Vikings’ Sam Darnold and Bears’ Caleb Williams lead teams through a game of twists and turns

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell called his play, Darnold converted and finished 22 of 34 for 330 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

This was due to Darnold’s resistance to throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson, who often received increased attention. Instead, Darnold found Addison, who had eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. Tight end TJ Hockenson made seven of his 114 catches, including several big plays in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Darnold twisted his left ankle late in a scramble in the fourth quarter and left for a couple of plays. He re-entered, giving O’Connell a thumbs up as he was asked via headset if he was okay. He played like he was.

This was a version of Darnold that could win playoff games. There were a couple of risky throws, but he stayed out of the interception column on consecutive plays. That’s a plus.

“Sam Darnold was phenomenal in the air today,” O’Connell said. “I make a lot of games.”

Williams was expected to be excited about Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. The first overall pick in this year’s draft quickly ripped the ball out of his hands, checked downs and leapt over defenders when he needed to run to lead Chicago to three scoring drives in the fourth quarter. He finished 32 of 47 for 340 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.