With the game on the line after surrendering a critical touchdown with under one minute to go in the game, Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Duvernay made the biggest play of the game, which was already predicted by quarterback Caleb Williams before the game.
Duvernay took a late-game kickoff 56 yards to the Minnesota Vikings' 40-yard line to set the offense up with excellent field position. After three runs and killing the clock to just three seconds left, kicker Cairo Santos sealed the game with a game-winning field goal to give the Bears a 19-17 win over the Vikings.
After the game, Williams shared his conversation with Duvernay before the kickoff return, calling for the returner to make a big play in the contest.
“I told Duv (Devin Duvernay) he’s was gonna make a play for us today. We’re proud he’s on this team. ”
Duvernay's return was the game-changing moment the Bears needed
Before that kickoff, it had been a relatively quiet season for Duvernay as he hadn't really been able to break out any significant returns on kickoffs or punts. His longest punt return has been just a 22-yarder. Duvernay's 56-yard return versus the Vikings was his longest of the season.
The play in the Minnesota game defined the game and showed the NFL the Bears are legit and know how to win close games. It marked the fifth win of the season, which the Bears needed a game-winning drive to earn their victory.
That play will help Duvernay pick up some much-needed momentum and confidence, showing him that he can get the job done on returns. The Bears hope to see him do more of that throughout the season.
Read more: Ben Johnson sends stark reminder to NFL on how his Bears handle close games
At 7-3, the Bears enter the rough part of their schedule, with some big games ahead, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers twice, to name a few. All these close wins they are picking up will be beneficial as they get into tight matchups against the elite teams in the NFL.