Chicago Bears Week 2 Report Card
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) fumbles after being hit by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins (93) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line (C-)
I move them up a grade from last week because they invested a lot of energy stopping Adrian Peterson, holding him to 100 yards. That pass rush has been nonexistant and needs to arrive before the Week 4 matchup in Detroit. Corey Wootton had a sack, so that’s progress.
Linebackers (A-)
Lance Briggs played a solid game, racking up 10 tackles and a big tackle for loss to go with three passes defended. James Anderson continues to play well, especially in pass coverage. DJ Williams needs to step up his game as he’s basically going through his preseason right now.
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerbacks (C)
I don’t know how Tim Jennings kept drawing the Greg Jennings assignment (maybe it’s a Jennings thing), but Greg seemed to get the best of this matchup, except of course that pick-6 that Tim got. Who else was holding their breath when Peanut’s knee was getting looked at early?
Safeties (C)
Major Wright recorded 9 tackles despite a leaving the game for a while to be evaluated for a concussion. Chris Conte also contributed to stopping AP on the ground. In coverage, the safeties need to improve to shutting down opponents on third down.
Special Teams (B)
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) returns a kick during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The demise of Devin Hester has been greatly exaggerated. Hester had 5 kickoff returns for 249 yards, a Bears franchise record. My apologies to Eric Weems, who actually made the right play on that play that many thought could have set the Vikings up for a cheap TD. Allowing a Cordarrelle Patterson TD to open the game knocks them down a grade.
Coaching (A-)
Trestman won the first challenge of his regime and seemed to push all the right buttons on that last drive. A strange time out late in the first half could have been costly, as the Bears stopped the clock for the Vikings just outside the 2 minute warning.
What grades would YOU hand out? Let’s see your grades in the Comments below. Just use your Facebook, Twitter or Google account to sign in and give your grades to the 2-0 Bears.