Offense
OFFENSIVE LINE
Olin Kreutz led a strong performance. His block with Ruben Brown on the third-quarter screen pass was decisive. John Tait dominated Simeon Rice much of the game.
GRADE: B+
RECEIVERS
John Gilmore made his first ’05 catch memorable with a 1-yard touchdown. Justin Gage and Muhsin Muhammad had four catches apiece.
GRADE: C+
QUARTERBACK
Kyle Orton shook off early mistakes to make enough throws in critical situations to win. Another solid performance against a top defense.
GRADE: B
RUNNING BACKS
Thomas Jones’ 19-yard run and 41 yards on a screen pass in the third quarter led to the game-deciding field goal. Adrian Peterson again was a factor, and Bryan Johnson’s blocking was superb.
GRADE: B-
SPECIAL TEAMS
Robbie Gould’s 36-yard field goal in the third quarter was pivotal for a two-score lead. Bobby Wade fumbled what may have been his last punt. Rashied Davis was solid on five returns.
GRADE: B
COACHING
Play design on the touchdown was superb, and play-calling on the key screen pass was masterful. Special teams used twin kickoff returners to good effect.
GRADE: B+
Defense
SECONDARY
Late missed tackles were costly, and Charles Tillman had his hands full with Joey Galloway. But Mike Brown delivered a key blitz in the fourth quarter.
GRADE: C+
LINEBACKERS
Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer contributed to keeping Tampa Bay from controlling the clock with their runs.
GRADE: B
DEFENSIVE LINE
Alex Brown was the dominant player on either side of the ball. Besides two sacks, he broke up four passes and forced a fumble to set up the Bears’ only TD. Adewale Ogunleye added two sacks.
GRADE: A
