Chicago Bears Week 7 Report Card After Redskins Loss

I wouldn’t blame you if you needed a stiff drink to get through the grades, especially when you jump ahead to the defensive grades.  The Bears’ Week 7 loss to the Washington Redskins was definitely a low point for the defense

Quarterback (B+)

Jay Cutler started the game poorly.  He threw a pick-6 that wasn’t entirely his fault, but he didn’t do Alshon Jeffery any favors with a high throw into tight coverage.  The bad news is that Cutler is out for at least a month with a torn groin muscle (that sounds awfully painful, doesn’t it?)  The good news, if there is any, is that Josh McCown played really well in Jay’s absence.  He

Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs (A-)

Matt Forte joined the elite company of Rashaan Salaam on Sunday, running for three touchdowns in a single game.  Salaam was the last Bear to do it, way back in December of 1995.  Forte was also slow out of the blocks in the first half, but I don’t know if it was a change in play calling or attitude in the second half, but Forte looked great.  He rushed for 82 yards in the second half including a 50 yard TD run.  Michael Bush did not make an appearance, possibly because the Bears were saving him in case he needed to be the emergency quarterback.

Wide Receivers (B)

Alshon Jeffery continues his ascent as a solid #2 wide receiver with another 100+ yard receiving game, but his bobble led to a pick-6.  Brandon Marshall was targeted 10 times and pulled in 6 catches for 75 yards.  Earl Bennett and Marquess Wilson also made contributions.

Tight Ends (C-)

Martellus Bennett was largely invisible, but he did manage to score a late go-ahead TD at a crucial point in the game.

Offensive Line (B)

The line only gave up two sacks, although one of them was the crucial one that led to Jay’s injury.  The ground game picked it up in the second half.  Kyle Long had a nice game, springing Matt Forte on a couple of his TD’s.