Bears vs. Vikings: Studs and duds from another embarrassing loss

The Chicago Bears suffered a 30-12 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, which marked their eighth straight loss since a 4-2 start. Interim head coach Thomas Brown is now 0-2 since taking over for the fired Matt Eberflus.

This game was unlike the previous meeting against Minnesota just three weeks ago, which proved to be a shootout that took overtime to settle. The Bears offense stalled twice in the red zone -- including a disastrous goal line sequence that was the worst of the NFL season -- and didn't score a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was once again battered and bruised behind a poor offensive line and the offense resembled its early-season identity. Meanwhile, the defense was able to get pressure on Sam Darnold, including two sacks, but the Vikings offense was too much to slow down.

There were plenty of noteworthy performances, good and bad, in this defeat. We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears' loss vs. Minnesota:

Stud: DE DeMarcus Walker

DeMarcus Walker was a monster along the Bears defensive line, helping bring the pressure on Sam Darnold, who had an underwhelming night. Walker, who had one tackle for loss along with four quarterback hits, made a home in the backfield for Chicago, where he three QB pressures in the first half alone. He's been one of Ryan Poles' better signings.

Dud: LT Kiran Amegadjie

That was as bad of a first start for rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie as you could imagine. Amegadjie, who started at left tackle in place of an injured Braxton Jones, struggled mightily protecting Caleb Williams' blindside. He allowed several pressures, including a strip sack, where Williams didn't even stand a chance. Amegadjie also committed four penalties. It's clear he isn't ready to start, but injuries and a lack of depth have caught up for Chicago.

Stud: CB Kyler Gordon

The Bears defense has regressed this season -- due to injuries and this losing streak -- but third-year cornerback Kyler Gordon continues to be a bright spot. Gordon, who had five tackles and one QB hit, continues to showcase his physicality and ability as an ascending nickel cornerback in the NFL. He's also one of the players who continues to play hard on this defense despite the circumstances, and he's developing into a leader on this team.

Dud: OL Doug Kramer

Just because Shane Waldron is gone doesn't mean the Doug Kramer experiment is dead. Although, after this game it might be. With the Bears positioned on the 1-yard line, Kramer trotted out to serve as fullback and help D'Andre Swift find the end zone. It's not the first time this team has run the play, and yet, somehow Kramer didn't know to report as eligible. Swift's touchdown was negated, and what followed was an embarrassing sequence that ended with a Chicago field goal rather than a touchdown.

Stud: LB T.J. Edwards

The Bears defense had some key veterans rise to the occasion, and while linebacker T.J. Edwards wasn't perfect, he brought the physicality to this prime-time showdown. Edwards is still one of Chicago's defenders still playing hard despite how this eight-game losing streak has played out. Edwards led the team with eight tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack and one QB hit.

Dud: HC/OC Thomas Brown

One thing has been made clear in the past two weeks: Thomas Brown won't be the Bears' head coach in 2025. Since Brown took over two weeks ago, Chicago has been outscored 68-25 in losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Vikings. The offense, which showed signs of life when he took over, has regressed and Caleb Williams continues to get battered behind this makeshift offensive line. Brown's play call on fourth-and-1 -- both failed D'Andre Swift runs up the middle -- highlight his regression.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: Studs and duds from another embarrassing loss