Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) makes a 2nd half interception to stop a Jets drive in front of New York Jets wide receiver David Nelson (86) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line (B+)
I’m not ready to declare the Bears run defense is fixed, but they held the league’s top rushing offensive attack of Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory to 20 carries for 78 yards combined. I liked what I saw from the rookies, as Will Sutton flushed Smith and fellow rookie Ego Ferguson cleaned up for a sack. Stephan Paea continued his strong play. It’s a contract year after all. Jared Allen was credited with a few hurries, but he needs to step up his game. Lamarr Houston has also failed to make an impact, unless you count the 15-yard penalty for which he was called. Willie Young added another sack to share in the league lead.
Linebackers (B)
Jon Bostic may never have an easier interception that the one he dropped that would have clinched the game but Bostic had a good night replacing McClellin with an unofficial 13 tackles. Lance Briggs is really starting to look his age, but still fills the hole well on inside runs; just don’t ask him to get to the outside. DJ Williams had a decent night with 9 tackles, I just don’t like seeing him in coverage.
Safeties (B)
Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears strong safety Ryan Mundy (21) runs back an interception for a touchdown as New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) chases during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
I’ll grade these guys based on who survived the game. There was a stint late in the game when rookie Brock Vereen was coaching up fellow rookie and newcomer Ahmad Dixon. Chris Conte suffered a shoulder injury and tried to go but appeared to re-injury himself. Ryan Mundy set the tone with a pick-6 to put the Bears up 7-0 early in the game, but he left the game with a stinger. Danny McCray was also pressed into action and added 9 tackles.
Cornerbacks (A-)
Wow, Kyle Fuller. Did you know that the rookie cornerback leads the league with three interceptions? He added a couple of forced fumbles channeling his best Peanut Tillman impression. This kid has been impressive to say the least. Tim Jennings wasn’t really tested too often and contributed 1 tackle. Isaiah Frey was back in the mix and held his own too.
Defense (B+)
Mel Tucker has been much maligned all offseason, but the defense has really stepped it up. They held the Jets top ranked rushing attack in check while the patchwork secondary did enough to keep the Jets grounded at least on the scoreboard. In the second half, they limited the Jets to just a pair of field goals. The Bears have 8 takeaways this season including 6 interceptions.