The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 9-3 at Soldier Field on Sunday in a rain-soaked NFC North battle. The offense was limited, but Minnesota’s defense kept Chicago out of the end zone and made the key plays late. The defense once again set the tone.
Brian Flores’ unit held the Bears to three points, forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks. Dallas Turner finished with two sacks and four quarterback hits, including the game-sealing sack on Tyson Bagent.
The 2-0 start has caught the attention of national power rankings. Minnesota entered Week 3 as the NFC North’s only unbeaten team, and several major outlets moved the Vikings significantly higher after their second straight win.
Where the Vikings Are Ranked Across Major NFL Power Rankings
- USA Today: 9
- ESPN: 12
- NFL.com: 15
- CBS Sports: 6
- The Athletic: 10
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Seahawks’ Power Ranking
“That score admittedly looks more like the Twins played the White Sox than an NFL game, but Mother Nature decided to batter Chicago on Sunday, so the Bears and Vikings played in the slop at Soldier Field. And for the second time in as many weeks, the Vikings found a way to win. Last week, it was without quarterback Kyler Murray. In Week 2, it was without Murray and running back Jordan Mason. Carson Wentz didn’t do much through the air Sunday, but he avoided mistakes. Minnesota rode Aaron Jones (23 carries, 105 yards) and a stout defensive effort to status as the NFC North’s lone unbeaten team,” Bleacher Report’s Davenport wrote.
“A Carson Wentz-led offense is never going to strike fear into the hearts of opponents, but Brian Flores’ defense sure does. For a second straight week, Flores’ blitz-happy unit carried Minnesota to victory, wreaking havoc in rainy Chicago and forcing timely takeaways that allowed the Vikings to win one of the ugliest games we’ll see all season. As the saying goes, defense wins championships. And until a team solves Flores’ scheme, Minnesota will command respect on a weekly basis,” NFL.com’s Nick Shook said.
“Starter Kyler Murray (concussion) hasn’t played since the Vikings’ 11th offensive play, and Carson Wentz has produced a typical backup performance. Wentz ranks 22nd in the NFL in QBR (52.0) and 29th in completion percentage (58%), and he’s tied for the seventh-most sacks (six). However, the Vikings are undefeated on the strength of everything but their passing game. Their defense and special teams both rank No. 6 in the NFL in EPA, while their rushing game ranks No. 16 in EPA. That’s a good sign for the entire team with Murray returning this week,” Kevin Seifert of ESPN wrote.
“The dominant defense, led by Brian Flores, is carrying this team. They get Kyler Murray back this week vs. Tampa Bay,” CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco wrote.
Vikings’ Form: Defense Carrying the Team While Wentz Keeps It Steady
Carson Wentz has done enough in Kyler Murray’s absence. Wentz completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards against Chicago. It was not a big passing performance, but he avoided the costly mistakes Minnesota could not afford in the difficult conditions.
The return of Murray, who has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is set to return in Week 3 against Tampa Bay after playing only 11 offensive snaps this season. His return gives Kevin O’Connell another dimension at quarterback while Wentz has helped the team navigate the early injury.
The defense has given Minnesota its identity. Flores’ aggressive unit has allowed only six points across the last six quarters. Against Chicago, Minnesota added four sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and seven pass breakups while shutting down three Bears trips into the red zone.
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