Here are four more observations.
1. Picks lead to and deny points
McCarthy was intercepted twice in the final four minutes of the first half, but the Vikings defense limited the Bears to three points off the turnovers.
The first interception occurred when McCarthy targeted Jefferson on a throw over the middle on first-and-10 from the Minnesota 31. The QB was hit by Grady Jarrett as he threw the ball, and Kevin Byard III nabbed his NFL-leading fifth interception of the season. Byard returned the ball 24 yards to the Minnesota 25.
The Vikings defense responded with a tackle for a 2-yard loss by Jay Ward on first down and forced a 38-yard field goal by Cairo Santos at the 2-minute warning.
Minnesota followed by driving from its 34 to the Chicago 35 thanks to a 28-yard completion to Jefferson, but after being awarded a fresh set of downs at the 30 due to a holding penalty, McCarthy targeted Addison with a throw to the end zone that was nabbed by former cornerback Nahshon Wright for a touchback with 35 seconds remaining.
The Vikings would have been within Will Reichard’s range to add a field goal before halftime if not for the second interception.