Vikings Overwhelmed by Bears in 23-0 Shutout

The Chicago Bears’ defense again showed its Super Bowl form while the offense unveiled another weapon in receiver Keith Ortego Sunday in a 23-0 blanking of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears (5-0) sacked quarterback Tommy Kramer seven times, forced three turnovers and shut down the Minnesota running game as the Vikings finished with just 159 net yards, 45 by rushing.

The Bears, winners of 11 in a row dating back to last year and 13 straight at Soldier Field, stumbled at first on offense. But Ortego, who had only 3 receptions for 73 yards entering the game, caught 6 passes for 157 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown pass play from Jim McMahon.

Walter Payton gained 108 yards in 26 carries, including a two-yard touchdown, and Kevin Butler kicked field goals of 24, 42 and 32 yards. It was Payton’s 76th career 100-yard plus game.

“The defense was outstanding,” said Coach Mike Ditka, whose Bears took a two-game lead over the Vikings (3-2) in the NFC Central. “We gave game balls to all of the defensive coaches. I hope we break the organization giving away game balls.”

Kramer misfired on his first five passes, had only 43 yards in the first half and finished 11 of 30 for 160 yards. Minnesota was shut out for the first time since Cincinnati blanked the Vikings, 14-0, in October, 1980.

“You’ve got to give their defense credit, defensively all around the ball,” Kramer said. “We didn’t do as well offensively as we should.”

Said Ditka: “We stopped a high-powered offense,” pointing to Kramer’s six touchdown passes a week ago against Green Bay.

Minnesota Coach Jerry Burns said the Bears’ defensive effort didn’t surprise him.

“They have a great defense, no doubt about that,” he said. “That’s nothing new. They’ve been playing like this for a while.”

Chicago defensive tackle William (The Refrigerator) Perry said the Bears’ pressure bothered Kramer.

“We got him all flustered,” Perry said. “He threw some interceptions and he was looking around for us.”

Ortego, who feared he wouldn’t make the team this year, caught two long passes from McMahon to set up the Bears’ 10 points in the second quarter. He then broke loose for his touchdown to break the game open.

“Most of the passes weren’t designed for me,” Ortego said. “I’m thrilled. I know I’ve got something to prove to Coach Ditka and this team.”

McMahon, in his second game back after a shoulder injury, completed 12 of 19 for 204 yards. He called Ortego “White Lightning.”

“He really showed me something out there,” McMahon said. “I didn’t know he was that fast.”

The Vikings’ best scoring chance came early in the fourth quarter. Trailing 13-0, Kramer hit Anthony Carter at the Bears’ 10, but Carter fumbled and Chicago safety Gary Fencik recovered. On the opening drive of the second half, Minnesota moved to the Bears’ 20 before Kramer was whistled for intentional grounding and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was tacked on to move Minnesota out of field goal range.

On the first play of the game, Minnesota cornerback Issiac Holt intercepted McMahon’s pass and returned it to the Bears 38. But Kramer was sacked, and Chuck Nelson’s 48-yard field-goal try hit the right post.