It’s the Welcome Back Cutler edition of the Report Card…
The Bears escaped Cleveland with a 38-31 comeback win where Jay Cutler put the Bears into the fire and then pulled them out of it. It was a big win for the Bears, who actually moved into first place in the NFC North. Can they hang on to that lead? The Baltimore Ravens will have a say in that on Monday Night Football. The Bears actually made some plays in this game on both sides of the ball. Let’s see the grades.
Quarterback (B)
Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) walks off the field after defeating the Cleveland Browns 38-31 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler made his triumphant return, but it wasn’t looking too hot early on. Cutler shook off a substantial amount of rust while trying to force the ball to Brandon Marshall. The ball sailed and Tashaun Gipson was Johnny on the spot and picked both passes off; one in the end zone, one that resulted in a pick-6.
Cutler settled down and rallied the Bears, leading impressive drive after impressive drive in the fourth quarter to rally the Bears past the Browns. Cutler played a typical Cutler game – down and up and down and up again. Cutler will impress with his physical gifts, but what is going on between his ears that will kill you. On Sunday, it worked out. We’ll see if it can continue.
Running Backs (A)
Matt Forte was fantastic on Sunday. He carried 24 times for 127 yards for an average of 5.3 yards per carry. Heck Michael Bush even added three carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. The Bears went into Cleveland and put up almost 180 rushing yards against the Browns’ 4th ranked rushing defense. It was impressive.
Wide Receivers (B+)
Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a touchdown catch against Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Alshon Jeffery has taken the title of “You are Ridiculous” away from Devin Hester. He snatched it away like he’s taken the ball away from opposing defenders all season long. He keeps making impressive catch after impressive catch. Every time you think he can’t outdo himself, he does. Wide receivers caught three touchdown passes – one apiece for Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Earl Bennett. Their downfield blocking was a big reason why Forte and Bush had such a big day. They get knocked down slightly because of the tipped passes that led to the early interceptions. Brandon Marshall also had a couple of drops that hurt early on.
Tight Ends (B-)
Martellus Bennett caught all six balls thrown his way and picked up 71 yards receiving. He had a costly fumble that was returned for a touchdown.