Grading the Bears: Defense fails miserably

QUARTERBACK — D

The passer rating is losing validity the more Jay Cutler puts up strong numbers in losing efforts. Cutler was 32-for-46 for 341 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT for a 96.4 rating. But so what? The Bears need to get more out of their franchise player.

RUNNING BACKS — E

For effort. But Matt Forte (13 carries, 26 yards, 2.0 per carry) never had a chance — he was stopped in the backfield for lost yardage on two of his first three attempts. It’s not his fault.

RECEIVERS — D

Brandon Marshall (3-61) made a spectacular catch on the Bears’ first-half TD drive. Martellus Bennett caught a 12-yard TD when it was still a competitive game. But that’s about it.

OFFENSIVE LINE — D

Cutler wasn’t sacked, but it didn’t really matter. The run-blocking was abysmal. The Bears had one drive worth talking about the entire game. Michael Ola was benched in favor of Ryan Groy in the second half.

DEFENSIVE LINE — F

Jared Allen stopped DeMarco Murray for no gain on the first scrimmage play of the game, and Willie Young sacked Tony Romo to force a punt. But it was all downhill from there.

LINEBACKERS — F

Shea McClellin had 6 tackles and a TFL. Jon Bostic had 7 tackles. Christian Jones had a stop at the goal line — but the Cowboys scored anyway. Young players got some experience, for whatever that’s worth.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — F

Couldn’t make plays on the ball — even on one deep pass that took forever to get there. Chris Conte suffered another injury — his back this time. Kyle Fuller played without his cast, but it didn’t make much of a difference.

SPECIAL TEAMS — D

And the beat goes on: a penalty on a punt return, a deflected punt and a missed PAT were added to the long list of special-teams mishaps. The Bears did recover an onside kick, but it was too little, too late.

COACHING — D

The Bears didn’t give up, but at this point of the season, it’s an indictment of the coaching staff that the Bears keep finding themselves in position to not give up. Bears fans deserve better.