Bears-Vikings; Falcons-Raiders on 'Monday Night Football': Key Takeaways from Minnesota and Atlanta Wins
Published: Dec 16, 2024
Updated: Dec 17, 2024
By: Alex, Mirlook.com
Monday Night Football delivered a double-header filled with high-stakes drama, gritty performances, and some unexpected twists as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears, and the Atlanta Falcons secured a narrow win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Here’s a breakdown of what we learned from each game:
Minnesota Vikings 30, Chicago Bears 12
Vikings' Resilience Despite Offensive Hiccups
Minnesota came out strong, building a 10-0 lead early, but their offensive rhythm faltered for much of the game. The Bears’ defense forced Minnesota into two three-and-outs to start the second half, limiting opportunities for the Vikings’ usually dynamic offense. Yet, the Vikings capitalized on Chicago’s penalty troubles and crafted methodical drives to secure two touchdowns, ultimately sealing their 12th win of the season.
While the offense didn’t shine, Minnesota’s defense took center stage, consistently pressuring the Bears and keeping Caleb Williams’ efforts in check. Winning teams find ways to secure victories even without their best performances, and the Vikings demonstrated just that.
Bears’ Offseason Priorities: Protect Caleb Williams
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s often been left scrambling for survival behind a porous offensive line. While the Bears have added receiving talent, their inability to protect their star rookie has hindered his development. The coaching staff, already shaken by mid-season changes, must prioritize building a stronger offensive line and implementing a system that supports Williams rather than relying on his heroics. Monday’s result served as a stark reminder of the work required to turn this franchise around.
Injury Concerns for Minnesota
Despite the win, the Vikings’ vulnerabilities were on display. Right tackle Brian O'Neill’s temporary exit highlighted the team’s lack of depth on the offensive line, and Sam Darnold’s inconsistent play raised questions about his reliability. Justin Jefferson, typically a game-changer, dropped a sure touchdown, adding to Minnesota’s offensive struggles. While these issues didn’t cost them against a weaker opponent, they could be problematic in high-stakes matchups as the postseason approaches.
Next Gen Stats: Jonathan Greenard Shines
Defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard was a standout for Minnesota, generating seven pressures and a sack. Five of his pressures came against rookie left tackle Kiran Amegadjie, underlining Greenard’s dominance. His 56 pressures this season rank ninth in the NFL.
NFL Research Insight
Sam Darnold’s 12 wins with the Vikings this season tie him for the third-most victories by a quarterback in their first year with a new team over the last 40 seasons, trailing only Peyton Manning (13, 2012) and Steve McNair (13, 2006).
Atlanta Falcons 15, Las Vegas Raiders 9
Offensive Struggles Persist for Falcons
While Atlanta managed to snap a four-game losing streak, their offensive woes continued. Kirk Cousins ended his touchdown pass drought but delivered an underwhelming performance, completing just 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Facing pressure on half of his dropbacks, Cousins appeared hesitant and struggled to find consistency.
Fortunately, the Falcons’ ground game stepped up. Bijan Robinson powered through for 125 yards on 22 carries, while Tyler Allgeier contributed 43 yards on 12 carries. Despite these efforts, Atlanta’s offense repeatedly stalled in promising drives, settling for field goals and finishing with a success rate of just 35.1%.
The Raiders’ Offensive Woes Deepen
Injuries to quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell left the Raiders with limited options, resulting in a lackluster performance. Desmond Ridder threw for 208 yards but also made costly mistakes, including a late-game interception. The Raiders’ inability to capitalize on opportunities and their inefficiency on third downs (4 of 14) left them floundering at 2-12.
Head coach Antonio Pierce’s frustration was evident on the sidelines as the Raiders squandered late-game opportunities, epitomizing a team stuck in rebuilding mode.
Falcons Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Falcons’ defense and special teams carried the day, blocking two punts and an extra point to secure the win. Atlanta’s opportunistic play improved their record to 7-7, keeping them in the NFC South playoff race. With three games remaining, the Falcons face a tough path but remain in contention.
Next Gen Stats: Bijan Robinson’s Breakout
Robinson’s 125-yard performance included +43 rushing yards over expected, marking his best game of the season. His ability to generate explosive plays gave Atlanta a much-needed boost.
NFL Research Insight
For the first time in his career, Kirk Cousins did not attempt a single pass on first down in the first half. This unusual stat underscores the Falcons’ continued offensive struggles.
Final Thoughts
Monday night’s double-header showcased the resilience and weaknesses of all four teams. The Vikings’ win solidified their standing as a top NFC contender but highlighted areas for improvement. The Bears, meanwhile, face a pivotal offseason as they seek to rebuild around Caleb Williams.
In the later game, the Falcons’ gritty win kept their playoff hopes alive despite ongoing offensive challenges, while the Raiders continued their slide in a forgettable season. Both games offered valuable lessons as teams head into the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season.
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