Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears: Week 8 game review

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback

(35) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Good

1. Special teams blocking.  Marcus Sherels was able to bring a punt back 65 yards untouched for a touchdown.  It looked far too easy and should help quiet the people who keep doubting that he’ll be a member of the Minnesota Vikings roster every year.  (I was one of those people)
2. Coverage on screens.  Regular readers of my reviews know that I love to praise Anthony Barr‘s intelligence on sniffing out screens.  It looks like that kind of instinct has infected the rest of the team as well, because Chicago’s screen attempts were held in check all day long.
3. Offensive line looking great.  With a tight end helping out T.J. Clemmings on a regular basis, Bridgewater has the time to make the throws that he needs to.  Also, the run blocking seems to have its stuff together, as there are massive holes for Adrian Peterson and the other running backs.
4. The field goals are going in.  Blair Walsh has connected on 11 straight field goals, which should help silence the critics that were calling for his head earlier this season.  Sure, he still seems to miss an extra point every now and then, but I’m sure that’ll come with time as well.
5. Linval Joseph is an absolute monster.  If you follow the Purple People Podcast, you’d know that I’ve given him my game ball 3 weeks in a row.  Judging by his play in this game, he’s got a pretty good shot of making it four.  He’s the guy that the Vikings were hoping he be: run stuffer, pass rusher, and mobile enough to have good pursuit.  So nice!

Next: The Bad