GRADING THE BEARS’ SEASON
QUARTERBACK C-
After starting with Mike Glennon, just getting Mitch Trubisky 12 starts was a positive. Trubisky didn’t ‘‘ raise all boats,” but he showed enough— accuracy, escapability, mobility and moxie — to think he can take a significant leap with a better supporting cast in 2018.
RUNNING BACKS B-
Jordan Howard had another Pro Bowl- caliber season ( 276- 1,122, nine TDs). He had 10 games of 54 yards or fewer, but defenses won’t be able to load the box as much with a more potent passing game in 2018. Tarik Cohen will be intriguing in a better offense.
RECEIVERS D
Bears were in a hole after losing Alshon Jeffery. The loss of Cam Meredith was bigger than it should have been. Kendall Wright was serviceable. Markus Wheaton was no factor. TE production suffered after Zach Miller was lost inWeek 8.
OFFENSIVE LINE C
Intermittently effective, but that’s a disappointment for a unit that should have been an anchor. Individually, the players were good enough. But lack of continuity was a problem. Starting lineup of Leno- SittonWhitehair- Long- Massie started only eight games together and only five in a row.
DEFENSIVE LINE B+
Akiem Hicks ( 8.5 sacks, 15 TFLs) had a Pro Bowlcaliber season. Eddie Goldman was effective in the middle, but his 1.5 sacks were a career- low. Mitch Unrein had a solid season until he was injured. Jon Bullard was OK as his replacement.
LINEBACKERS B+
Strong season, considering Willie Young, Leonard Floyd and Jerrell Freeman missed 33 games among them. Danny Trevathan came back strong from an injury. Floyd ( 4.5 sacks in 10 games) was better but not the destructive force he can be.
SECONDARY A-
Most improved unit on the team. Kyle Fuller ( two picks, 22 passes broken up) had his best season. Eddie Jackson had two TDs and looks like a playmaker. Prince Amukamara had a solid year without INTs. Adrian Amos was effective as a replacement for injured Quintin Demps.
SPECIAL TEAMS C
A disappointment overall, with too many flags and misplays. Connor Barth ( 11- for- 16 on FGs) was cut. Pat O’Donnell was solid but not a weapon. Cohen had a 61- yard punt- return TD. Two great fakes in the punt game were other rare highlights.
COACHING C
Disappointing season wasn’t all John Fox’s fault, but he’ll take the fall because the Bears didn’t play a bad hand well enough. They were 2- 6 in games decided by a TD or less, too often lost the battle of halftime adjustments and lost to the Aaron Rodgers- less Packers.