The Minnesota Vikings fell to the Chicago Bears at home 19-17 on a Cairo Santos game-winning field goal as time expired. After the Vikings took the lead with 50 seconds remaining, the Bears drove into field goal range to rip the heart out of Minnesota and their fans. For three quarters, the Vikings' offense was stuck in neutral, and the defense failed to bring down Caleb Williams while getting pushed around by the Bears' rushing attack. 

Here are three takeaways from Sunday's loss:

J.J. McCarthy struggles again

The former Michigan quarterback started his fifth career game on Sunday, and at times, it showed more than anyone would like. The first drive saw McCarthy miss Jordan Addison on a play-action attempt, which never had a chance at being caught despite how open Addison was. On third down, McCarthy overthrew Justin Jefferson, which led to the first of many punts for the Vikings. 

Now, McCarthy wasn't helped much at times by his pass catchers. Addison and TJ Hockenson had costly drops on very nice throws from McCarthy. However, the final drive of the first half, which looked promising for points before the break, was ended on an ill-advised throw into the end zone that fell into the hands of former Viking practice squad member Nahshon Wright for an interception.

On the final drive, McCarthy resembled the guy who lifted his team over Chicago in Week 1 with a touchdown drive punctuated by an Addison touchdown, but the final stat line isn't pretty. Credit to McCarthy for continuing to fight, but 16/32, 150 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions just isn't good enough. The project continues. 

Minnesota's defense can't bring down Caleb Williams

Early counts for the Minnesota defense: 18 pressures, two sacks, and countless QB hits on Williams. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? Well, Williams resembled Lamar Jackson in the pocket with his elusiveness and ability to escape the worst situations. How many times did you watch the Vikings' pass rush get home, only to have Williams escape and either throw the ball away to live another down, complete a pass for a positive gain, or pick up yards with his legs? 

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores had a solid plan to contain and pressure Williams, but the second-year quarterback from USC was up to the task and proved difficult to bring down. Couple the inability to get home and finish the play with a run defense that was routinely pushed around by the Bears' offensive line, and it was a rough day for Flores' defense. Nineteen points allowed should be enough for your offense to outscore on any Sunday. Today just wasn't one of those days. 

A special teams gaffe costs the Vikings dearly

Following McCarthy's drive to give Minnesota the lead with 50 seconds left, the ensuing kickoff was disastrous as Devin Duvernay returned the kick 56 yards to put Chicago on the plus side of the field and in control of the clock to position themselves for the final kick as time expired. Given the struggles on offense for three and a half quarters, Minnesota took the lead with a timely drive, only to immediately give the momentum and the game back to Chicago. 

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was visibly frustrated on the sideline, and a frustrating day came to a frustrating end as Santos booted the game winner as time expired. The Vikings were THAT close to moving to 3-0 in their division; instead Minnesota dropped to 1-4 at home and 4-6 on the season.