Grading the Bears: Stephen Paea leads an A+ defensive line

QUARTERBACK

C

Jay Cutler was an effective game manager — 17 of 27 for 130 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs. It’s his fewest passing yards in a victory since 2011. But the Bears are 4-0 this year when he does not throw an interception.

RUNNING BACKS

B

Not the most prolific day for Matt Forte (23 carries, 89 yards, 3.9 average), but he was good when he had to be — scoring on a nifty 13-yard run and on a 1-yard run to put the Bears in control.

RECEIVERS

B-

Brandon Marshall had as many penalties (three) as receptions (3-32). Alshon Jeffery (3-22) had a false start. Martellus Bennett had a 26-yard catch that set up the first TD.

OFFENSIVE LINE

C

Jay Cutler was sacked three times — once when Brian de la Puente whiffed on DT Gerald McCoy, leading to a Cutler fumble the Bucs recovered. An average effort overall. The Bears rushed for 3.5 yards per carry.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A+

David Bass had the key strip/sack of Josh McCown that turned the game around. Stephen Paea was dominant with 2 sacks, and 3 QB hurries. Jeremiah Ratliff had a sack. Cornelius Washington had two TFLs and a QB hurry.

LINEBACKERS

B

Rookie Christian Jones had a fumble recovery and five tackles. Lance Briggs added six tackles but left with an injury in the second half. The Bears held the Bucs to 3.0 yards per rush.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

B

Some tackling issues led to big pass plays. But Chris Conte and Ryan Mundy (7 tackles) had INTs. Nickel back Demontre Hurst (6 tackles, 1 QB hurry) keeps making plays.

SPECIAL TEAMS

B+

KR Marc Mariani had a 30-yard KO return and added an air of competence to the return game in general. Pat O’Donnell had 2 punts inside the 20. Demontre Hurst downed one of them at the 2. Sherrick McManis had two tackles.

COACHING

B

The Bears were shaky in the first half, but they didn’t panic and recovered in the second half to beat a beatable opponent. Penalties still an issue, but Marc Trestman’s staff got the job done.