QUARTERBACK: A
If there was any solace to another demoralizing loss, it’s that — regardless of what happens this year or who coaches the team next year — the quarterback is the best thing the Bears have going for them. Williams (32 of 47, 340 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 103.1 passer rating) responded to the moment. A rookie mistake led to a sack that stalled the offense in overtime, but he more than anyone will have time to learn from his mistakes.
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: A
A week after the Bears’ offense looked much improved — gaining 391 yards but scoring just 19 points against the Packers’ 11th-ranked scoring defense, the Bears gained 398 yards and scored 27 points against the Vikings’ fourth-ranked defense. Wide receivers Keenan Allen (nine receptions, 86 yards, one touchdown), DJ Moore (7-106, one touchdown) and Rome Odunze (5-39) complemented each other. And tight end Cole Kmet (7-64) also played a key role. Williams had six pass plays of 20 yards or more, including 40 (Allen), 37 (Moore), 30 (D’Andre Swift), 27 (Moore) and 25 (Allen).
DEFENSIVE LINE: C
DeMarcus Walker (sack, five tackles, two tackles for loss) broke through the line to tackle Aaron Jones for no gain at the Bears 2-yard line, allowing Jonathan Owens to strip the ball and recover the fumble. Montez Sweat (sack, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits) made a bigger impact late in the game. Gervon Dexter had an early batted pass. Jacob Martin had a sack. Byron Cowart had a tackle for loss.
SPECIAL TEAMS: D
Another mixed bag that wasn’t good enough. Tarvarius Moore recovered an onside kick that place-kicker Cairo Santos perfectly executed. Santos also kicked a 48-yarder as time expired to send the game into overtime. But he also had a 48-yard attempt blocked — the second consecutive week the Bears had a field goal blocked. Punt returner DeAndre Carter had a punt deflect off him for a turnover, then returned a kickoff 55 yards to set up a touchdown that got the Bears within 27-24.
COACHING: D
Matt Eberflus’ team showed admirable resilience in rallying from a 27-16 deficit in the final 1:56 of regulation — but still looked poorly coached. The indecision on the fourth-and-four from the Vikings’ 27 in the third quarter — with the field goal unit running on the field, then off before Williams hurriedly threw incomplete for Keenan Allen — is the latest red flag that demands change at Halas Hall.