Bears Positional Grades after loss to rival Packers |
A week after dropping the game to the Jets, the Bears got their franchise QB back and gave a challenge to their division-rival Packers. However, the Bears dropped the contest to the Packers, 28-19.
So let’s take a look and give out some grades based on the performances by position after the loss to the Packers. Quarterback B+ Justin Fields was back under center for the Bears and once again showed dynamic flashes. Fields was accurate, completing 20-of-25 passes for 254 yards, but what knocks Fields back is that he threw two interceptions — both of which led to Packers scores. But, Fields once again impacted the game with his legs, running for 71 yards and a touchdown. It’s Fields' sixth straight start with a rushing touchdown, and he becomes the first QB of all time with three 50+ yard touchdowns in a career, and he’s done it all this season. Running backs B+ David Montgomery was okay on the ground, carrying the ball 14 times for 61 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 6 yards. Khalil Herbert was out with injury, so it was Darrynton Evans who spelled Montgomery with three carries for 21 yards. The Bears will hope to keep the running game involved as the season continues, as they are the NFL’s No. 1 rush offense. Wide Receivers B+ The passing game was fairly active, and third-year wideout Darnell Mooney injured himself and is believed to be out for the season. Newly acquired Chase Claypool had just five catches for 28 yards. Equanamius St. Brown had three catches for 85 yards and a one-yard carry, Dante Pettis had one catch for 14 yards, and N’Keal Harry had one catch for 49 yards. Velus Jones Jr. also had a carry. The Bears certainly have improved here but have much more work to do. Tight Ends C+ This unit certainly has talent with Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin, but they have not been that active. Cole Kmet led the Bears with six catches for 72 yards. Offensive Line C+ The offensive line was not that bad, as they did not allow a single sack. They need to do a better job of keeping QBs upright, but they made up for it in the run game, opening holes for Montgomery all game long. Defensive Line D The defensive line was not good. The D-line allowed big play after big play in the run game, and did not muster up nearly enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers — they did not even muster up a sack. Linebackers C- Roquan Smith has been traded to Baltimore, Robert Quinn is now an Eagle, and this unit is depleted. They sure looked like it on Sunday. However, Jack Sanborn did come away with 10 tackles to save this unit. Secondary C This unit was not great on Sunday. Eddie Jackson was out, and the Bears were shredded. Special Teams B Kicker Cairo Santos made one extra point and made 2-of-3 field goals. Trenton Gill nailed zero of his one punts inside the 20. The Bears did have over 150 return yards on Sunday, though. Playcalling C The playcalling was better, but they struggled to get points when they needed it. Nonetheless, week 13 is in the books, and the Bears are now 3-10. Next on the schedule is some much needed rest during the BYE week.
