Quarterbacks
Chad Hutchinson threw for three touchdowns–and no interceptions–in his Bears debut. Daunte Culpepper passed for 279 yards, but threw three interceptions.
Edge: Bears
Running backs
Onterrio Smith averaged 6.1 yards per carry for Vikings. Anthony Thomas and Thomas Jones combined for 3.5 yards per carry, though Bears were just trying to control the ball late in the game.
Edge: Vikings
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Receivers
Unusually productive day for Bears, but Vikings receivers/tight ends had 17 catches. Ex-Bear Marcus Robinson and Nate Burleson had TD receptions.
Edge: Vikings
Offensive line
Bears were forced to juggle line because of injuries and allowed five sacks. Vikings also gave up five sacks, but created more running room.
Edge: Vikings
Defensive line
Four of Bears’ sacks came from the line, including 1 1/2 by Alfonso Boone. The Bears applied more pressure than that, but Culpepper was tough to bring down.
Edge: Bears
Linebackers
Big game from Brian Urlacher in his return with an interception, a sack and two passes broken up.
Edge: Bears
Defensive backs
Jerry Azumah had two interceptions. Vikings didn’t make things tough on Hutchinson, who hit 18 of 30 passes.
Edge: Bears
Special teams
Paul Edinger kicked a 53-yard field goal and Brad Maynard had a gaudy net punting average of 48.3 yards, dropping all three kicks inside the 20.
Edge: Bears
Coaching
Bears’ new-look secondary, with R.W. McQuarters at free safety, helped hold Vikings to 14 points.
Edge: Bears