Which Chicago Bears were losers in Week 12 vs. Vikings?

Khalil Herbert

Coming into the season Khalil Herbert was poised to be the top option amongst the running back position. He had a somewhat strong start to the year but then went down with injury and missed five games. In two games back, he has not done much at all and against the Vikings, he was outplayed by Roschon Johnson both in terms of production and snap count.

As previously mentioned, there was not a lot of running room made for anyone by the offensive line. Still, Herbert has not been able to provide the explosiveness that he brings to the backfield, and Roschon Johnson was just able to get a better rhythm against the Vikings. With how good D'Onta Foreman was over his recent stretch and how dependable Johnson has been, Herbert is no longer the number one option at running back.

Herbert had only six carries to Johnson's ten and caught only two passes to Johnson's five receptions. Late in the game especially featured Johnson more as he provides better pass protection against the Vikings' strong blitzing ability. The difference in usage is not completely decimating to Herbert's case, but it is clear that the Bears are not afraid to go with the hot hand. Herbert is not hot right now and will need to provide explosive runs if he wants to earn his top role back.

The Chicago Bears have a lot to work on offensively as they go into a BYE week. They have been handcuffed by a scared and timid gameplan from Luke Getsy over and over again. Forcing four turnovers should mean a lot more than ten points, but a lack of running game from the Bears backfield and no downfield passing led to almost nothing on offense. Thank you to Cairo Santos for scoring all of the Bears' points in the win.