Vikings Offense Took Lead but Didn't Put Bears Away

Things started slowly for Minnesota and never really picked up.

The Vikings first gain of 10 yards or more came with 90 seconds to play in the first half. Receiver Brandon Powell converted a slot-fade route, and Dobbs dropped the ball in just before Powell went out of bounds for a gain of 28. Minnesota picked up another 12 yards the following play via a deep curl completion from Dobbs to K.J. Osborn.

Minnesota made it as far as the Bears 13-yard line thanks to a defensive pass interference penalty drawn by Hockenson. But Dobbs was flagged for intentional grounding the next play, costing the Vikings 14 yards and the down.

Two plays later, Minnesota settled for a 34-yard Greg Joseph field goal as time expired.

"We had three plays in the first quarter and our first sustained drive was halfway through the second quarter, so we weren't able to get a rhythm early like we like to do," Dobbs said. "And then from there it was like we had opportunities that we didn't execute."

Dobbs endured his most challenging game in purple yet. Usually a playmaking runner, the Bears held Dobbs to just two carries for 11 yards. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.

His 54.3 passer rating Monday night is the lowest of his career in a start.

"It starts with me and taking care of the football with my decision making, no matter what happens on the other end," Dobbs said. "It's giving the receiver a good ball and getting the ball to where it needs to go based on the coverage. So, I acknowledge it, man, I'm frustrated with myself because it starts with me, as I said, and I'll be better from them. I'll learn from every single one of them tonight, and we'll use it to build momentum into the next opportunity."

The Vikings next opportunity won't come until Dec. 10 at Las Vegas as Minnesota enters its Week 13 bye. The week off comes at an ideal time for the Vikings, who are expected to have star receiver Justin Jefferson return from a hamstring injury that has held him out seven straight games.

Minnesota won five straight but dropped its past two. With five games left – and three against NFC North opponents – the Vikings still have playoff realistic playoff aspirations.

"We have everything out in front of us. We got to take this rest and recover. We need it. A lot of guys in here are very much in need of it," Hockenson said. "We have a second half with five games left. And we just need to do our thing. We need to come back and pound the rock, and we'll be right where we want to be at the end of the year."