Grading the Bears

Game ball

You've got to feel for cornerback Charles Tillman, the unfortunate soul with the task of trying to rein in Texans Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson. Too bad it can't be done by one man alone. Johnson again proved why if he's not the best receiver in the league right now, he's certainly in the team picture. He had 10 catches for 148 yards and 2 TDs to finish the season with 115 catches for 1,575 yards. Wouldn't a player like Johnson look good in a Bears uniform next season? One can dream.

Quarterback: 2 balls

Kyle Orton needed the game of his life, and early it looked like he was up to the task, leading the Bears on an 80-yard scoring drive on their first possession. But after the initial drive, he was a middling 17-for-32, although he did engineer a late scoring drive to cut the lead to 7 points. He finished with a rushing TD, a pair of passing TDs and a QB rating of 97.1.

Running back: 1 ball

Matt Forte wrapped up a sterling rookie season with a bit of a thud, gaining just 50 yards and being used sparingly in the second half when the Bears were getting clobbered in time of possession. He did become one of three rookies to finish the season with over 1,200 yards rushing.

Receivers 2 balls

Devin Hester was sharp with 6 catches for 85 yards, and Brandon Lloyd and Greg Olsen each had 4 receptions and a TD. Even Rashied Davis got in on the action with a pair of catches in the final minutes. But the biggest eye-opener Sunday came when Orton threw a pass in the general direction of rookie Earl Bennett. Remember that guy?

Offensive line: 1 ball

Another subpar performance in an otherwise strong season. You can't win when you can't run, and you certainly can't win when you lose the time of possession battle 37:34 to 22:26.

Defensive line: 2 balls

Alex Brown had perhaps his best game of the season. He started with a fumble recovery, picked up his league-leading 11th stuff, and was a general nuisance all day. Tommie Harris also added some brief moments of glory. But once again, no sacks? That has got to change.

Linebackers: 1.5 balls

When Nick Roach leads the linebacking corps in tackles (7), that cannot be a good sign. Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher each finished with 5.

Secondary: 1 ball

The highlight of Tillman's day came when he forced a fumble that was recovered by Brown. After that, Johnson ran him and the whole secondary ragged (10 catches, 128 yards, 2 TDs). Matt Schaub was 27-for-36 for 328 yards and a 121.1 QB rating. Eight different receivers got in on the action.

Special teams: 1.5 balls

Danieal Manning averaged just over 31 yards on kick returns, but it was his early fumble that will haunt him. Brad Maynard had another fairly solid game. Robbie Gould gets a demerit for his weak onside kick in the final minutes.

Coaching: 1.5 balls

You got the team just a skosh above where most thought they'd finish, that's the good. But in a game you had to win, you just couldn't get it done - a familiar refrain in a frustrating season.