Offense
B
Matt Forte gained a season-high 132 yards on 20 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. The line was solid, allowing just one sack while plowing holes for Forte, particularly Josh Beekman and John St. Clair on Forte’s 13-yard TD run. Kyle Orton threw for just 139 yards but didn’t have to do much. Converting 4 of 12 on third downs wasn’t so great.
Defense
A-
The Bears’ best effort of the season in terms of pressure with five sacks, two each by Adewale Ogunleye and Tommie Harris. Ogunleye also knocked Rams quarterback Marc Bulger out of the game with a concussion. The Rams converted just 3 of 13 third downs and were 0-for-2 in the red zone. The Bears still had holes in their pass defense but had four interceptions.
Special teams
B-
Danieal Manning started the game with a 50-yard kickoff return, setting up the Bears’ first score. Devin Hester continued his struggles with a 6.5-yard average on punt returns. The coverage team allowed a 75-yard kickoff return by Derek Stanley. Robbie Gould kicked field goals of 43 and 38 yards.
Coaching
B
The Bears went to the “Wildcat” formation with Hester lining up at quarterback, a good decision against a bad team. Also a good decision to get Hester involved in the offense early to spark his confidence. Choosing not to rotate Corey Graham with starter Nathan Vasher at cornerback wasn’t costly, but Vasher did give up a big play before leaving with a thumb injury. Defensive coordinator Bob Babich brought pressure from start to finish.
