NFL Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears’ Week 17 Report Card

Chicago Bears' Week 17 Grades

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler and Roberto Garza
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The Chicago Bears’ 13-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 seemed to be a fitting ending to a disastrous season. It wouldn’t have been right to see anyone below the Bears in the NFC North standings after the way they self-destructed this year. Just like many games this season, the offense didn’t live up to expectations and coaching failed in decision-making. Let’s see just how bad it was.

Quarterback

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler running
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler running
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

When given the chance to redeem himself after being benched last week, Jay Cutler responded by throwing for zero touchdowns for the first time this season and being outdueled by a rookie quarterback. Well, at least he didn’t turn the ball over.

Grade: D

Running Backs

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte vs Vikings2
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Running Backs

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte vs Vikings2
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, Matt Forte wasn’t given enough chances to run wild against one of the worst run defenses the NFL (17 carries for 51 yards). Despite the lack of carries, Forte did top 1,000 yards this season, and his eight receptions gave him the all-time record for catches made by a running back in a season (102).

Grade: C

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett vs Vikings
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Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett vs Vikings
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Alshon Jeffery was given the chance to prove that he can be a No. 1 receiver in the league since the season-ending injury to Brandon Marshall, but he has not answered the call. Jeffery finished the game with just two catches for 34 yards. Tight end Martellus Bennett had a decent game with eight grabs for 58 yards.

Grade: D

Offensive Line

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler and O-line2
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler and O-line2
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line started the game off with penalties, allowed Cutler to get sacked twice and couldn’t get the running game going for Forte.

Grade: F

Defensive Line

Chicago Bears-Jeremiah Ratliff vs Vikings
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Defensive Line

Chicago Bears-Jeremiah Ratliff vs Vikings
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Vikings running back Matt Asiata almost gained 100 yards on the ground, but the defensive line did come up big on a stop on fourth-and-goal late in the game to keep the Bears in it. Two of Chicago’s three sacks also game from the front four.

Grade: B

Linebackers

Chicago Bears-Christian Jones vs Vikings
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Linebackers

Chicago Bears-Christian Jones vs Vikings
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Chicago’s linebacking corps did a good job keeping Minnesota’s running backs and tight ends in check. Rookie Christian Jones recorded another sack, and Jon Bostic finished the game with 10 tackles.

Grade: B

Defensive Backs

Chicago Bears-Ryan Mundy vs Vikings
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Defensive Backs

Chicago Bears-Ryan Mundy vs Vikings
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A busted coverage in the third quarter resulted in the game’s only touchdown and was the only blunder by the Bears’ secondary. Rookie Kyle Fuller snagged his fourth interception of the season, and Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was held to just 209 passing yards.

Grade: B-

Special Teams

Chicago Bears-Jay Feely vs Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams

Chicago Bears-Jay Feely vs Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago’s three field goals by Jay Feely was a rare sighting. Marc Mariani’s 67-yard kickoff return early in the fourth quarter put the offense in position to take the lead.

Grade: B

Coaching

Chicago Bears-Marc Trestman on sideline
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching

Chicago Bears-Marc Trestman on sideline
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, Mel Tucker orchestrated his best game as the Bears’ defensive coordinator this year. Unfortunately, Marc Trestman’s pass-heavy offensive attack against a run defense that’s near the bottom of the NFL once again left the Bears' offense in neutral.

Grade: D

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