GRADING THE BEARS: Can’t mark Forte if he never had a chance

QUARTERBACK

C

It was the same old story: Jay Cutler needed to be perfect for the Bears to have a chance. Cutler who had a 101.1 rating through three quarters, was 31-of-48 for 280 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs for a 76.7 passer rating.

RUNNING BACKS

Incomplete

Matt Forte almost literally never had a chance. He had 5 carries for 6 yards as the Bears set a dubious franchise record for fewest rushes in a game. Forte did add 6 catches for 52 yards.

RECEIVERS

C

Alshon Jeffery (9-71) caught two TD passes in the first quarter. Brandon Marshall (6-42) had another quiet game. TE Martellus Bennett (8-109) made big plays.

OFFENSIVE LINE

C+

Kyle Long did a nice job vs. Ndamukong Suh, who had 0 tackles, 0 sacks and 1 QB hurry. But Jordan Mills allowed a sack, Roberto Garza had two penalties that proved costly and Jermon Bushrod didn’t have his best game.

DEFENSIVE LINE

C

Jared Allen had 2 sacks, including a strip-sack and fumble recovery that helped the Bears buld a 14-3 lead. Will Sutton and Willie Young had batted passes. But Jeremiah Ratliff was missed.

LINEBACKERS

C

Jon Bostic had 11 tackles, including one TFL, but this group didn’t provide the big plays the defense needs. Christian Jones had five tackles. Shea McClellin had one.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

C-

The Bears seemed to be a step behind most of the game as Matthew Stafford threw for 390 yards and 2 TDs. S Brock Vereen and CB Kyle Fuller played like rookies. Nickel back Demontre Hurst showed up again with a TFL and a QB hurry.

SPECIAL TEAMS

B

Didn’t provide any big plays, but didn’t give up any either. Pat O’Donnell averaged 45.7 yards net and put 3 of his 6 punts inside the 20. Marc Mariani took a knee in the end zone five times.

COACHING

C-

The Bears got out of the gate quickly on a short week, which is good. But they had no response after the Lions responded to their early flurry, which is bad. Five rushes for Matt Forte?