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Vikings vs. Bears: Score and Twitter Reaction for Monday Night Football
- Updated: November 1, 2016
Jordan Howard, Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears defense combined to give the Minnesota Vikings an unexpected Halloween fright during a 20-10 upset victory at Soldier Field on Monday night.
Minnesota was thoroughly outplayed on both sides of the ball and dropped its second straight game after winning its first five. Chicago moved to 2-6 after the NFC North showdown but still sits in last place in the division.
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In his first game since suffering a thumb injury Sept. 19, Cutler finished with 252 passing yards and a touchdown throw to Alshon Jeffery. Howard added 153 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards and a touchdown.
ESPN Stats & Info noted Howard joined historic company with his performance:
Most Rush Yards on Monday Night Football – Bears History1978 Walter Payton 1572016 Jordan Howard 153
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 1, 2016 Share Tweet
The defense helped set the tone for the victorious Bears, sacking Vikings signal-caller Sam Bradford five times. Akiem Hicks led the way with two sacks, and Chicago held Minnesota to 57 rushing yards on 18 carries (3.2 yards per attempt) and didn’t allow a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.
The Bears got on the scoreboard first thanks to strong running by Howard. The rookie busted loose for a 69-yard gain on Chicago’s first possession, helping set up Connor Barth’s 30-yard field goal.
NFL Research noted the Vikings defense was not accustomed to giving up explosive plays:
Jordan Howard’s 69-yard run accounts for more rushing yards in one play than any player had against the Vikings in a game this season
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) November 1, 2016
The Bears caught a break when Bradford overthrew a wide-open Stefon Diggs on what would have been a potential go-ahead touchdown. NFL on ESPN captured how close the tandem was to connecting for a score:
So. Close. pic.twitter.com/RP8kB1fF4p
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 1, 2016
Chicago added to its lead with another field goal early in the second quarter. Cutler put his team in scoring position by escaping the pocket and shoveling it to Howard for a 34-yard gain. Xavier Rhodes broke up a would-be touchdown pass to …
