Grading the Bears

Game ball

With the game and the season on the line, Alex Brown came through huge, blocking Mason Crosby's 38-yard field goal attempt with 18 seconds left to set up the Bears' OT heroics. Brown added an interception earlier in the game and finished up with 6 tackles, but no one will remember that when they talk about this one.

Quarterback 1.5 balls

Once again Orton was the victim of more drops than a bad cell zone, but that was only part of the story. The truth was he wasn't very good Monday, finishing 14 for 27 for 142 yards with 1 TD and 2 interceptions.

Running backs 2 balls

A sure half-ball grade was boosted big-time by Matt Forte's performance (48 yards on 7 carries) on a key fourth-quarter drive that ended with the Bears tying things up at 17.

Receivers 1.5 balls

If it weren't for tight ends Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark (a combined 9 catches), imagine how absolutely ugly the receiving numbers would have been.

Offensive line 1 ball

When you can't run against a team like Green Bay and finish with a total of just 210 yards of offense, well, it just isn't your night.

Defensive line 1 ball

Nice interception by Alex Brown early on, but c'mon guys, where are the sacks?

Linebackers 2 balls

Lance Briggs had one of the biggest hits of the night, but this group was awfully quiet again.

Secondary 2 balls

Danieal Manning had a nice deflection that led to an interception. Mike Brown had 6 first-half tackles before leaving with an injury, but thanks to no pressure up front, Aaron Rodgers was able to throw at will.

Special teams 3.5 balls

Danieal Manning. Wow. Brad Maynard. Great. Robbie Gould. Smooth.

Coaching 2.5 balls

According to a report on the radio, Lovie Smith told his players before the game that he couldn't sleep at all Sunday night thinking about the Green Bay game. Well, it took a while and a featured lot of anxious moments, but Smith probably slept like a baby Monday night.