Here we go again, Chicago Bears fans. The Bears, once again, lost in disastrous fashion — this time on Monday Night Football at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game was yet another indictment of this roster, this coaching staff, and this management team.
Things need to change, and nothing about the current leadership of this franchise leads me to believe that they’ll get the coaching hire right this time. It’s a depressing time to be a Bears fan, and I sure hope I’m wrong about their ability to right the ship this offseason.
Anyway, let’s get on to the (few) standout performers from the 30-12 drubbing of the Chicago Bears at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings.
Defense Game Ball: DT Jonathan Ford, CB Jaylon Johnson
Yes, for real. One of our defensive game balls goes to a dude the Bears just signed off the Green Bay Packers practice squad last week. That’s where we’re at.
Ford received the second-highest grade from PFF this week on the Bears defense, earning a 72.6. Ford had four tackles (one solo), and one tackle for loss. He actually looked like a competent defensive tackle, probably the best on the Bears’ D-line on Monday night when it came to plugging up holes along the defensive front.
Jaylon Johnson (graded 73.0 from PFF this week) had three tackles (all solo) and one tackle for loss. Most importantly, he helped in keeping Vikings’ All Pro WR Justin Jefferson to a modest (for him) 73 yards receiving, his fourth lowest of the 2024 season. His lowest total, 27 yards, came against the Bears three weeks ago. So if you’re looking for a positive, the Bears have been able to keep Jefferson in check this season.
Jefferson did have one touchdown on the Vikings’ opening drive, however. Given what we’ve seen from this Bears defense down the stretch this year, it could have been worse.
Honorable mention to DeMarcus Walker, who recorded four QB hits.
Offense Game Ball: None
The less said, the better. Keenan Allen had what looked like a good game on the stat sheet, including an impressive tip toe catch on the sideline. He also had some bad drops. The same goes for Rome Odunze, who dropped a perfect touchdown pass that hit him right in the hands.
D’Andre Swift had 79 yards rushing (4.2 YPC) but couldn’t pick up first downs when it mattered. Some of that was the play calling and blocking of course, too. And speaking of blocking, when you consider the hits Caleb Williams took, I can’t go offensive line.
Caleb had some throws that he missed badly on. It wasn’t one of his better games, to put things mildly. A bad game by the offense all around.
Who would have received your game balls? Let us know in the comments section below.