Grading the Bears

Game ball - Robbie Gould

Sure, Adewale Ogunleye continued to terrorize and Brian Urlacher and Charles Tillman chipped in with interceptions, but Gould was the most reliable Bear -- going 3-for-3 in the rancid conditions at Soldier Field, including a pair from better than 40 yards. He's now 20-for-24 this year.

Offense

Quarterback 2½ balls

Rex Grossman looked like Superman on the first drive, completing all 5 passes and running the no-huddle offense to perfection. After that, though, he was strictly Clark Kent -- scrambling for his life and finishing 25-for-46 for 296 yards and a touchdown.

Running backs 3 balls

All eyes were on Adrian Peterson, and the veteran back didn't disappoint in his first start of the season. He rushed for 67 yards on 22 carries (3.0 average) and led the team with 82 receiving yards.

Receivers 2½ balls

A lot of nice catches (see Bernard Berrian's one-hander for 50 yards), but just too many dropped balls (see Devin Hester's doink off the shoulder pads). Desmond Clark had another nice game and, hey, was that a Mark Bradley sighting?

Offensive line 1½ balls

Not a banner day for these guys. Allowed the Giants 5 sacks in the first half and another in the second and got whistled for some really untimely penalties.

Defense

Defensive line 3½ balls

What's gotten into Adewale Ogunleye? For the fourth straight game, Ogunleye forced a fumble. This time it came early in the third quarter, and he recovered it as well. Alex Brown and Mark Anderson also were active all game.

Linebackers 3 balls

Brian Urlacher had an interception and led the team with 14 tackles, and Lance Briggs (10) seemed to regain his old form. Some long drives by the Giants seemed to take the air out of them.

Defensive backs 2½ balls

Charles Tillman had the play of the day, intercepting Manning in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. It was Tillman's second interception in as many games.

Special teams 3½ balls

Robbie Gould was perfect on 3 field-goal attempts, the coverage units were solid, and Devin Hester's presence assured good field position.

Coaching 2½ balls

The coaches always are preaching turnovers. Well, they got 4 of them Sunday, but the Bears couldn't take advantage.