Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 11): Bears 19, Vikings 17 – Duvernay Kick Return Makes Difference In Victory

For the third consecutive week, the Bears game came down to the wire. This time it was the much maligned special teams that came through in the final minute to pull out a victory over the Vikings on the road Sunday.

Minnesota went ahead during a very sloppy first quarter via a 31-yard field goal by Will Reichard. Chicago put together their only touchdown drive of the game to take the lead in the second quarter. Kyle Monangai finished it off with a 1-yard run to make the score 7-3.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy immediately threw an interception to safety Kevin Byard on the following possession. The Bears were forced to settle for a 38-yard Cairo Santos field goal and went into the half on top 10-3.

Chicago dominated the third quarter moving up and down the field but again all they could muster were a pair of field goals to increase their advantage to 16-3. Minnesota got a big punt return that set up a 16-yard Jordan Mason touchdown run which cut the deficit to 16-10 early in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings got the ball down six at their own 15 and began a marathon 85 yard drive that ended with McCarthy hitting Jordan Addison for a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown to move on top 17-16 with under a minute to go. Things were not looking good for the Bears at that point but they somehow pulled a rabbit out of their hat again.

This time kick returner Devin Duvernay broke free for a 56-yard return on the ensuing kickoff to put the ball at the Minnesota 40. Chicago ran the ball three consecutive times and set up a 48-yard Santos field goal to win the game. The sometimes shaky kicker drilled this one and the Bears survived again 19-17. (Box score) 

Why the Bears Won

Keeping up familiar theme, they responded after giving up the lead with a huge play that made the difference.

Key Moment

It’s hard to see how the Bears would have won without the kick return by Duvernay. It turned the entire game around Sunday.

Stats That Matter

• Caleb Williams did an incredible job avoiding numerous sacks but he only threw for 190 yards.
• RB D’Andre Swift had a productive day running for 90 yards.

Bottom Line

It’s not clear if the Bears are actually good but they continue to win somehow, someway. This is not sustainable for an entire season and they are going to have to play a lot better if they want to make the postseason. They have positioned themselves well for playoff spot however, it’s time for them to step up and see if they can take advantage.

Next Up

The Bears welcome to Steelers the Soldier Field next Sunday at 12:00pm CT on CBS.