Bears vs Vikings: Inside the snap counts, stats, and more

Here are all the snap counts for the Chicago Bears, a spotlight on some of their individual statistics, and a few team stats from the 30 to 27 overtime loss to the Vikings.

The Chicago Bears’ playoff hopes are getting slimmer each week, and the likelihood the Bears sweep out the coaching staff is increasing. The latest one-score loss under the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus was yesterday’s 30 to 27 overtime defeat against the Minnesota Vikings. Eberflus is now 5-18 (.217) in one-score games, which is the worst mark among all active head coaches, while Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was hired in the same cycle as Eberflus, is 23-10 (.697), which is the best among all active coaches.

Eberflus’ defense was shredded a bit on Sunday, as the Vikes racked up 452 yards of offense to Chicago’s 398. Minnesota also had the edge in first downs (22 to 20), third down conversions (46.2% to 35.3%), and they had fewer penalties (5 for 45 yards to 7 for 80 for Chicago).

Don’t look now, but Eberflus’ defense has been among the league’s worst since the Hail Mary broke the team.

Let’s look at the Bears’ playing time breakdowns and a few individual stats from the game.

OFFENSE

Caleb Williams had a very good game. Not only did he set the record for most passing yards by a rookie in Bears history, but his 340 yards passing is the second most by a rookie Bear ever. He’s up to three 300+ passing yards games on the season, which is one shy of the all-time franchise record. He’s also one touchdown pass away from being the sole leader in rookie TD passes for the Bears.

D’Andre Swift didn’t find much running room, but he was on the receiving end of a fantastic Williams pass down the right sideline.

Keenan Allen had his biggest day as a Bear, part of which came from Caleb getting the ball out quickly against the Vikings blitz.

According to Pro Football Focus, Williams completed 75% of his passes against Minnesota’s Blitz (15 of 20) for 189 yards, 1 TD, 0 sacks, and a passer rating of 120.6.

Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown had a nice plan for Minnesota’s pressure packages, which Williams executed. The quick game was effective, and they schemed up touches for DJ Moore, who seems to be much happier with Brown and back on the same page with Caleb.

“His confidence is through the roof,” Moore said about his rookie quarterback, “he’s understanding all the game plans through and through, and to see him go out there and be able to play quarterback like he wants to is amazing to see.”

DEFENSE

Safety Kevin Byard led the Bears in tackles for a second consecutive week, this time with 13.

Linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards chipped in with 9 tackles apiece. Tremaine also has a pass defended, and T.J. had a tackle for loss and a QB hit.

Jonathan Owens had 8 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

DeMarcus Walker had 5 tackles, a sack, and 2 QBH.

Montez Sweat had 3 tackles, a sack, 2 FL, 2 QBH.

Jacob Martin had a tackle and a sack.

Kyler Gordon picked up 4 tackles and 2 PD.

SPECIAL TEAMS*

*The above image has players who only played in the third phase.

Cairo Santos had another field goal blocked, was 2 for 3 on FGs, and 1 for 1 on extra points.

Tory Taylor punted 6 times for a 48.7-yard average (41.5 net) and 1 punt inside the twenty.

Tarvarius Moore had 3 special teams tackles plus the onsides kick recovery.

Travis Homer had 2 special teams tackles.

DeAndre Carter had a 55-yard kickoff return and 5 yards on 2 punt returns, but he also had a punt deflect off his leg that went for a lost fumble.

To check out the complete Bears vs. Vikings box score, I find that ESPN has an easy-to-navigate site. Hit that link if you want to see all the game’s numbers.

All statistics and snap counts, as well as the accompanying pictures, are taken directly from the NFL’s Game Statistic and Information System.