Grading the Bears: Week 11

Game ball

A lot to choose from in this one, but it goes to Jay Cutler. The guy took a lot of heat but somehow kept his head — except when that inadvertent Charger knee knocked his helmet off. Even then, Cutler got up, shook it off, continued the drive, capping it with a QB keeper for a TD. Cutler also passed for a pair of TDs.

Quarterback 4 balls:

A week after his toughest game of the season, Jay Cutler was back in form. He spread the ball out to seven different targets, eluded the rush all day and even showed off some fancy footwork. And, oh, yeah, he ran for a TD and passed for a pair.

Running backs 2 balls:

After setting the bar so high earlier this season, Matt Forte suddenly has put together back-to-back subpar rushing days, finishing with only 59 yards on 21 carries (2.8 avg.). Marion Barber added 23 yards rushing and a TD.

Receivers 4 balls

Roy Williams alert! Roy Williams alert! After a string of quiet games, Williams, out of nowhere, led the way with 5 catches in a good day for the entire Bears receiving corps. Johnny Knox had 3 catches for 97 yards and a TD, Earl Bennett was his usual stellar self, and Kellen Davis’ lone catch was for a TD.

Offensive line 3 balls

Although Jay Cutler was pressured a lot, he never got sacked … and that’s the whole point, isn’t it? Edwin Williams wasn’t too noticeable filling in for Chris Williams, so that’s got to be good.

Defense

Defensive line 2 balls

Henry Melton made a nice play early on, and for a guy who registered zero tackles, Julius Peppers was a force nonetheless. Still, the group as a whole has to provide a lot more.

Linebackers 4.5 balls

Lance Briggs continues to find the fountain of youth. No. 55 finished with 4 solo tackles, 2 of those for loss, and seemed to be everywhere. Brian Urlacher was steady as ever, and Nick Roach’s lone tackle was for a loss.

Secondary 3.5 balls

For a while there, Charles Tillman was having a heck of a tough day on the coverage end of things. Then he did what he does best: punch and recover — this time at a key point in the third quarter. Major Wright and Corey Graham added interceptions.

Special teams 4 balls

Where do you start here? Fine returns by Johnny Knox and Devin Hester? Sure. The all-around play of Dom DeCicco and Corey Graham? OK. But let’s credit go with Tyler Clutts, who seamlessly filled in for injured long snapper Patrick Mannelly. Not an easy task.

Coaching 4 balls

Lovie Smith and Co. have their guys believing, and they’re not the only ones.

— Mike Spellman