Originally Posted by
Jimmors 
Feel free to post your own, here's how i graded them:
Cutler: A- 21/35 333 yards 2TDs 1 INT
Cutler had an outstanding game, i think he is giddy like a school girl to have Marshall back there. Knocked him down a few notches for starting out rusty and throwing the pick 6, but other then that...outstanding performance by Jay.
Forte/Bush: A 28 Carries 122 Yards 3 TDS (combined)
Forte and Bush both had solid games, even though they struggled at times but i chalk that up to our OL, not them.
Wide Receivers: A+
Marshall: 9 Rec, 119 yards 1TD
Jeffrey: 3 Rec, 80 yards 1TD
Bennett 3 Rec, 50 yards
Overall...outstanding performance by the WRs. Marshall really opened up the passing game, having him in there gives both Jeffrey and Bennett opportunities. Jeffrey is looking more and more like a young, raw Marshall. With Cutler as QB, this trio of WRs should perform well all season and then some.
O-Line: B-
This one is tricky. On one hand they did better then expected in pass protection, giving Jay ample time to pass. (looking at the stats, dont think they even gave up a sack). But on the other hand, their Rush blocking was atrocious.
ST: A
Typical ST performance...solid punting by Podlesh (5 punts, 35 avg), Gould was 2/2, Hester had couple of decent returns. Typical Dave Toub day for STs.
DL: A-
Melton had 2 sacks, and 1 for Wooton made an impressive performance by players not named Julius Peppers. Pepp had that outstanding FR from that tip pass. However, knocked them a few notches for failing to get pressure on that 4th and 10...unnacceptable. Also failed to get to Luck a few other times. A minor gripe to be sure, but something they need to work on when we play a better team like GB
LB: B-
Not much to say about the LBs...almost non-existent. Lach didnt play much, Briggs missed a few tackles, they didnt play BAD, but werent as good as the rest of the D today.
Secondary: A+
Outstanding game by the Secondary, especially Tim Jennings with 2 INTs. Conte picked up another INT. Major Wright lead team in tackles with 6. Very impressed by their performance today, solid coverage, gave Luck a good welcome to the NFL.
Mike Tice: B+
Pretty solid game called by Tice as his first as OC. Granted, we had to pass more then he wouldve liked im sure, but i hope he realizes that passing works much better then us then running. Got a bit predictable towards the end of the 3rd with a lead: Run Forte on 1st down, tackled for loss, pass on 2nd, no gain, pass again, inc....3 and out. Became painful to watch. Dear Mr Tice: please stick with what works, and stop trying to give it to Hester on gimmick plays...we have legit WRs now, no need for trickery when Cutler can sling it down field 40 yards to Marshall or Jeffrey.
Lovie Smith: B
Lovie did "ok," i guess my biggest gripes are the 4th and 1 play that he challenged. At first, i thought he was being clever and challenging it just so we could get some time to figure out what play to call for 4th and 1. But no...they confirmed and he PUNTED THE BALL. WHAT? Your up by 20 points on a team that isnt going to beat you. Now is the perfect time to practice your 4th and short plays instead of in a game where it will matter and be much more close...i dunno...THURSDAY @ GB perhaps? Much rather he practiced that 4th and short play then punt it. Also, it seems Lovie had a hard time adjusting to our new style of offense, especially when Rushing wasnt working much. But still give him credit for pulling Lach and Pepp and that successful challenge.
