POTASH: Grading the Bears
December 2, 2012 9:16PM
QUARTERBACK: A From start to finish, Jay Cutler did everything but win the game. He was 17-of-26 for 233 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs and a 119.6 rating. Also scrambled 4 times for 27 yards.
Article Extras
Updated: December 2, 2012 10:13PM
Quarterback
A From start to finish, Jay Cutler did everything but win the game. He was 17-for-26
for 233 yards, two TDs, no INTs and a 119.6 rating.
RUNNING BACKS
B Matt Forte (21 carries, 66 yards) and Michael Bush (seven, 39) made the most of tough sledding. Forte also caught three passes for 30 yards, including a 12-yard TD for a 14-10 lead.
RECEIVERS
A- Brandon Marshall came up big again with 10 catches for 165 yards, including a 56-yard grab late in regulation that gave the Bears a chance. Earl Bennett had a TD and a drop before leaving with a concussion.
offensive line
B+ With two new starters, the line struggled early in the run game but improved as the game went on. The same team that sacked Aaron Rodgers eight times sacked Cutler once.
defensive line
C Julius Peppers and Stephen Paea had sacks, but the Bears couldn’t corral Russell Wilson, allowing him to get outside for several
key runs.
Linebackers
C Brian Urlacher (eight tackles) forced a fumble and Lance Briggs (five tackles) had a tackle for loss, but the Bears always seemed to be a step behind Wilson and never were able to force a negative play.
defensive backs
D We’ll have to look at the film to count the missed tackles, but they were the biggest reason the Bears lost. Charles Tillman (nine tackles) did the best he could.
SPECIAL TEAMS
B The Bears allowed one yard in the return game. Zack Bowman pinned the Seahawks to their 3 late. Robbie Gould kicked a
46-yard field goal at the end of regulation.
Coaching
D The Bears not only had no answer for Wilson, but they got worse as the game went on. Lovie Smith’s decision to disdain a field-goal attempt was bold but backfired. It was that kind of day.
