Chicago Bears Week 11 Report Card: A for Persistence

Nov 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end David Bass (91) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line (B-)

Hey Julius Peppers, where you been all my life?  Two sacks and 11 tackles? That’s the type of performance the Bears expect for the ransom money you get.  Rookie David Bass with a great pick-6 rounded out the highlights.  The lowlights? Giving up 5.2 yards per carry to Ray Rice, who’d been struggling to get 2 yards per carry coming into the game.

Linebackers (B-)

Rookie Jonathan Bostic showed up on Sunday.  He had his first career interception and played decently in run support.  James Anderson continued his steady play and provided some veteran leadership.  When your team gives up 174 yards rushing, linebackers are a reason why.

Safeties (C-)

I’m in a generous mood, so the safeties get a barely passing C-.  Chris Conte and Major Wright continue to struggle in run support.  Chris Conte dropped a potential crucial interception.

Cornerbacks (C+)

All things considered, the corners performed decently.  Joe Flacco only had 162 yards passing, but a boneheaded horse collar call on Zackary Bowman almost proved fatal.

Special Teams (B)

The coverage units continue to struggle and make me miss Dave Toub more and more every day.  You can’t downplay the level of difficulty for the field goal kicking.

Coaching (C+)

This is one of the first times I thought the Bears won in spite of Trestman.  He gets an upgrade for playing catch with Brandon Marshall and keeping everyone loose during the weather stoppage.  Failing to use a time out at the end of the game as the Ravens were all but assured of at least getting the game tying field goal and were on the verge of a game winning touchdown continues to baffle me.  I’d still like to get an answer on what the thinking on that was.

What do you think?  What grades would YOU give the Bears?