The Bears walked into Minneapolis, punched the Vikings in the mouth, and walked out 7-3. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t smooth. It was grit, guts, and some grown-ass men making plays. Here are five Bears who put this team on their back in Week 11 and reminded everyone why this ain’t the same sad Chicago squad from years past.
1. Cairo Santos
He missed a 45-yarder with 8 minutes left. You thought, “Here we go again.”
Then Minnesota took the lead with 50 seconds left. But Santos had other plans. Game on the line, season momentum hanging by a thread, and he drills a 48-yard dagger as time expired. Bears win, Vikings fans weep.
Santos went 4-of-5 on field goals. Hits from 54, 38, 33, and the final game-winner. That 54-yarder broke Robbie Gould’s franchise record for most 50+ yard kicks. Stats are cool. Clutch is better.
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Per ESPN, he’s now 2-for-2 in game-winners this season, and his calm response after the miss was pro-level zen. The Bears are 3-0 in games decided by two or fewer. You don’t pull that off without a kicker with brass balls.
2. Kevin Byard
Interception No. 5. Leads the NFL. You know the vibes.
Byard baited McCarthy into a rookie QB type throw, jumped the route, and snatched the ball like it owed him money. That turnover led to three points and set the tone early.
Ten tackles. A pass breakup. A QB hit. Veteran instincts all over the field. His leadership has completely reshaped this secondary, especially with injuries hammering the group.
Advanced stats? He’s pacing for 8-9 picks. Chicago’s turnover margin is +16. That’s how you win ugly. And Byard’s the tip of the spear.
3. Devin Duvernay
Vikings up 17-16. Fifty seconds left. Your offense needs a miracle.
Devin Duvernay gave you one. A 56-yard return that flipped the game. Fielded it at the 3, danced through broken lanes like he was in a video game, and set up shop at the Minnesota 40.
The Vikings’ special teams coordinator warned them. Didn’t matter. Three defenders over-pursued, Duvernay hit the jets, and the Vikings Blake Cashman called it “soul-crushing.”
This was a dude who delivered when the Bears needed a spark. While Santos gets the glory, Duvernay put him in position to shine.
4. Nahshon Wright
Sometimes football gives you a moment that hits harder than stats.
Nahshon Wright’s end zone pick before halftime did more than stop a Vikings scoring drive. It was a tribute. Three days earlier, his mentor and former coach, John Beam, was murdered.
Wright made it happen. In the biggest moment. Against a first-round receiver. In the end zone. Then collapsed to one knee in tears.
That’s bigger than football.
The pick itself? Beautiful technique. 6-foot-4 frame. Perfect read on the fade. That kept the Bears up 10-3 and swung momentum. He’s got 4 picks on the year after having 3 total in his first four seasons. Dude’s arrival is real.
5. D’Andre Swift
Don’t let the lack of touchdowns fool you. Swift owned the ground game.
21 carries, 90 yards, 4.3 YPC. He was the clock killer and the chain mover. When the Bears needed to get into range for Santos’ kick, Swift ripped a 7-yard run to push it from the 48 to the 41. That’s the difference between hope and confidence.
He’s averaging 2.5 yards after contact per carry. Over half his yards come after contact. He’s not just hitting holes, he’s creating plays.
Chicago has 44 runs of 10+ yards this year. That leads the league. Swift’s vision and patience behind a finally competent offensive line is a big reason why.
He’s proving he’s more than just a guy. He’s the engine of an offense that suddenly knows how to win close games.
Final Verdict
This Bears team wins different. It’s defense, special teams, and clutch execution. Santos, Byard, Duvernay, Wright, Swift. Five dudes who didn’t blink when the lights were brightest.
This ain’t last year’s Bears. And if you still think they’re a joke, you haven’t been watching.