Vikings Reserves Deliver in Big Moments Versus…

“From what I could tell on the Surface tablet pictures, they basically triple-teamed Justin,” Cousins said about his second touchdown. “I’m sure that was a mistake. I’m sure they wanted to at least double [Jefferson], but it probably was a miscommunication. I don’t think Ihmir really did anything except they just dropped him. He did a great job getting to his spot and then making a play, finishing a play. But I think they got a little bit focused on Justin, which opened up Ihmir.”

Opportunities knocked, and multiple Vikings answered.

Kene Nwangwu, a draft classmate of Smith-Marsette’s, rushed three times for 33 yards while stepping in for Alexander Mattison as Dalvin Cook’s backup.

On defense, Cameron Dantzler moved back into the starting lineup and forced the first of three fumbles by the Bears. Dantzler joined Patrick Peterson as Minnesota’s cornerbacks two days after Bashaud Breeland was waived.

The Vikings have been in the process of replacing the production at defensive end that has been missing without Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, who have combined for 140 career sacks for Minnesota.