GRADING THE BEARS
QUARTERBACK
A
Jay Cutler did everything he’s expected to do— be patient, prolific and accurate and avoid bad mistakes. He was 26- for- 38 for 381 yards and 1 TD for a 109.6 passer rating.
RUNNING BACKS
A Matt Forte had 157 total yards— 17 carries for 80 yards ( 4.7 ypc) and 2 TDs ( including a 9- yard TD that gave the Bears a 27- 13 lead) and 10 receptions for 77 yards.
RECEIVERS
A
Alshon Jeffery ( 5- 136) and Brandon Marshall ( 6- 113) came up big against a weak Falcons defense, with Jeffery’s 74- yard catch turning momentum in the Bears’ favor. Josh Morgan added a 3- yard TD in the 2nd quarter.
OFFENSIVE LINE
A
The Bears had 478 total yards — 110 rushing ( 3.9 ypc) and 368 passing ( 9.0 yards per attempt)— and dominated time of possession ( 36: 15- 23: 45). The interior blocking on Forte’s 9- yard TD run was stellar.
DEFENSIVE LINE
A
The Bears had 4 sacks ( Willie Young 2, Jared Allen, Stephen Paea), and Paea, Lamarr Houston and Will Sutton batted passes. There was constant pressure on Matt Ryan.
LINEBACKERS
A
With the Bears’ top four linebackers injured, they received an inspiring effort from the unknown trio of Khaseem Greene ( 8 tackles), Darryl Sharpton ( 5) and rookie Christian Jones ( 4).
DEFENSIVE BACKS
A
Kyle Fuller and Tim Jennings were exceptional in coverage— particularly Fuller on a dazzling breakup of a third- and- 1 pass to Julio Jones in the third quarter. Demontre Hurst helped close it out with an INT.
SPECIAL TEAMS
B
The Bears contained Devin Hester. Punter Pat O’Donnell was efficient. But the return game is still ineffective. A blocked extra point loomed large until the offense cleaned up the error.
COACHING
A
The Bears played error- free. Clock management was an issue late in the first half. After a shaky start in the second half, the Bears assumed the momentum.