Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison during a football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis.
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
If I had told you on Saturday that Caleb Williams would go 50%, 183 YDs, 0 TDs, 2 sacks, 68.9 QB Rating -that Cairo would miss a vital FG, and Bears’ victory would hinge on a Duvernay KR, would you have even tuned into the game on Sunday?
Nevertheless, Bears won
And almost as sweet, the Lions lost
Which means the Bears are the uncontested Kings of the North!
For game highlights, click here.
Ben Johnson post-presser here.
Few general impressions.
1. Wasn’t overly enthused with Ben Johnson’s play calling. Way too much shot-gun on 3rd and short when the obvious strength of the O is the run; it’s not as if the Vikings were shutting it down on Sunday either. Too much “Nagy-ball” for my taste.
And bringing out Bagent as a decoy twice on critical 3rds? Eh
Punting on that 4rth and 5 was also dubious. It would’ve been wrong if not for an improbable Duvernay return or possible Caleb miracle.
2. Caleb still inconsistent especially versus aggressive DCs like Brian Flores.
It was obvious early on that Flores was going to shut down the perimeter attack. He continually sent edge blitzes to stuff the zone-stretch runs, and force Caleb to recognize the blitz and throw lasers over the middle from the collapsing pocket.
Result?
Well, see above stat line.
Caleb Williams had season-low marks in completion % (50.0) & first downs (6). EPA/dropback (-0.07), rating (68.9) & YPA (6.0) were second-lowest of the season. The Vikings also threw a ton at him, blitzing 66.7% of the time, per@TruMediaSports
& he did not turn it over – Kevin Fishbain
It may very well be that Vikings’ D is that dynamic. They did win 14 games last season and held Lamar Jackson to 58%, 176 YDs, 1 TD.
Regardless, Caleb would be the first to admit his performance is unacceptable. His end of game reaction says it all, and I for one am glad he expressed obvious frustration. Sign of a true competitor.
3. I wondered aloud, “Is Allen a better DC than BJ an OC?”
Maybe.
While BJ has definitely gotten results scoring 9 more PPG than ’24 Flus, he’s also played with practically a full deck especially when contrasted to the MASH unit Allen is working with, yet that D out-performed the O. It only relented on that very last series.
Now part of this was JJ McCarthy [in only his 5th start] inconsistency [sound familiar?]
When JJ was off, he was REALLY off, which lead to 2 INTs that Caleb, to his credit, never chucked.
But I’m actually shocked the Bears’ run D held up. I mean, have the Bears EVER won a game when Aaron Jones started?
So kudos to Dennis the Menace Allen. He’s squeezed every bit of talent from the lemons Poles and INJs unloaded on him.
I’m sure Rev will send Cairo Santos a congratulatory bouquet.
Kevin Fishbain Cairo Santos now has the Bears’ franchise record for most 50+ field goals (24).
On specials, well, they were terrible for a lot of the game, AGAIN, and that big Vikings’ PR essentially resuscitated them to a near victory. Then this happened.
Game. Blouses.
This will technically go down as Caleb’s 5th ‘comeback’ win, but he just handed it off 3 times to get Santos into FG range at the end.
Overtime:
Bears have greatly increased their playoff chances according to Rain Men.
What in the actual…
Sums it up quite succinctly.
Nevetheless, 7-3 and NFCN leaders, baby!
