The NFC North has been the NFL conference to watch this season and a lot of that has to do with two former USC Trojans; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. And on Sunday the two squared off for what was a wild gunslinging affair, where both showed off their undeniable talents.
Former USC Trojans QBs Square Off In NFC North Tilt
Darnold (USC’s QB from 2016-2017) has captained the Vikings offense to a 9-2 record, putting them in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022. The Bears are a far less impressive 4-6 with Williams under center, but as the top pick in 2024’s NFL Draft and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, he and the Bears are still a must-watch.
The two went back and forth through the first half, but the Vikings took a 24-10 lead by the end of the third quarter. Williams then put on his Superman cape and mounted three straight scoring drives that included several big throws and scrambles by Williams.
With just 22 seconds left in the game, the Bears got the ball back on their 43-yard line. They called a pass on first down, in which Williams connected with DJ Moore for 27 yards. This set the Bears up at the Vikings’ 30, which was enough for Cairo Santos to tie the game at 27 all and send it into overtime.
Not to be outdone, Darnold then drove the ball back at the stifling Bears defense with passes of, seven, 13, nine, 12, and finally, a 29-yarder that set up the game-winning field goal.
The 13-yard pass was to former USC Trojan Jordan Addison.
Williams ended up connecting on 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Darnold went 22 for 34 for 330, for two touchdowns and no interceptions as well.
Jordan Addison’s Career Day
As for Jordan Addison, his eight receptions and 162 yards were both career highs. It included a career-long 69-yard catch.
