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3 Bears Whose Stock is Rising Despite Loss to the Vikings

By Joseph Grassano

Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) makes a catch over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and after replay is ruled out of bounds on his left foot touching the line during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) makes a catch over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and after replay is ruled out of bounds on his left foot touching the line during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images / Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
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2. Keenan Allen

Bears fans finally got the Keenan Allen they were all expecting when he was acquired in the offseason. Allen finished his day against the Vikings with nine catches on 15 targets for 86 yards and one touchdown

On that same drive, Allen was targeted deep down the field on a third and four for what looked to be a 24-yard gain. Alas, Allen was unable to get both feet down in bounds, meaning it was an incomplete pass.

After those deep targets, Allen returned to catching passes in the short game for the rest of the day. Allen's most impactful play underneath was his one-yard touchdown catch during the Bears' fourth-quarter comeback.

Allen finally taking advantage of his opportunities is great to see. In past weeks, when Allen was given opportunities, he would squander them. While he did have a few drops, his nine catches sufficed.

Although a game like this improves Allen's standing for the rest of the season, it's still unlikely he will be re-signed in the offseason.

3. DeMarcus Walker

The Bears defensive line has struggled to generate quarterback pressure over the past month. Thankfully, against the Vikings, the defensive front played much better.

Although many would expect this change to be led by Montez Sweat, it wasn't. Instead, DeMarcus Walker led the charge. Walker finished the game with three quarterback pressures, two quarterback hurries, and one sack, according to PFF.

Walker's performance was much needed. Although Sweat is the marquee pass rusher, he needs help. So far this season, no one on the line has stepped up to take the heat off of Sweat, though.

Walker is supposed to provide some help opposite Sweat; he has just failed to do that most of the season. A performance like Walker had against the Vikings needs to happen more often for the rest of this season.

Walker has one year left on his contract with the Bears, and if he wants to stay a big part of the defensive line rotation going into next year, performances like these will help.

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