Vikings still mastering offense; Bears bring even more snags
Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have staked out a favorable position through the first quarter of their season by winning three of four games amid predictable growing pains with new playbooks and play callers on both sides of the ball. “I feel great about where Kirk’s headed, and obviously there’s some things we can really coach hard,” O’Connell said. “I can coach better to help him be at his best and truly start maximizing what we’re going to become as an offense.” The Vikings, who host Chicago on Sunday, are fifth in the league in first downs per game but just 15th in scoring and 25th in red-zone touchdowns. “You’ve just got to live by that and just move on to the next play.” Said Eberflus: “More experience on the job, and he’s going to get better at it.” DARRI-SAWING LOGS Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been blossoming in his second season. “Everything worked out.” RUN DOWN The Bears were torched by Saquon Barkley for 146 rushing yards last week against the Giants and are allowing a league-worst 183.3 rushing yards per game.