4 takeaways from the Bears’ Week 12 upset win over Vikings

The Chicago Bears defeated an NFC North opponent for the first time in the Matt Eberflus era Monday night with their ugly 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Yes, it was ugly. At least, it was hard to watch on offense. Luke Getsy was at his worst, calling screens and horizontal pass plays like a coordinator who was afraid to challenge the defense he was facing. It was a cowardly performance, but one Getsy survived because of the dominant play of Eberflus’ defense.

Chicago welcomed Josh Dobbs back to earth with four interceptions. They did their part to give Getsy as many chances as he could wish for to call a drive that would result in a touchdown. He failed, but I’m sure he’ll find someone else to blame.

Wide receiver DJ Moore said after the game that the Bears learned to finish after failing to do so against the Detroit Lions in Week 11. Justin Fields’ big-time throw to Moore was the dagger that set up Cairo Santos’ game-winner with less than 10 seconds left in the game. The Bears took a step forward Monday night. There’s no denying that.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ Week 12 win.

Justin Fields overcame adversity and delivered when it mattered

Was Justin Fields perfect on Monday night? No, he wasn’t. And it looked like we were watching the end of the Fields era when he fumbled on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter, one of which led to the Vikings taking the lead. It felt like the game was over.

But Fields proved why he’s so respected around the league. He’s a big-time player who can make big-time plays in big-time moments.

This throw was big-time:

BIG PLAY @idjmoore

#CHIvsMIN on ESPN pic.twitter.com/k41JNWdZSs

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 28, 2023

The Fields critics will be out in full force this week. But ask yourself this: how many quarterbacks are capable of making that throw in that spot. The list of names is limited to some of the NFL’s elite talents. Fields has the traits to be one of those guys, he just needs an offensive coordinator to let him showcase them.

Justin Fields ended the game completing 27 of 37 passes for 217 yards. He added 59 yards on 12 carries. Yes, he fumbled twice, and that’s inexcusable. But give the man his flowers. He led the Chicago Bears on a game-winning drive.

Luke Getsy shouldn’t make it out of the bye week

I hate calling for a coach to be fired. They’re human beings with families. I get it. But the NFL is a business, and when an individual fails at his job as consistently as Getsy is, a change needs to be made.

Getsy’s game plan on Monday night was downright embarrassing. I understand why screens and horizontal passes were part of the script, you must neutralize the Vikings’ aggressive blitzing style. But … come on. Getsy repeatedly called the same plays, so much so that a rookie defensive back could sniff out the play almost immediately.

Playcalling malpractice pic.twitter.com/insXIsRYjD

— Kev (@Kev_WCG) November 28, 2023

Getsy is getting outcoached by opposing defensive coordinators every week. It’s time for the Chicago Bears to cut their losses and make a change during the bye week. Otherwise, they risk not getting a fair evaluation of Justin Fields over the next five games.

The Chicago Bears defense is legit

Montez Sweat has changed everything for this Bears’ defense. His presence alone has transformed the pass rush, leading to quarterbacks forcing throws and giving Chicago’s defensive backs a chance to make plays on the ball.

On Monday night, the Bears intercepted Dobbs four times, and Jaylon Johnson had a chance for another pick-six (he has work on those hands.)

And how about TJ Edwards? He had another productive night with six tackles and an interception. He’s been the Bears’ best defender and has become a fan-favorite.

Thank you, DJ Moore

Is there any player on this team who is easier to cheer for than DJ Moore? The soft-spoken alpha-receiver ended Week 12 with 11 catches for 114 yards, including the big-time catch that set the Bears up for their game-winning field goal.

Moore now has 70 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, putting him on pace for 99 catches, 1,420 yards, and 9 touchdowns. The Bears’ single-season record for receiving yards is 1,508, set by Brandon Marshall in 2012. There’s a chance Moore will top that mark.

Thank you, Carolina Panthers, for transforming the Bears’ passing game.