Offense
OFFENSIVE LINE
Pass protection and run blocking against one of NFL’s elite defensive fronts was superb. Tackles Fred Miller and John Tait were strong against Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker.
GRADE: A-
RECEIVERS
With Muhsin Muhammad blanketed, Justin Gage had a career-high seven catches. Muhammad caught one pass for a TD but dropped three in the first 16 minutes, one in the end zone.
GRADE: B
QUARTERBACK
Kyle Orton’s numbers were modest (15-for-26, 136 yards, 1 TD), but his quick release helped the line against a strong pass rush and he made few bad passes while managing the offense to near-perfection.
GRADE: B
RUNNING BACKS
Thomas Jones was persistent, averaging 3.5 yards on 25 carries against one of the NFL’s best run defenses. Adrian Peterson’s relief in the third quarter gave the offense a boost and 37 yards. All the backs helped in pass protection.
GRADE: B+
Defense
SECONDARY
Nathan Vasher intercepted two first-quarter passes to set up 10 points and the defensive backs practically shut out any receiver not named Steve Smith. Chris Harris saved a touchdown with a deflection.
GRADE: A
LINEBACKERS
Lance Briggs had seven tackles. The linebackers provided blitz help in the first half and coverage help in the second half in order to turn loose the front four.
GRADE: B+
DEFENSIVE LINE
The front four took over the game. Adewale Ogunleye had three sacks, Alex Brown two, Alfonso Boone one, and all three broke up passes. Michael Haynes and Tommie Harris added sacks in a game that will get the NFL’s attention.
GRADE: A
SPECIAL TEAMS
Robbie Gould hit field goals from 30-plus yards. Bears coverage teams were strong, although Carl Ford and Chris Thompson should have downed balls inside the 5. Brad Maynard averaged 44 yards a punt.
GRADE: B
COACHING
Defensive adjustments turned up the pressure at the right time. The offense came in with a solid plan to minimize risk. Special teams allowed only 12.8 yards on four kickoff returns.
GRADE: A-
