Grading the Bears: Week 9

Game ball

Earl Bennett

Welcome back. Maybe the Bears did miss Earl Bennett that much. In his first game since getting leveled against New Orleans in Week 2, Jay Cutler’s ol’ college teammate made a major impact. He caught the go-ahead TD pass in the fourth quarter and finished with 5 catches for 95 yards. As always, he caught everything thrown his way.

Quarterback

3.5 footballs

Gutsy performance by Cutler (18 of 32, 208 yards, 2 TDs, no picks), who wasn’t his sharpest, especially in the first half. On one second-half drop-back, he slipped, got back up and flipped a completion to Marion Barber. He improvised again later and flung a completed pass to Matt Forte.

Running backs

2.5 footballs

Another game ball for Forte? Heck, Monday night, he might have fumbled it. He gained 45 yards on his first 3 carries and finished with 129 yards on 23 attempts, but he also had 2 costly fumbles. The first one (his first in 347 touches) ended with Brian Rolle returning it 22 yards for a TD. The second led by LeSean McCoy’s 33-yard touchdown run. Another nice game from Marion Barber (31 yards, TD).

Receivers

3 footballs

Bennett was easy to spot, and not because he was wearing orange cleats. Anytime Cutler needed a big play, he threw to the sure-handed receiver. Bennett’s 14-yard catch on third-and-7 on the Bears’ game-opening scoring drive was just the start. Other receivers still not getting consistently open and catching the ball.

Offensive line

4.5 footballs

Still no Gabe Carimi (knee), but Cutler was not sacked by Philly’s star-loaded D-line, and the run-blocking was strong again. Nice play by Chris Spencer pushing Jason Babin into Cutler for a roughing-the-passer call inside the 10 late in the first half. It led to Barber’s 2-yard TD run.

Defensive line

3 footballs

The Bears made sure they hit Michael Vick, with Julius Peppers, Amobi Okoye, Stephen Paea and Israel Idonije all putting the Eagles QB on his backside. Peppers tweaked a knee but still had a sack and pass deflection, and one of his better games this season.

Linebackers

4 footballs

Seems like prime-time games always bring out the best in Brian Urlacher. No. 54 was everywhere, showing off his closing speed and keeping Vick penned in. Ditto Lance Briggs.

Secondary

3 footballs

Major Wright got called for a pass-interference penalty, but also grabbed his first interception. He and Chris Conte, often not in the TV picture because he was playing so deep, were OK. Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings played physical and played well.

Special teams

4.5 footballs

Robbie Gould banged through a 51-yard field goal, as well as 38- and 22-yarders on a 3-for-3 night. A booming punt by Adam Podlesh resulted in Corey Graham forcing a fumble on the dangerous DeSean Jackson and Sam Hurd coming up with the recovery. Devin Hester and the return game were quiet.

Coaching

4.5 footballs

Best opening drive of the season (12 plays, 79 yards, 5:42, Matt Spaeth TD grab). Like last season, the Bears looked well prepared coming out of the bye week. Must-win game, and the Bears got it.