GRADING THE BEARS
QUARTERBACK
BJay Cutler ( 28- for- 43, 281 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 89.4) showed few effects from a hamstring injury, smartly avoided risky plays and was rewarded: The one mistake that usually ruins him did not.
RUNNING BACKS
C+Behind a patchwork offensive line after center Will Montgomery’s injury, Matt Forte ( 25- 91) had to grind it out. His fumble in the third quarter could’ve been costly but wasn’t. Jeremy Langford ( 1- 4) and Jacquizz Rodgers ( 2- 3) combined for three carries.
RECEIVERS
BWith Alshon Jeffery still out with a hamstring injury, TE Martellus Bennett ( 11 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD), Eddie Royal ( 7- 54, 1 TD) and Marquess Wilson ( 6- 80) were able to carry the load against the Raiders’ porous pass defense.
OFFENSIVE LINE
B+This could’ve been a disaster without left tackle Jermon Bushrod and Montgomery, but Matt Slauson, Kyle Long & Co. found a way to get the job done. Cutler was sacked three times but for only eight yards.
DEFENSIVE LINE
B-Jarvis Jenkins ( sack) and rookie Eddie Goldman ( sack for a 15- yard loss) made big plays, and the Bears held the Raiders to 70 yards on 22 carries, with a long run of 12 yards.
LINEBACKERS
BPernell McPhee ( eight tackles) continues to develop into a difference- maker with an interception that set up a field goal and a big third- down stop to give the Bears a chance. Sam Acho had a fumble recovery. Christian Jones and Shea McClellin each had a tackle for loss.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
BCornerbacks Tracy Porter ( starting for injured Alan Ball) and Kyle Fuller had big pass breakups as the Bears held Derek Carr to 196 passing yards. Porter helped do a solid job on rookie Amari Cooper ( 4- 49, 1 TD, long catch of 26 yards).
SPECIAL TEAMS
BThe Bears prevented any big returns but still had a blocked extra point that nearly made the difference. Robbie Gould was clutch with field goals of 19, 54 and 49 yards, the last one a game- winner.
COACHING
BTime management was an issue that could be problematic in the future, but it wasn’t costly in this one. The Bears handled the O- line adversity well and were well- prepared against an opponent on their level.