On a record-setting night for Devin Hester, the Chicago Bears put the clamps on the Minnesota Vikings to take the NFC North crown. Oh how sweet it was…
(10-4) Chicago Bears 40(5-9) Minnesota Vikings 14
The frozen turf at the University of Minnesota’s stadium didn’t slow down the Bears at all, who put up 40 points thanks to some fantastic special teams play and an on-target Jay Cutler throwing darts to his receivers all night long. Johnny Knox was the recipient of one of Cutler’s bombs, taking a deep pass 67 yards past a confused Vikings secondary for the Bears’ first touchdown of the game.
On the first drive of the game Chicago’s defense looked flat and out of place as the Vikings drove down for a touchdown to get up 7-0. From there it was all Chicago, as they put up 27 straight points and created five turnovers to lock in the win, knocking out Brett Favre along the way.
AP Photo
Hogging the spotlight away from Brett Favre was Devin Hester, who sent a record with his 14th special teams score on a punt return in the second quarter, after narrowly missing out on a score on the half’s opening kick-off. Hester and Daniel Manning set up the offense with excellent field position time after time, which Mike Martz’s offense took advantage of (for the most part.) Robbie Gould was a perfect 4 for 4 on a night when the turf was less than ideal for footing.
Defensively there wasn’t much else the Bears could have done. After the initial score from Favre, the Bears started to ratchet up, with Henry Melton deflecting a Favre pass into the waiting arms of Julius Peppers, setting up an early field goal. Later Corey Wootton took Favre down to the turf, putting him out for the night with what was termed a “head injury.” Enter rookie Joe Webb, who couldn’t mount much offense despite his improve mobility. Four sacks and three interceptions on Vikings quarterbacks equal a Bears victory.
On the minus side of life, Major Wright looked to get injured on every other play. I’d chalk most of that up to the frozen surface, though. Chicago’s offense still needs to improve, but the conditions weren’t ideal for the “greatest show” tonight. However, putting up 40 points any night is impressive, no matter how you score them.
It was a great way to end the NFL weekend. Now, to earn the two seed in the playoffs! Bear down and happy Jay Cutler day!
Keywords: Brett Favre, Chicago Bears, Devin Hester, Jay Cutler, Joe Anello, Johnny Knox, Julius Peppers, Major Wright, Mike Martz, NFL
