NFC North Rundown: Bears survive in Denver behind the “swag” of kicker Piñeiro

Few wins are more sweet than those over a bitter rival. For the Green Bay Packers (2-0), who earned consecutive victories in such fashion with a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the 2019 season could not have begun much better.

A string of defensive holds and Vikings penalties paved the way to a Packers win at Lambeau Field. One of those penalties in particular caught the ire of Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer after the game and proved to be a monumental play in the game. From a Minnesota perspective, there were several more plays that also led to the team’s demise in week two.

In other cities across the NFC North, there was joy as both Detroit and Chicago finished on the winning side last weekend. While Detroit rode crucial turnovers to their “W,” the Bears were granted just enough time for a game-winning field goal, something the team’s fan base has been desperately waiting for.

Here’s more on some of those stories from the division.

Minnesota Vikings (1-1)

Lost at Green Bay 21-16; Next vs. Oakland

Vikings at Packers: Five Game-Changing Plays

From the other sideline, here is a look at five plays that influenced a Packers victory against the Vikings, including an ominous first play from scrimmage.

Mike Zimmer says decision to overturn Vikings TD was a ‘bad call’

One of the most controversial plays of the entire game, a touchdown was called back after an official review determined offensive pass interference. Minnesota’s head coach disagrees.

The numbers say the Vikings need to make Kirk Cousins a game manager

Despite shaky offensive line play, Cousins has been much better from a career perspective when attempting fewer than 30 passes in a game.

Detroit Lions (1-0-1)

Won vs. LA Chargers 13-10; Next at Philadelphia

Detroit Lions film review: The 5 plays that led to must-need win vs. Chargers

A disastrous Chargers drive in which two touchdowns were called back by penalty culminated in a fumble from the one-yard line. That was one of five critical plays in the win for the Lions.

Lions claim Giants RB Perkins, release Anderson

Detroit cut one veteran running back in favor of another to back up starter Kerryon Johnson.

Week 2 Rookie Report: Jahlani Tavai a key piece of the defense

T.J. Hockenson has garnered the headlines, but the Lions’ second-round pick made a key play to bring home a victory against the Chargers.

Chicago Bears (1-1)

Won at Denver 16-14; Next at Washington

Bears beat Broncos 16-14 off of game-winning Piñeiro field goal

Here is a breakdown of the performance from the Bears’ offensive and defensive units after a wild finish on Sunday.

Bears rally around Eddy ‘Dinero’ Piñeiro, the kicker with swag

After all of Chicago’s recent struggles in the kicking game, the Bears’ kicker helped keep the Bears from starting 0-2. According to Head Coach Matt Nagy, Piñeiro has some “swag.”

Bears film study: Final seconds, questionable calls

Piñeiro’s heroics would not have come to fruition had the Bears been unable to stop the clock with just a single second left in the ball game.