Chicago Bears Week 13 Report Card: Metrodome Implosion

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) stops Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line (D)

I liked to see Jeremiah (don’t call me Jay) Ratliff make his season debut.  He certainly looks the part.  Julius Peppers notched 2.5 sacks and made his presence felt all day long.  The rest of the line was decent early on, but seemed to fade as the game wore on.  Adrian Peterson racked up 211 yards rushing.  That starts up front.

Linebackers (F)

If it wasn’t for Jonathan Bostic’s taunting penalty, you’d hardly know that he was even on the field.  Yes, he made a key third down tackle.  That’s what he’s paid to do. Go back to the sidelines and get ready to do it again.  Khaseem Greene bailed out his buddy and had what appeared to be a pivotal interception, but it turned out to only delay the inevitable.  Adrian Peterson had 211 yards.  Where are the linebackers to slow him down?

Safeties (F)

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes for 21 yards as Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte (47) tackles him in overtime at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Steltz started the game well and seemed to be able to maintain containment and funnel Peterson to his help.  He finished the game with 12 tackles, but too many of those were downfield.  Chris Conte continued to frustrate.  He should have paid Adrian Peterson for all the piggyback rides he received.  Adrian Peterson had 211 yards and safeties are making tackles too far downfield.

Cornerbacks (F)

Matt Cassel lit them up for 243 yards and a TD.  The Vikings converted on 4th and 11. Need I say more?

Special Teams (D)

They started the game with their signature play – a ridiculous and unneccessary penalty.  Devin Hester’s return at the end of the game could have been game-changing but the offense couldn’t cash in.  Regardless of what down it was, Robbie Gould has to make the 47-yard kick.  Game over.

Coaching (F)

Marc Trestman’s “Tresticles” have shriveled since the Green Bay game a few weeks ago.  What started out as outside the box thinking and cool use of stats and metrics in the beginning of the season is starting to look and sound like a bunch of gobbledygook when you lose.  Bears took their foot off the gas with a 10 point lead when they should have blown the game wide open.  Still far too many penalties.

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