Bears' End of Season Report Card

by Chris Bearman

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

So the Chicago Bears are now officially mathematically eliminated from the playoffs after a week 16 egg laid against the Detroit Lions. With one game left to play, the team sits at 7-8. Let's go position by position and give grades on the season:

Quarterback: Andy Dalton was a solid, if unspectacular, leader this season under center. While he never captured the magic of his MVP season last year, he was still very good and dependable for a Bears' offense that needed consistency. He will need to lower his turnovers (15 INT to 18 TD) and increase his ability to make big plays going forward. Can he do that going into his age 30 year next year?

Grade: B

Running Backs: Matt Forte was a shell of himself this season, which led to his getting cut...twice. Johnathan Bass was a solid rookie revelation early, but fumble problems led to Coach Winuvas' doghouse. Reynaldo Ball, a reclamation project for the head coach/GM, was a bright spot, getting 110 carries for 595 yards and 7 touchdowns while wearing the Black and Red. Kendall James was a solid rookie fullback who can catch out of the backfield in limited opportunities (14/101/1) and can carry the ball in limited shots (10/31/1).

Grade: C+

Receivers/Tight Ends: What can you say about the duo of Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White this year? The two combined for 131 receptions, 2050 yards, and 13 touchdowns. That's pretty good for an offense that was struggling to put up points all year. Ryan Grant was a nice option in the slot for Coach Winuvas (17/152/1). The tight ends were underwhelming, with Vernon Davis showing his age despite being third on the team in receptions (23/262). With a draft and free agency looming, look for the front office to improve the TE position.

Receivers Grade: B

Tight Ends Grade: D+

Offensive Line: With some changes up front, this unit saw some success, particularly at running the ball. Guard Kyle Long was moved to left tackle, tackle Evan Patrick was moved to center, and tackle Michael Reed was moved to right guard. Overall, this unit was solid in the run game and merely average in the pass game.

Grade: C

Defensive Line: A bright spot once Jayson DiManche was brought in via free agency. While not compiling much on the stat line (4 tackles, 2 sacks), his disruptive speed rushing helped free up Pernell McPhee on the other side (23 tackles, 6 sacks). Damon Harrison did his job taking double teams on (5 tackles, 1 sack) with no real help on the inside.

Grade: C+

Linebackers: Another group that benefited from a free agent addition, LeKambrick Moss came in and solidified one outside spot (24 tackles, 1 INT) as a rookie free agent. Jon Bostic played solid, being second on the team in tackles (40) and interceptions (2). Derrick Morgan, a true team player, moved back to strong side linebacker from defensive end (his more natural position) and was third on the team in tackles (37) and second in sacks (4). More athleticism and big play ability is needed here, however.

Grade: C+

Secondary: A true thorn in the side of the Bears all year long, the proverbial revolving door of cornerbacks was endless. Rookie Ben Williams, the #8 overall pick in the draft, was merely average, amassing 35 tackles but no interceptions. Street free agent Kyle Wilson was a pleasant surprise when playing nickel back, totalling 3 interceptions to lead the Bears. However, he was best in the nickel position, and when put in the number two corner spot, he flopped miserably. Patrick Robinson, a former first round bust for New Orleans, was cut and resigned twice, gaining just 1 interception and finishing the year at the nickel corner spot. At safety, the Bears boast Reggie Nelson, Kenny Philips, Trenton Sharp (a one year rookie FA), and Kam Chancellor. Only Chancellor will be around next year more than likely.

Grade: D

Coaching: Coach Winuvas came in during week 8 of the season, taking over a team that was well below average on defense and average to above average on offense. Before Coach Winuvas took over, the team was 2-4, allowing 32.3 PPG on defense, 279.5 pass YPG, and 115.5 rush YPG. The team also had allowed four 100-yard rushers in 6 games. In the 8 games that Coach Winuvas was on the sidelines for (1 sim game), the team went 5-3, and the defense allowed only 18.1 PPG, 208.4 YPG passing, and 74.5 YPG rushing. Only one man in 8 games eclipsed the 100 yard mark (Decatur Thomas for the Buccaneers). While he still has issues with the offense, if this defense can improve talentwise and shed even more yards and points off the scoreboard, the offense may not have to do much to win.

Grade: B+