They wanted a statement game from the Chicago Bears, and beating the defending NFC North Champs on Sunday Night Football should have sufficed.
They knocked off the Minnesota Vikings in impressive fashion, 25-20, and even though the Vikes closed to within a score late, the Bears had control for most of the game. Chicago’s defense flashed and the offense did just enough — against a good Viking D — by converting 50% of their third down tries and getting in position for three field goals and a touchdown. It wasn’t the prettiest, but style points don’t matter with a game and a half lead in the division.