Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) rushes for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Overall Impressions
Overall, this was a great game for many reasons.
First of all, it was a win. The Minnesota Vikings need to keep winning in order to have a chance at the NFC North crown and earn a spot in the playoffs. Not only that, but wins give the team character and can help teams understand that the Vikings are a team that must be taken seriously. And they did it without three of their best defensive players who are still getting healthy.
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Secondly, Teddy Bridgewater finally had that statement game. I thought last week was the statement when he threw for a personal record in passing yards, but this game against the Bears may have been Teddy’s best performance of his career. He found a way to put points on the board when the Vikings needed them most and didn’t struggle in the red zone like in the past.
Finally, these young players are trying to build a reputation. Minnesota wants to be known as a tough young team that people don’t want to mess with. They showed that kind of play this week and last week, but there were some games this year where the physical toughness and mental prowess weren’t there.
There’s no reason this team can’t be a threat to people. Teams that watched the Minnesota Vikings recently have to be thinking that they don’t want to be playing against in the playoffs. A tough defense and grinding offense can be a scary combo where anything can happen.
Next week, the Vikings take on the high-powered offense of the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. I’ll see you guys back here next week to talk about that game.