Bears vs. Steelers: Final Grades and Analysis for Chicago
Published by Ross Read on September 22, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears withstood a final surge by the Steelers Sunday night to remain undefeated. The now sit atop the NFC North as they look ahead to a battle with the Detroit Lions on Sept. 29.
Final Score
Bears: 40
Steelers: 23
Final Analysis
Passing Offense: Not a great statistical night, but Cutler didn’t turn the ball over, and he made two very clutch throws late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Passing Defense: Charles Tillman and the Bears struggled to keep up with Antonio Brown. They got good pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and forced him into some turnovers, but he still had over 400 yards.
Rushing Offense: Take away the 55-yard run by Matt Forte, and it is another very pedestrian performance on the ground for the Bears. They really struggled to run the ball in the second half.
Rushing Defense: The defense took Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones out of the game. The running attack was a nonfactor for the Steelers.
Special Teams: Robbie Gould was the lone bright spot. The Anthony Walters penalty was a huge turning point, and Devin Hester was not the guy we saw a week ago.
Coaching: Some questionable play-calling by Marc Trestman after he was given a big lead. He seemed to take his foot off the gas pedal and let the Steelers get back in the ball game. Good use of challenges in the game.
First-Half Analysis
Passing Offense: There have been only 75 yards through the air because Jay Cutler really didn’t need to throw the football. He has been efficient and has mostly stayed underneath.
Passing Defense: Mixed reviews in the first half. Blitzing has worked, but both corners have been beaten down the field. A pick-six from Major Wright goes a long way toward a good showing.
Rushing Offense: Matt Forte has been strong on the ground. His 55-yard run was a early back-breaker. Nice job by Michael Bush to stay with it on the goal line and punch it in.
Rushing Defense: Jonathan Dwyer’s long run showed Henry Melton and Stephen Paea getting eaten up inside. The Bears have done a nice job containing the run outside, but where are the defensive tackles?
Special Teams: A bad penalty by Anthony Walters gave new life to the Steelers. With the game where it was, the punt block was very risky.
Coaching: Marc Trestman had his team prepared from the start to go into a hostile environment. The Bears looked sharp early on.
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