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Bears dominate up front, run away from Vikings

Minnesota Vikings v Chicago Bears

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 31: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 31, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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The Bears overwhelmed the Vikings’ offensive line Monday night, and rookie running back Jordan Howard had his biggest game as a pro.

The Vikings had little answer for Howard or anything else, and the Bears rolled to a 20-10 victory. They took a 20-3 lead into their fourth quarter.

In addition to a second-quarter touchdown run that made it 13-0, Howard had an early 69-yard run and also had a 34-yard catch. He finished with 153 rushing yards on 26 carries and caught four passes for 49 yards.

The Bears sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford five times. The Vikings punted on seven of their first eight drives and were 2-of-13 on third down.

The Bears held a 13-3 halftime lead. Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught his first touchdown pass of the season in the third quarter to extend the lead to 20-3.

Howard’s 69-yard run, his 34-yard catch and a 34-yard catch by Jeffery stand as three of the five biggest plays the Vikings have surrendered all season. The Bears finished with 403 yards of total offense and converted 7-of-14 third downs.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, playing for the first time in five weeks, threw for 252 yards, didn’t throw an interception and was sacked just once. Bears tight end Zach Miller had seven catches for 88 yards.

The Vikings fall to 5-2. The Bears improve to 2-6.