Grading the Bears in their season-finale loss to the Vikings
By John Dietz
Quarterback: F
Nathan Peterman and Tim Doyle? 'Nuff said.
Running backs: D+
Khalil Herbert (10 carries, 50 yards) had a nice day, but David Montgomery (7 carries, 21 yards) was all but invisible.
Wide receivers: B-
It really feels like we are grading this group on a curve, doesn't it? Most times when your receivers manage 12 catches for under 150 yards you're giving them a D. But these guys were dealing with QBs who belong on the scrap pile. Velus Jones Jr. turned in a highlight-reel 42-yard TD run and also made a nice 28-yard reception. Cole Kmet managed 57 yards on 4 catches and became the first tight end since Mike Ditka in 1963 to lead the Bears in receiving yards during a full season. Kmet finished with 50 catches for 544 yards and 7 TDs.
Offensive line: D+
The O-line yielded just 1 sack, but failed to open many holes in the running game.
Defensive line: F
The Bears finished with a paltry 20 sacks and only half came from the D-line. This should be the top priority for GM Ryan Poles in the off-season.
Linebackers: D+
A subpar day for this group, although Joe Thomas did rack up 14 tackles. Minnesota had 141 yards on 38 carries (3.7 average), and fullback C.J. Ham (4-47) more than doubled his receiving yardage on the season.
Secondary: D
A cast of backups did a decent job containing superstar Justin Jefferson, but K.J. Osborn busted loose for 117 yards on 5 catches. The biggest reception came on Minnesota's first drive when Osborn picked up 66 yards to set up a first-and-goal. The one highlight for the Bears came when Harrison Hand, playing in just his fourth game this season, stripped the ball from RB Dalvin Cook with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter.
Special teams: D
Nothing of note here. Trenton Gill kicked 2 of his 3 punts inside the 20, and Velus Jones Jr. averaged 20.5 yards on 4 kickoff returns.
Coaching: C
The best call was made before the game when the Bears elected to sit QB Justin Fields, who was dealing with a hip injury. The game itself was a snooze fest, but the coaches seemed to do a good job of getting everyone playing time. Not a bad way to end the season. Now we'll see how this staff does when expectations increase significantly in Year 2.