Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs into place to go through the first quarter towards the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is properly conscious of his crew’s spectacular file.
O’Connell is aware of the Vikings have stunned many observers who projected them to complete at or close to the underside of the NFC North. He is aware of concerning the reward being directed his manner for reviving the profession of journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold.
Nonetheless, O’Connell is just not glad. He needs to see his gamers take one other step ahead when the Vikings (8-2) go to the Chicago Bears (4-6) on Sunday alongside the shores of Lake Michigan.
“We have simply acquired to proceed to get higher and show it,” O’Connell mentioned. “8-2 means completely nothing.”
This weekend’s division rivalry matchup must be one thing.
The Bears are determined to snap a four-game shedding streak and earn their first victory since Oct. 13. Chicago’s skid started when it misplaced on a Hail Mary go towards the Washington Commanders, and it turned 4 weeks previous final Sunday when the Inexperienced Bay Packers blocked a 46-yard field-goal try by Bears kicker Cairo Santos as time expired.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus tried to remain upbeat regardless of the mounting losses.
“There have been plenty of positives to construct from,” he mentioned. “That is what you need to do.”
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will attempt to construct upon a stable begin as he prepares to face the Vikings for the primary time in his younger profession. The rookie accomplished 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards final week towards Inexperienced Bay, and he carried the ball 9 instances for 70 yards.
Chicago huge receiver DJ Moore, who had a team-high seven catches for 62 yards final week, mentioned he and his teammates ought to be capable to keep their constructive momentum this week towards the Vikings’ top-10 protection.
“With all of the gamers we have got, I hope we’re capable of transfer the ball on all varieties of defenses — from the No. 1 protection within the league right down to the thirty second,” Moore mentioned. “I hope we will stick with it and hopefully get some wins out of it.”
Because the Bears look to cease a shedding streak, the Vikings will intention to keep up their successful streak. Minnesota is coming off victories towards the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans over the previous three weeks.
Darnold has posted a 100.0 passer ranking in 10 begins this season. He has accomplished a career-best 67.9 p.c of his passes for two,387 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The following landing go will mark a profession excessive for Darnold, who sputtered with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers earlier than serving because the San Francisco 49ers’ backup final season.
“I simply really feel like, you already know — not speaking about previous experiences in any respect — however I believe right here it is the element that we have had ever since OTAs, ever since April,” Darnold mentioned. “We have been capable of lock in our progressions. Simply our ft, our eyes, the place they’re speculated to be. And simply being on time with the ideas.
“Should you play like that, it makes the quarterback place a little bit bit simpler.”
It additionally helps to have All-Professional wideout Justin Jefferson, who has 59 catches for 912 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Vikings’ prime rusher is former Packer Aaron Jones, who has 692 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the bottom.
The groups cut up their matchups final season. The Vikings received 19-13 in Chicago on Oct. 15, and the Bears responded with a 12-10 victory in Minneapolis on Nov. 27.
Chicago is 4-2 at residence this season. Minnesota is 4-1 on the street.
–Discipline Stage Media
