CHICAGO -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 21-13 loss Sunday to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field:
What it means: After getting out to a 10-0 lead against a team that was humiliated last Sunday night, the Vikings missed a golden opportunity to get back to 5-5 and continue to gain some momentum before a long homestand. They could not get to Jay Cutler all afternoon, and Teddy Bridgewater was unable to throw downfield while dealing with steady pressure from the Bears' line. A 52-yard interception return from Harrison Smith yielded nothing, and the Vikings defense spent 38-plus minutes on the field.
Long day for Robinson: Cornerback Josh Robinson enjoyed a solid first half of the season, but on Sunday the Bears picked on him all day in large part because of his size. The 5-foot-10 Robinson was targeted on all three of Cutler's touchdowns to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, and Cutler threw more than 10 passes in his direction. Bears receivers were calling for the ball all day, even when Robinson was in good position, as he wasn't able to make up for the size mismatch and break up the passes over his head.
Offense stagnates against Bears' D: The Vikings had reason to think they could put up some points Sunday after watching the Bears allow 55 last Sunday night, but they were done in by familiar problems protecting Bridgewater. The rookie quarterback likely held the ball too long on a couple plays, missing several chances to hit receivers, but he was largely forced to resort to short passes to running backs and tight ends. He didn't target a wide receiver until the Vikings' final drive of the second quarter and finished with just 158 yards passing.
Game ball: Smith became the first Vikings player with four interceptions in a season since Cedric Griffin in 2009 and made several nice moves on the return, which could have set up the Vikings with a chance to take the lead. Smith has continued to look like an elite safety in his third year and is likely building a nice Pro Bowl case for himself.
What's next: The Vikings (4-6) return to TCF Bank Stadium still in search of their first division victory, as they begin a three-game homestand against the Green Bay Packers.
