Grading the Chicago Bears in win over Raiders
Game ball
How many kickers get four pages in the media guide? Robbie Gould showed again why he has been one of the NFL's most accurate in his 11 seasons. His third field goal, from 49 yards out with two seconds left, assured the Bears of not going 0-16.
Quarterback
3½ footballs
The pick-prone QB showed up midway through the fourth quarter, and the red-zone INT resulted in a Raiders field goal. Otherwise, great game for No. 6, whose hammy couldn't have been 100 percent.
Running backs
3 footballs
Matt Forte continues to play great football. He rushed for 91 yards and caught 4 passes, including a big 38-yarder.
Receivers
3 footballs
The Raiders couldn't handle Martellus Bennett, who was targeted 13 times and caught a season-high 11 passes, including a TD. The wide receiver-challenged Bears need to keep throwing to their talented tight end. Nice game from Eddie Royal (7 catches, first TD as a Bear).
Offensive line
2½ footballs
Center Will Montgomery limped off early after suffering a broken left fibula. That's not good for a team that starts Mr. False Start, Vladimir Ducasse. Props to veteran guard Matt Slauson for filling in creditably for Montgomery.
Defensive line
3 footballs
A Bears' high-draft pick made a play, as Eddie Goldman notched his first NFL sack. Jarvis Jenkins got his career-high third sack and third in two games. Run defense was stout.
Linebackers
2 footballs
Aside from Pernell McPhee (gift interception, TFL), there's nothing exciting going on here with this group.
Defensive backs
2½ footballs
Well, there were no pass-interference penalties or blatantly blown assignments. Have to give the rookie Amari Cooper credit for his in-stride, 26-yard catch deep in the end zone.
Special teams
3 footballs
Robbie. Gould. Plus, the opposing kick returners were held off the scoreboard. That's progress.
Coaches
3½ footballs
Adam Gase put together an offensive game plan that worked, targeting the Raiders' inability to cover crossing routes. John Fox is too good of a head coach to start 0-4, even with a roster short on talent.