Chicago Bears Week 13 Report Card: Metrodome Implosion
The Metrodome isn’t scheduled to close for a few more weeks, but there was an implosion in Minneapolis on Sunday. It was the visiting Chicago Bears who imploded and blew a 10-point 4th quarter lead and refused to accept the numerous gifts by the hospitable Minnesota Vikings offered to give them the game and keep their playoff hopes alive. The fact is, now the Bears are closer to the bottom of the NFC than the top. The Week 13 report card is not pretty.
Quarterback (B-)
Josh McCown put up good numbers. He had another 300 yard game and tossed a couple of touchdowns and no interceptions for a rating of 114.9. If you only looked at that, you’d think the Bears cruised to victory. Stats don’t win games and anyone who watched the game will tell you that McCown was not his usually sharp self. He lucked out when an INT was called back due to penalty. He had another couple of his picks dropped. He missed opportunities with uncharacteristically bad throws.
Running Back (B)
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) walks off the field following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Forte reached a couple of milestones on Sunday. He moved into second all time on the Bears’ yards from scrimmage list and finally cracked the century mark, rushing for 120 yards on 23 carries against the Vikings. That’s the good news. The bad news? The Bears running game continues to struggle in short yardage, where they cannot gain a yard to keep drives alive. Michael Bush had one run for 15 yards and was never to be seen again.
Wide Receivers (B+)
Alshon Jeffery, you are RIDICULOUS. That was a marquee performance by one of the young up-and-coming stars in this league. Jeffery had 12 catches for 249 yards and a pair of highlight touchdowns. Brandon Marshall had a quiet day and had a couple of drops, only catching four of the nine balls thrown his way.
Tight Ends (C)
Martellus Bennett caught two passes for just 14 yards. It was a pedestrian performance from the Black Unicorn or the Orange Dinosaur.
Offensive Line (D)
The offensive line is starting to wear down. Maybe Long and Mills are hitting the rookie wall. Maybe Garza is just too damn old. Heck, his shotgun snaps are barely getting back to McCown. The line gave up four sacks and McCown was under duress more than you’d like to see. While Matt Forte did pick up an average of 5.2 yards per carry, the Bears offense can’t gain a damn yard when they need it. Kyle Long’s reception and subsequent fumble will not make his personal highlight reel.