Grading the Bears vs. the Packers
Quarterback: B
From a passing standpoint, Justin Fields said this was his best performance of the season. The numbers back that up as he completed 20 of 25 passes for a season-high 254 yards. He threw beautiful balls to Equanimeous St. Brown (56 yards) and N'Keal Harry (49 yards) and also scored on a 56-yard TD run that gave the Bears a 10-0 first-quarter lead. "I felt really comfortable out there," Fields said. "Just got to keep improving and keep getting better." Of course, the late interceptions hurt, but the first one is probably more on St. Brown than Fields.
Running backs: C
It was a workmanlike effort by David Montgomery, who ran 14 times for 61 yards. Darrynton Evans added a 21-yard run on third-and-7 that helped lead to a third-quarter field goal.
Receivers: D
Cole Kmet (6 catches, 72 yards) and St. Brown (3-85) posted nice numbers, and N'Keal Harry hauled in a perfectly placed bomb. This group contributed to 2 turnovers, however, with Chase Claypool losing a fumble and St. Brown failing to come back to the ball late in the game. St. Brown's gaffe allowed Green Bay's Jaire Alexander to step in front for the interception.
Offensive line: B-
The running backs averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry, and Justin Fields had ample time to throw most of the day. A solid job by this group.
Defensive line: D
After holding A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones to 58 yards on 15 first-half carries, the Bears let them run for 61 yards on 12 attempts in the second half. And although Aaron Rodgers didn't post big numbers he was rarely breathed upon by anyone on the Bears' defense.
Linebackers: C+
Not a bad effort by this group, but somebody needed to step up to stop the Packers' rushing attack down the stretch. Jack Sanborn racked up 9 first-half tackles, but then managed just one in the second half.
Secondary: B
Give this group a lot of credit. Veteran safety Deandre Houston-Carson diagnosed plays well all day; rookie DB Jaylon Jones hung with speedy WR Christian Watson; and Elijah Hicks and Jaylon Johnson also did their part in limiting Aaron Rodgers to 182 passing yards. "Very proud of the way we played," said Houston-Carson.
Special teams: D-
The return game was OK, with Dante Pettis bringing back a punt 18 yards. But what's wrong with Cairo Santos? The place-kicker missed another extra point and also had a 40-yard FG attempt blocked. Not good enough.
Coaching: C
Loved the decision to take the ball first after winning the coin flip. It gave the Bears early momentum and they jumped out to leads of 10-0 and 16-3. Hated the kneel-down at the end of the first half. Throw a quick sideline pass for 5-10 yards, then use Justin Fields' monster arm to throw a Hail Mary. We can quibble with some of the schematics on defense, but Alan Williams had a young group ready to go.
- John Dietz