The primetime game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium perfectly encapsulated the current state of both franchises.

You had the Vikings, who are in position to win the NFC North this season, going up against the Bears, who look like they wish they could fast forward to next season. The motivation level throughout the game or lack thereof, was apparent as the Vikings looked like the far superior team.

Though it wasn’t the prettiest performance from the Vikings, they still took care of business in convincing fashion on their way to a win.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ 30-12 win over the Bears:

Aaron Jones was the straw that stirs the drink

The fact that the Vikings were able to assert their dominance hinged on veteran running back Aaron Jones. He finished with 18 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown, while adding added a pair of catches for 20 yards, as well.

This was the type of game the Vikings needed out of Jones with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold looking slightly out of rhythm for prolonged stretches.

Just being able to hand the ball off to Jones went a long way in keeping Darnold comfortable as he settled in. It also helped the Vikings put the game on ice as they fed Jones with regularity down the stretch.

Now, if Jones can continue to hit his stride over the next few weeks, the Vikings are going to be an extremely tough out in the playoffs.

Justin Jefferson had a shocking drop that cost him a touchdown

With a chance to put the game away before halftime, star receiver Justin Jefferson literally dropped the ball. Not only was it a perfect route from Jefferson, it was also a perfect throw from Darnold, and it absolutely should’ve resulted in a 30-yard touchdown.

Instead, Jefferson took his eyes off the ball, and it slipped out of his grasp before he could complete the process of the catch.

As frustrated as he was with himself after the game, Jefferson still put forth a solid effort, finishing with 7 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. If it wasn’t for his shocking drop, Jefferson would’ve finished with 8 catches for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Brian O’Neill played through the pain

There were different points throughout the game that it looked like right tackle Brian O’Neill wasn’t going to be able to continue. He injured his right knee in the early stages, and while he managed to play through the pain for a little bit, it wasn’t long before he limped to the sideline once again.

When the Vikings played the first series after halftime with O’Neill, the assumption was that he wasn’t going to return. Asked about missing the first series, O’Neill said he was getting taped up after being fitted for a brace on his right knee. He walked back onto the field shortly after that and played every single snap the rest of the way.

It’s unclear if O’Neill will have to wear a brace on his right knee for the foreseeable future. That will be determined this week after he’s further evaluated.

Dallas Turner did his best Jonathan Greenard impression

It’s common place for star edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to make a splash plays. He made his presence felt right off the bat for the Vikings, helping force a turnover on downs, then following it up with a strip sack.

That’s to be expect from Greenard as he’s slowly established himself among the best players in the NFL at his position.

The fact that rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner also made a splash play is a very good sign heading into the playoffs. The shining moment for Turner late in the game as he looked like he was shot out of a cannon on his way to a sack. The explosiveness that he showcased on that pass rush simply can’t be taught.

Caleb Williams sure looked like he quit

This space is usually reserved for players on the Vikings win, lose, or draw. That said, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams deserves to be highlighted after what can only be described as a disastrous display from him.

At no point in the game did Williams show the leadership qualities that would be expected after the Bears selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. In fact, Williams sure looked like he quit, his body language on the sideline often speaking for itself.

His final stat line would’ve looked much worse had it not been for some meaningless production in garage time. Not even that stretch of positive play from Williams, however, could make up for how disengage he looked when the game was getting away from the Bears.

Related Articles

Vikings take care of business with 30-12 win over Bears

Vikings officially clinch playoff berth, set their sights on NFC North crown

The moment everything changed for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold

Vikings vs. Bears: What to know ahead of Monday night’s matchup

Vikings expected to make quick work of reeling Bears