The Chicago Bears defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 25-20, in Week 11 of the 2018 NFL season.
PFF's ReFocused series this season features immediate takeaways and a key to the victory from two Senior Analysts who graded the performance, watching every player on every play of the game. For more data and analysis from the game, utilize our Premium Stats 2.0 dashboard to expand your knowledge on the key players, signature stats and much more.
FINAL SCORE
Chicago Bears 25, Minnesota Vikings 20
Mitch Trubisky threw for only 165 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions, but he did add another 45 yards on the ground and kept the chains moving enough throughout the game to help the Bears slowly beat the Vikings with long methodical drives rather than any big play on offense.
Taylor Gabriel caught seven of the nine passes thrown his way for 52 yards, and four of those went for first downs. The Bears' offense use of misdirection helped Gabriel get open and make plays.
Akiem Hicks was perhaps the most impressive performer for the Bears' defense. He was unblockable in the run game and recorded five tackles for loss. Hicks also produced rushing the passer, recording two quarterback hits and a sack.
Khalil Mack had another strong performance in prime time, forcing a fumble and recording a sack, giving him four on the season. Safety Eddie Jackson continued his strong sophomore campaign, intercepting Kirk Cousins for a pick-six in the third quarter.
Eric Kendricks recorded 12 tackles, but he struggled to get off blocks, as Cody Whitehair moved the Vikings linebacker often at the second level.
Anthony Harris recorded both interceptions, the first was taking away a forced throw deep down the seam, while the second pass he took away was a miscommunication. He, however, returned the ball to put the Vikings in the red zone to cut the Bears' lead to one score
Cousins struggled against pressure throughout most of the night and was neutralized until the fourth quarter by a stout Bears defense. He ended with 262 yards on 46 attempts, but a large percentage of those yards came late in the fourth quarter when Chicago was playing soft coverage.
The Vikings' offensive line had their hands full trying to contain Mack and Hicks, as Cousins was pressured all evening. The line didn't fare much better in the run game, as they struggled to move defenders and the offense ended with 14 carries for just 22 yards.
Keys to the Game
Chicago
The Bears' offense won time of possession and recorded 50 percent on third down, as the Bears had to move the ball slowly up-field and take long drives to beat the Vikings.
Minnesota
The Vikings' offense struggled to sustain drives in the first half and played catch up most of the second half because of it. Credit the Bears' defense and the performance of their front seven for limiting the Vikings' offense and pressuring Cousins throughout the game.
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