Bears Escape with Last-Second Field Goal to Beat Vikings, Stay on Top of NFC North.
The Chicago Bears' late-game magic is back, and it's proving to be a winning formula for the team. On Sunday, they overcame a two-point deficit with 56 seconds left in the game to edge out the Minnesota Vikings 19-17, thanks to a clutch 48-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos.
The Bears' victory keeps them atop the NFC North division, and more importantly, puts them firmly in the playoff mix. It's a testament to the team's resilience and ability to find a way to win when it matters most. For head coach Ben Johnson, it was another demonstration of his team's character.
"We are really talented, so it's just a matter of time before someone's going to make a big play," Johnson said. "We've got playmakers on offense, defense and special teams. Someone's going to show up and give us the spark that we need."
Quarterback Caleb Williams had a solid game, completing 16 of 32 passes for 193 yards with no turnovers. He also ran four times for 26 yards, doing just enough to outdo Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy had a tough day, completing just 16 of 32 passes for 150 yards and throwing two interceptions. His performance was marred by a bruise on his throwing hand, which seemed to affect his accuracy.
The Bears' ground game was also a factor in the win, with running back D'Andre Swift picking up 90 yards on 21 carries. The team's defense made some key plays, including a sack and an interception that helped set up Santos' game-winning field goal.
As the Bears move forward, they'll need to continue to rely on their quarterback play to stay ahead of the competition. Williams has shown promise, but he still needs to grow into his role as the team's primary passer.
For now, though, the Bears are savoring their latest victory and the momentum it brings. They've proven that they can win close games, and that's a trait that will serve them well in the playoffs.
"It was beautiful?" Williams said of the game-winning field goal. "No. Was it better than McCarthy? Yes."
The Bears' performance on Sunday was far from perfect, but it's a reminder that when it counts, this team can come through. And for now, they're just going to enjoy the win and see where it takes them.
The Chicago Bears' late-game magic is back, and it's proving to be a winning formula for the team. On Sunday, they overcame a two-point deficit with 56 seconds left in the game to edge out the Minnesota Vikings 19-17, thanks to a clutch 48-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos.
The Bears' victory keeps them atop the NFC North division, and more importantly, puts them firmly in the playoff mix. It's a testament to the team's resilience and ability to find a way to win when it matters most. For head coach Ben Johnson, it was another demonstration of his team's character.
"We are really talented, so it's just a matter of time before someone's going to make a big play," Johnson said. "We've got playmakers on offense, defense and special teams. Someone's going to show up and give us the spark that we need."
Quarterback Caleb Williams had a solid game, completing 16 of 32 passes for 193 yards with no turnovers. He also ran four times for 26 yards, doing just enough to outdo Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy had a tough day, completing just 16 of 32 passes for 150 yards and throwing two interceptions. His performance was marred by a bruise on his throwing hand, which seemed to affect his accuracy.
The Bears' ground game was also a factor in the win, with running back D'Andre Swift picking up 90 yards on 21 carries. The team's defense made some key plays, including a sack and an interception that helped set up Santos' game-winning field goal.
As the Bears move forward, they'll need to continue to rely on their quarterback play to stay ahead of the competition. Williams has shown promise, but he still needs to grow into his role as the team's primary passer.
For now, though, the Bears are savoring their latest victory and the momentum it brings. They've proven that they can win close games, and that's a trait that will serve them well in the playoffs.
"It was beautiful?" Williams said of the game-winning field goal. "No. Was it better than McCarthy? Yes."
The Bears' performance on Sunday was far from perfect, but it's a reminder that when it counts, this team can come through. And for now, they're just going to enjoy the win and see where it takes them.