UPDATE: The Chicago Bears pulled off a shocking comeback against the Minnesota Vikings, winning 19-17 in a dramatic finish on Sunday. With just 50 seconds left on the clock and trailing by one point, returner Devin Duvernay made a game-changing play that secured the Bears’ seventh victory in their last ten games.
After catching the kickoff deep in his own territory, Duvernay sprinted through a crucial hole created by teammate Josh Blackwell, advancing the ball to the Vikings’ 40-yard line. The Bears quickly moved into field goal position, setting up kicker Cairo Santos for a 48-yard field goal as time expired, sealing the victory.
This win is particularly significant as the Bears were given only a 25% chance to win with less than a minute remaining. “It’s guys always coming back and stepping in to make big plays for us,” Santos stated after the game, celebrating with his teammates in the locker room.
The game unfolded in a tense atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings struggled to score until late in the fourth quarter. Despite a lackluster performance, quarterback J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings on an 85-yard touchdown drive, giving them a brief lead before Duvernay’s kickoff return shifted momentum back to the Bears.
“We absolutely needed that,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said of Duvernay’s return. “He had kind of been waiting for one of those.” Earlier, Santos had missed a 45-yard field goal attempt, but Johnson remained confident in his kicker’s resilience.
Duvernay reflected on his pivotal moment: “Lotta green grass. My eyes lit up. It was a moment to make a play.” Blackwell’s crucial block allowed Duvernay to navigate through the Vikings’ defense, showcasing the Bears’ emerging culture of resilience and teamwork.
“This isn’t the same old Bears,” safety Kevin Byard commented. “This culture — we’ve been battle tested.” The Bears’ ability to rally and win in dramatic fashion underscores a transformation within the team, as they continue to defy expectations in a season filled with unpredictable outcomes.
As the Bears celebrate this thrilling victory, fans are left wondering what other surprises this season holds. The Bears’ next matchup will be closely watched as they aim to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the NFC North.