Offense
OFFENSIVE LINE
Protection of Orton was adequate, with sacks the result of Orton holding the ball too long. Run blocking was again very strong against a defense determined but failing to take away Jones.
Grade: C+
RECEIVERS
With Justin Gage and Muhsin Muhammad shut out, Bernard Berrian made crucial plays. His 34-yard catch provided desperately needed momentum after the Packers’ TD.
Grade: D
QUARTERBACK
Kyle Orton had accuracy problems in the first half, missing an open receiver in the end zone and making a poor pitch that Thomas Jones fumbled, to squander scoring chances. He struggled to find any rhythm with a 6-for-17 passing day and a 23.7 rating.
Grade: D-
RUNNING BACKS
With 93 yards, Thomas Jones topped 1,000 for the season. Adrian Peterson took another step in his role as relief back with 48 yards and was a workhorse in ball control when needed.
Grade: B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Robbie Gould was the offense with 4-of-5 fieldgoal kicking. Though Rashied Davis broke one return for 21 yards, Davis lost the job back to Bobby Wade after misplaying two other punt returns.
Grade: B
COACHING
Adjustments were required with Favre calling 60 pass plays, and selective blitzing was decisive. Execution at QB limited offensive options, but staying two-thirds run was critical.
Grade: B+
Defense
SECONDARY
Charles Tillman’s 95-yard return of a Favre duck, caused by a Mike Brown blitz, completely reversed the game flow. And Nathan Vasher’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown sealed the game.
Grade: A
LINEBACKERS
Lance Briggs broke up three passes and recovered a fumble while collecting 11 tackles. Brian Urlacher led with a game-high 13 tackles and broke up two passes.
Grade: B
DEFENSIVE LINE
A quiet game for one of the NFL’s dominant groups. No sacks, but Tommie Harris forced a fumble that ended a fourth-quarter threat in Bears territory. Adewale Ogunleye recovered a second fumble in the quarter. Run defense was adequate against a struggling unit and Brett Favre’s passing.
Grade: C
