Don’t call it a gift. That would imply the Bears didn’t earn it.

The truth is they took what’s theirs. That’s just what this defense does. And when safety Eddie Jackson conducted his touchdown symphony in the end zone, victory in hand late Sunday night, there was no doubt who the new NFC North favorite is.

Jackson’s pick-six capped the latest dominant performance by the defense and legitimized the Bears’ turnaround for a national audience. The second-year safety intercepted Kirk Cousins and returned it 27 yards for a score to put the Bears ahead by two touchdowns with 8 minutes, 30 seconds left in an eventual 25-20 victory.

“It feels good to give these fans some hope and get this big win in front of them (in) a division game,” Jackson said. “We’re just loving it right now.”

His interception was the Bears’ third takeaway. They needed each one to overcome how the offense stalled in the second half and turned it over three times itself.

The Vikings had cut their deficit to 14-6 with 11:46 left in the fourth quarter. The Bears’ four second-half possessions had gone punt, interception, fumble, punt — forcing the defense to stand up once again.

On first-and-10 from the Vikings’ 11, Cousins tried to hit Laquon Treadwell on a post-corner route. The intent was to exploit the deep sideline, which is, theoretically, a vulnerable spot in a defense that includes two high safeties.

Jackson anticipated the throw, something he has done regularly throughout his second NFL season. The Bears drafted the Alabama safety in the fourth round in 2017 partly because of his instincts tracking the ball, and they’ve shown more as he has grown in coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.

“I’ve got a great defense around me, so I feel like that plays a major, major role,” Jackson said. “But when we get turnovers, we don’t want to think just get down, out of bounds. We think touchdowns, and that mentality helps us keep capitalizing.”

Cousins’ throw was almost nonchalant, which matched the sharpness of Treadwell’s out cut. The Vikings quarterback had overthrown a handful of receivers earlier in the game, including on a pass that Adrian Amos picked off just before halftime. Most were forced by pressure, which was consistent all game, but Cousins had a relatively clean pocket on this one.

Jackson anticipated the route, played it over the top of Treadwell and was in perfect position to catch it.

“I just read it,” Jackson said. “Followed the quarterback’s eyes.”

And when he caught it, even though he stood 27 yards from the end zone, he obviously had a clear path.

Jackson pointed toward Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs, the only opponent in his way. Roquan Smith followed the instruction and ran Diggs out of the play while Jackson coasted to the end zone.

On Friday, defensive backs coach Ed Donatell reminded his players to set up a turnover return by starting inside and then cutting out. That’s what Jackson did. It was the fourth touchdown of his 26-game career. No player in the league has more defensive touchdowns in that span.

“We know what he’s capable of,” cornerback Kyle Fuller said. “He showed that today.”

Soldier Field went nuts; 59,033 delirious souls could taste playoff football for the first time since 2010. They waved orange towels, hugged strangers and sang “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” with a verve that has been absent from the stadium for too long.

Jackson, meanwhile, was the conductor. His teammates — those on the field and the bunch that spilled off the bench — gathered at the end line. Prince Amukamara played the flute. Others were on the drum and violin. Jackson waved his arms as if he were directing them. Then he turned and took a bow.

The cheers were his, too.

rcampbell@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Rich_Campbell

Bears extend NFC North lead with 25-20 win over the Vikings »

Photo gallery: Bears 25, Vikings 20 »

Bears censor TV helicopter coverage of kicker Cody Parkey practicing at Soldier Field »