicago last time around, Justin Jefferson found room to operate. His 73 yards paced Minnesota’s receiving corps, and he would have been close to 100 had he held onto what looked like a walk-in touchdown.
 celebrates after the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p><p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25005606.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25005606.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25005606.jpg” alt=”Bad Game”><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>For whatever reason, there was never a point where the Vikings looked dominant. That didn’t stop them from having a commanding position throughout the game. That’s a very positive reality. Good teams can win ugly, and great teams can make it look like an accident. The Vikings grabbed their 12th win of the season on Monday night and did it with a workmanlike effort.</p><hr><div><p><a aria-label=)
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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