Grading the Bears: Dominant in Jacksonville
It was another dominant performance by the Chicago Bears Sunday in Jacksonville.
The defense held the lowly Jaguars to just 3 points, and after struggling for most of the first half, the offense got it together and put up 24 of the teams 41 points in the second half.
Led by two interception returns for touchdowns by Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs, the Bears defense dominated. The Jaguars couldn’t establish any offensive rhythm and looked completely outmatched from the get go.
The Bears offense on the other had struggled early. Cutler threw a interception on a third and one, and couldn’t find the end zone early on. That changed however as Cutler finished with two touchdowns on the game.
Here’s the Week 5 Grades:
Quarterback: B+
Cutler started off shaky with an interception on his first pass attempt but he righted the ship. Cutler made a few great throws that kept drives alive and resulted in touchdowns.
The past few games Cutler has made the early mistake with a turnover. Thankfully for the Bears, Cutler has managed to correct his mistakes and play better.
Running backs: B
Matt Forte went over 100 yards for the first time this season and looked effective when in the game. The lone touchdown for the running back core came from Armando Allen late in the second half.
Michael Bush finished with 26 yards on 4 carries.
Receivers: B+
Brandon Marshall certainly earned his paycheck after a rough start in the first quarter. Marshall finished with 12 receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Cutler looked Marshall’s way 18 times and Marshall delivered.
The receiving core didn’t make a huge impact until the second half where Cutler found Alshon Jeffery for a touchdown. Then connected with Hester on a nice pitch and catch.
Offensive Line: B-
The line has played better as of late, and from the looks of it they are starting to turn it around. At least that’s what Bears fans would hope. Gabe Carimi didn’t have a great game that included back-to-back false starts on the second year player.
Jacksonville had the least amount of sacks in the league and only got to Cutler once this game.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line continues to dominate, again. Corey Wooton finished with two sacks, including one that caused a fumble late in the first half to stall a Jacksonville drive. Julius Peppers recovered the fumble and the Bears defense didn’t look back.
Linebackers: B+
Lance Briggs took a Blaine Gabbert pass to the house for another touchdown, his second in as many weeks. Brian Urlacher finished with two tackles and continues to look like he isn’t at full speed.
Secondary: A
The secondary continues their great year. Charles Tillman records another touchdown on a poor Blaine Gabbert pass. The only thing keeping this grade from an “A+” is a missed tackle and blown coverage from Tim Jennings. That’s the first time we’ve heard that all season.
Special Teams: B-
The Bears fail to break Hester free again, but it’s coming. Gould added his ninth consecutive made field goal this season as he continues to inch closer to being the the most accurate in NFL history.
Coaching: B+
Whatever Lovie Smith said in the locker room worked. It all goes back to winning the games you are supposed to win, and that’s what the Bears did. Plus who doesn’t love seeing Cutler and Mike Tice fist bump on the sideline.
