The Chicago Bears were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings, 19-13, in a Week 6 game that marked their 15th loss in the last 16 games dating back to last season. Chicago hasn’t won a home since Sept. 25, 2022.
After averaging 34 points per game in the past two weeks, Chicago totaled just 13 against a bad Minnesota team. The offensive line struggled in pass protection, where starting quarterback Justin Fields exited the game with a right hand injury.
While rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent nearly led a comeback — with help from the Bears defense, who had their best outing of the season — a late interception sealed the win for the Vikings.
We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears’ Week 6 loss to the Vikings.
STUD: RB D'Onta Foreman
No Khalil Herbert or Roschon Johnson? No problem for the Bears. Foreman led a Chicago rushing attack that totaled 162 yards on the day against Minnesota. Foreman accounted for a team-best 65 yards on 15 carries (4.3 yards per carry) as the lead back alongside Darrynton Evans, who also had a decent day for an injury-depleted running back group.
DUD: Pass protection
Following their best outing of the season, the Bears offensive line showed its true colors in pass protection against the Vikings. Minnesota totaled five sacks on the day — including two on the opening series alone — where Fields was sacked four times and Bagent once. Fields was pressured throughout the game, which limited the passing game and also led to him suffering a right hand injury that could keep him sidelined for some time.
STUD: QB Tyson Bagent
Yes, it’s true that Bagent threw the game-sealing interception that halted a promising comeback drive. But it’s also true that Bagent had an encouraging outing stepping in for injured starter Justin Fields, who exited the game with a right hand injury in the third quarter. Bagent completed 10-of-14 passes for 83 yards and added two carries for four yards and a rushing touchdown. It was an encouraging performance for Bagent, especially as it looks like Chicago could be without Fields for the time being.
DUD: Cody Whitehair
The Cody Whitehair era appears to be nearing an end in Chicago. With Teven Jenkins back in the starting lineup at left guard, Whitehair struggled immensely at center. He had some bad snaps and a costly false start penalty on third-and-1. Whitehair was eventually replaced by Lucas Patrick, who had been at center for most of the season, in the fourth quarter. Matt Eberflus later said it wasn’t do to his poor snaps but rather Bagent being more familiar with Patrick.
STUD: LB Tremaine Edmunds
The Bears defense had its best outing of the season, and Edmunds was a big reason why. Edmunds totaled six tackles, one pass breakup and came away with the defense’s only turnover of the afternoon. After T.J. Edwards got a hand on Kirk Cousins, Edmunds came away with an interception that was later ruled a fumble. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to capitalize in Minnesota territory.
DUD: Tackling
While the Bears defense had a dominant outing against the Vikings — allowing a season-low 19 points — they continue to struggle in bringing down the opposition. There were multiple missed tackles, including some that led Minnesota to move the chains. Chicago needs to be more discliplined and clean up an area that has plagued them all season.
STUD: K Cairo Santos
Santos has been an unsung hero for the Bears this season, and he continued to be Mr. Reliable against the Vikings. Santos connected on both of his field goal attempts — including one from 53 yards — and also made his lone extra point attempt.
DUD: Coaching staff
The Bears coaching staff reminded fans why they won’t be the team beyond this season with a poor showing against the Vikings. Chicago recorded its 15th loss in the last 16 games, and it felt like a huge step back after an encouraing prime-time outing against the Commanders. While the defense showed marked improvement, a Bears offense averaging 34 points over the last two games couldn’t muster a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy got away from what worked over the last couple of weeks and failed to make halftime adjustments.
