Green Bay Packers grade card: Position evaluation vs. Chicago Bears
Here's a position-by-position analysis of how the Green Bay Packers graded out during their 24-23 victory Sunday over the Chicago Bears:
Quarterbacks: After a knee injury in the first half turned him into a pocket passer, Aaron Rodgers led the biggest fourth-quarter comeback (17 points) in franchise history and put up a 152.7 rating in the second half to do it. Grade: A
Running backs: There’s more to playing running back than carrying the ball. Jamaal Williams was great picking up blitzes, and Ty Montgomery was good as a receiver (two catches for 21 yards plus a 48-yarder called back because of a penalty). Grade: B
Tight ends: Jimmy Graham and Lance Kendricks combined for only three catches and 21 yards. Just not their night. Grade: C
Wide receivers: The run after catch by Davante Adams and Randall Cobb was exceptional, and Geronimo Allison’s 39-yard touchdown catch was a big-time play. Grade: A
Offensive line: Bryan Bulaga and Justin McCray had a rough first half against two excellent pass rushers (Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks) but recovered to hold up well enough with the game on the line in the third and fourth quarters. Grade: C+
Defensive line: The Packers didn’t get much upfield pressure from interior rushers Kenny Clark, Muhammed Wilkerson and Mike Daniels, and Bears running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen combined for 107 yards on 20 carries. Grade: C
Inside linebackers: Blake Martinez had a couple big third-down stops, and Antonio Morrison was physical as a run defender in limited playing time. Grade: B
Outside linebackers: Other than Nick Perry’s coverage sack at the end of the game, the Packers’ outside rushers (Perry, Clay Matthews and Reggie Gilbert) were non-factors. Grade: D
Cornerbacks: Tramon Williams, Kevin King and rookies Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson hung with an improved Bears receiving corps. Grade: B
Safeties: You don’t necessarily want your safeties to be your top two tacklers (Kentrell Brice nine, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix seven), but both were active and Brice also had a sack. Grade: B-
Specialists: Rookie punter JK Scott was fine (48.0-yard gross, 36.8-yard net), and Ty Montgomery was solid as a kickoff returner (23.5-yard average on two returns) in place of injured Trevor Davis (hamstring). Grade: B