Overview

• Chicago squandered a 17-6 lead in the fourth quarter as Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy surged late, including a 149.5 passer rating in the final period and a rare debut comeback from down 10.
• Johnson cited missteps on a failed third-quarter challenge, a burned timeout, and a late kickoff choice, which left the Bears starting their final drive at their 20 with nine seconds remaining.
• Chicago committed 12 penalties for 127 yards, including multiple pre-snap mistakes that undercut field position and stalled drives.
• Caleb Williams opened strong with 10 straight completions and a rushing touchdown but finished 21 of 35 for 210 yards as his accuracy dipped over the final three quarters.
• The run game lagged at 3.1 yards per carry for D’Andre Swift (53 yards on 17 attempts) while the defense logged three sacks, including one by newcomer Dayo Odeyingbo, yet could not close out the game.