Grading the Bears: Week 13
Game ball
Sure it was a lucky break, but the guy on the right end of things as time ran out in the first half was Dexter McCluster, who caught a tipped ball in the end zone to give the Chiefs a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. McCluster finished with over 100 combined yards of offense.
Offense
Quarterback 1.5 balls
Caleb Hanie certainly did not improve off his performance against the Raiders. In fact, at times he seemed to regress. But he does get credit for the late, would-be game tying drive. If Roy Williams doesn’t drop that ball the game’s tied.
Running backs 2 balls
The loss of Matt Forte for any extended period looks like a dagger for the Bears. Marion Barber had a handful of power runs but the rest were, eh. Kahlil Bell added a nice 26-yard dash, but totaled just 8 yards on his other 3 rushes.
Receivers 2 balls
Johnny Knox led the way with 5 catches, Devin Hester was involved again, as was Kellen Davis, but the story of the game starts and ends with Roy Williams’ dropped TD pass.
Offensive line 1 ball
With Hanie running the show and Forte out with an injury, the Chiefs were in aggressive mode, and the Bears’ O-line simply had no answer. Hanie was harassed all game. plain and simple.
Defense
Defensive line 4 balls
Once again, Julius Peppers was the man out there. But against the Chiefs, he got some help from his linemates, including sacks from Henry Melton and Israel Idonije (3 tackles for loss).
Linebackers 3 balls
Kind of a quiet day for the linebackers. Once again, Lance Briggs was active, leading the unit with 4 solo tackles.
Secondary 4 balls
Major Wright was a beast early before getting hurt. He was replaced by Craig Steltz, who didn’t miss a beat, recording a team-leading 10 tackles. Chris Conte’s play on the Hail Mary will be the one everyone talks about, but the unit as a whole was solid.
Special teams 3 balls
Devin Hester had a 44-yard punt return, Adam Podlesh was solid as was the coverage teams, but the absolute shocker Sunday was Robbie Gould missing a 41-yarder. The guy has set the bar extremely high.
Coaching 2 balls
Defense and special teams, fine. Offense, borderline hideous. And overall, didn’t the intensity seem to be missing from this one?
— Mike Spellman