Grading the Bears
Game ball
He had only 2 carries in the opening quarter, and the Bears trailed 10-0. Once the Bears established Matt Forte and the running game, their entire offensive game seemed to pick up. He finished with 117 rushing yards (season-high 26 carries) and 6 receptions for 58 yards.
Quarterback
2 1/2 footballs
Jay Cutler couldn't avoid coughing up the football. His 2 interceptions hiked his season total to 17 giveaways, but he threw for 330 yards and 3 TDs and posted a 98.0 rating.
Running backs
4 1/2 footballs
When Matt Forte's career ends, his highlight package should include his 32-yard run in which he broke multiple tackles. Sweet(ness).
Receivers
Four footballs
The big receivers played big. Alshon Jeffery (11) and Brandon Marshall (7) combined for 18 receptions and all 3 Bears TDs.
Offensive line
Four 1/2 footballs
The sixth line combination in six weeks didn't allow a single sack to a team that had 30 coming into the game. The Bears averaged 4.5 yards per rush.
Defensive line
3 footballs
Jared Allen celebrated 2 sacks, even though he had only 1 (the first actually was a 1-yard gain by Teddy Bridgewater). Willie Young notched his team-leading eighth sack.
Linebackers
3 footballs
Old Lance Briggs looked like young Lance Briggs when he burst through the line and dropped Jerick McKinnon for a 3-yard loss. Even D.J. Williams had a TFL.
Defensive backs
3 footballs
They weren't too noticeable. Which was good. Ryan Mundy's leaping interception in the end zone sealed the win.
Special teams
1 football
Reliable Robbie Gould missed a 47-yard field-goal try. The Vikings' Andrew Sendejo rushed for 48 yards on a fake punt. Welcome to windy, cold Soldier Field, Patrick O'Donnell (2 punts for a measly 59 yards).
Coaching
2 1/2 footballs
Another poor start by the Bears included 2 pre-snap penalties on their opening series and a 10-0 deficit after one quarter. Luckily for the Bears, the Vikings aren't the Patriots or Packers.
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