Tribune reporter Terry Bannon analyzes who had the edge in Sunday’s Bears-Titans game
Quarterbacks
Billy Volek wins the battle of the backups, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Craig Krenzel completed only 10 of 28 passes for 116 yards.
Edge: Titans
Running backs
Not a big day for runners, but Anthony Thomas accounted for 82 yards (72 rushing, 10 receiving) to 68 for Chris Brown (62 rushing, 6 receiving). Brownalso lost two fumbles.
Edge: Bears
Receivers
Huge days for Derrick Mason (7 catches, 91 yards, TD) and Drew Bennett (6 catches, 148 yards, TD). Only Bobby Wade had a consistent game for the Bears with four catches for 63 yards.
Edge: Titans
Offensive line
Titans gave Volek time to throw most of the day, though pass-blocking broke down on final play.
Edge: Titans
Defensive line
Alex Brown made the game-winning play, and Michael Haynes delivered a rarity, a TD by a lineman. Kevin Carter had three sacks for Titans.
Edge: Bears
Linebackers
Lance Briggs was credited with 12 tackles, and Hunter Hillenmeyer had a sack. Keith Bulluck was solid as usual for Titans.
Edge: Bears
Defensive backs
Big day for Titans cornerbacks. Andre Dyson had two interceptions and broke up three passes. Samari Rolle was aggressive as usual. Bears DBs were burned too often.
Edge: Titans
Special teams
Huge day for Bears: R.W. McQuarters’ 75-yard punt return for TD, Marc Colombo’s blocked FG, Brad Maynard’s punting (46.3 average) kept the Bears in the game.
Edge: Bears
Coaching
Bears were well prepared: Haynes knew what was coming on his interception return for a TD.
Edge: Bears
