The Chicago Bears defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-28, on Sunday. It was Chicago’s eighth win in the last nine games, and they’re still atop the NFC North at 8-3.
After mounting a league-best five comeback wins this season, the Bears finally proved they can preserve a fourth quarter lead. Chicago managed to hold off an Aaron Rodgers-less Steelers squad amid a laundry list of injuries, including their top three linebackers and two best cornerbacks. The Bears offense posted 31 points, Chicago’s defense forced two turnovers and held Pittsburgh to seven points in the second half and Ben Johnson’s team continues to roll.
Here’s a look at the best and worst from the Bears offense and defense following Sunday’s Week 12 win:
Best offense grades
The Bears overhauled their offensive line this offseason, and the results have shown on the field. Guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, along with rookie tackle Ozzy Trapilo, were the highest-graded players on this list. Jackson and Thuney have been solid all season, but Trapilo really stepped up for an injured Theo Benedet. Trapilo allowed just one pressure against a top Steelers pass rush. In fact, there was plenty of rookie representation on this list as running back Kyle Monangai and receiver Luther Burden III had high marks. Monangai led the team with 48 yards on 12 carries, for four yards per carry, and a touchdown. Burden had three catches for 46 yards and one rush for 15 yards.
Best defense grades
Chicago’s secondary has stepped up, all things considered, amid injuries this season. Cornerback Nahshon Wright recorded his fifth interception of the season, tying teammate Kevin Byard for the most in the NFL. He also added six tackles and two pass breakups. Byard, who totaled six tackles, including one for a loss, continues to be a key contributor in the secondary. The Bears were down their three starting linebackers, and Amen Ogbongbemiga stepped up once rookie Ruben Hyppolite went down with an injury. Ogbongbemiga totaled 14 tackles, which was second only to D’Marco Jackson.
Worst offense grades
Quarterback Caleb Williams had some ball placement issues in this game, but he also made some impressive throws and accounted for there of Chicago’s four touchdowns. Williams completed 19-of-35 passes for 239 yards, three scores and a 104.3 passer rating. But he also had a costly fumble that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Running back D’Andre Swift had a rough showing on the ground, totaling eight carries for 15 yards, averaging 1.9 yards per carry. He was also out-snapped by rookie Kyle Monangai, who had 12 carries for 48 yards. Following the emergence of rookie Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus has seen a smaller role on offense, and he had just one catch for six yards on a single target.
Worst defense grades
With Chicago’s top three linebackers out with injury, rookie Ruben Hyppolite II got his first NFL start. He totaled two tackles before exiting with a shoulder injury, and he was replaced by Amen Ogbongbemiga. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings led a run defense that allowed 186 yards on the ground. Nickel cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson had one of his quieter games since joining the Bears, recording just one tackle. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter also struggled against the run, and he missed out on a fumble recovery after trying to scoop it up. Luckily, Montez Sweat was able to recover it.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears PFF grades: Best, worst players from Week 12 win vs. Steelers
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
