Grading the Bears against the Seahawks

Game ball

Are we sure Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is really a rookie? He sure didn’t play like one in leading the Seahawks on a pair of late-game TD drives; a 12-play, 97-yarder to take the lead in the final seconds and then a 12-play, 80-yarder to win it in OT. Impressive.

Quarterback: 4 balls

A battered line, a wisp of a running game, and basically one receiver to work with, and still Jay Cutler helped keep the Bears in this one. Cutler was 17 for 26 for 233 yards, a pair of TD passess and a QB rating of 119.6. Oh, he also ran 4 times for 27 yards.

Running backs: 2 balls

Is it me, or is there just something off with Matt Forte? Sure the patchwork O-line hasn’t helped much, but 8 rushes for 14 yards in the first half doesn’t cut it. Forte finished with 66 yards on 21 carries and added a TD catch. Michael Bush was a little better, rushing 7 times for 39 yards.

Receivers: 4 balls

Even when he’s the lone receiving threat, Brandon Marshall still makes it work, like he did Sunday with a spectacular 10-catch, 165-yard performance. It was good seeing Earl Bennett make a TD catch. Only problem is, he should’ve had two.

Offensive line: 2.5 balls

Couldn’t get anything going on the ground for much of the game, but the thrown-together unit deserves kudos for keeping Seattle linemen off Jay Cutler’s back (1 sack) much of the day.

Defense

Defensive line: 2 balls

When Julius Peppers got out of the gate with an early sack of Russell Martin, it looked like it might be a big day for the Bears’ D-line. It wasn’t.

Linebackers: 2.5 balls

Awfully quiet afternoon for the LB’s. Their numbers were OK, but they didn’t provide many difference-making plays.

Secondary: 2 balls

Seattle receivers had a field day. Injured QB Charles Tillman looked a step slow and Tim Jennings wasn’t his usual self before leaving with an injury. Major Wright really, really struggled.

Special teams: 2.5 balls

Robbie Gould was clutch with a game-tying FG as time expired and Adam Podlesh and the punt coverage unit were solid, but the kickoff return results continue to leave a lot to be desired.

Coaching 2 balls

The offensive game planning was as good as can be expected considering what there is to work with, but the bottom line is the Seahawks beat the Bears yet again. That can’t continue to happen.