How can Chicago Bears learn from loss to Minnesota Vikings?

The Chicago Bears lost a heart breaker on Sunday vs the Minnesota Vikings and are now 2-5 heading into their week 9 match up with the San Diego Chargers.

The Bears were in control for most of the game, but all that matters is that the Vikings dominated the final two minutes and won the game. Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater found receiver Stefon Diggs for a touchdown to tie the game at 20-20 with 1:49 left in the game.

Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis had an opportunity to tackle Diggs after catching the ball but wasn’t able to make the play and Diggs ran into the end zone untouched.

Jay Cutler, who had a solid performance on Sunday, was primed to lead the Bears down the field for a game winning drive, something that he’s already done twice this season. On third down however, backup running back Jeremy Langford dropped a pass that would have moved the chains. Instead the Bears punted, and the Vikings were back with the football.

The Vikings got a huge catch from Charles Johnson which set up the game winning field goal that sent the Bears home with their second straight last second loss. The Bears lost in week 7 to the Lions on a game-winning field goal as well.

A bright spot on Sunday was the Cutler to Alshon Jeffery connection which was successful all game long. Both players had productive days at the office.

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Cutler was 22 of 33 for 211 yards, one touchdown pass and added a touchdown run as well. He protected the ball from an aggressive Vikings defense as he had zero turnovers and was in command of the offense all day.

Jeffery meanwhile had his second straight big game and is clearly feeling well after missing four games with an hamstring strain. Jeffery had 10 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown catch was a beauty as he used his excellent ball skills to secure a tough catch in the back of the end zone.

Cutler sure is happy to have Jeffery back. Unfortunately the rest of the Bears’ playmakers on offense were non-existent and star running back Matt Forte left the game with a knee injury.

Early reports are saying that Forte might have damage to his MCL, although surgery might not be required.

The Bears defense played well against the Vikings but made two crucial errors late in the game that cost them dearly. The defensive line played well as they were able to force Bridgewater out of the pocket on numerous occasions but had a hard time sacking him.

The Bears secondary was again, putrid. Kyle Fuller finally made a positive play this season as he got his first interception of the year. Other than that, the Bears secondary didn’t make any positive impacts on the game.

The touchdown by Diggs was a simple nine yard gain that was turned into a touchdown because McManis couldn’t tackle him. The Bears just can’t seem to make the right plays on defense in the fourth quarter.

The catch by Johnson that set the Vikings up for the game winning field goal was a jump ball,where Johnson made the catch over Bears safety Antrel Rolle.

The Bears just don’t have any playmakers on defense and it is really starting to show these last two weeks.

The third down drop by Langford came at the worst time possible. The way Cutler was playing on Sunday, it felt like he was going to drive the Bears down the field for the game winning field goal. The Bears really missed Forte on that series. Odds are that he catches that ball.

There is no time to dwell on this loss as the Bears need to move on and get ready for the Chargers. That game will be on Monday Night Football.

The Bears have been in it right until the end in these last two weeks and have come up short both times. Defensive miscues late in games are really hurting the Bears. They aren’t finishing games well and need to find ways to close these tight games out.

Going forward, offensive coordinator Adam Gase needs to find more ways to get the ball into Jeffery’s hand. Cutler is once again proving that he is comfortable in Gase’s offense and is the least of the Bears’ problems right now.

Cutler seems to have a strong grasp of this offense and that is a positive moving ahead into the season.

The defense must be more fundamentally sound to win games. The last two weeks the secondary has given up big plays down field which have set up game winning field goals. First Calvin Johnson in the Detroit game and now Charles Johnson.

Not sure if that is a coincidence or not.