Week 10 is in the books. The week saw Chicago pull off its second consecutive fourth-quarter, game-winning drive. It also featured an offensive outburst by Detroit. The divisional race is starting to intensify, and divisional games are around the corner. Here is a look at the NFC North Week 10 Report Cards.
Chicago Bears
caleb williams
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) in action against the Tennessee Titans. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images | The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
Offensive Grade: B+
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Chicago’s offense was effective Sunday but failed to score in the second quarter and settled for a field goal in the third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, the Bears trailed and saw an uptick in offensive production. Chicago outscored New York 14-3 in the fourth quarter, and the game-winning drive came on Caleb Williams’ rushing touchdown. The team’s offensive line was outstanding, protecting Williams and surrendering zero sacks.
Defensive Grade: C
Chicago didn’t surrender many points, but allowed New York to find success on the ground. The Giants finished the game with 30 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns. However, the defense recovered its only forced fumble. Defending the run continues to be an ongoing issue, and the Bears have yet to find the answer on the line of scrimmage.
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Overall Grade: B-
The Bears capped off Sunday with their second consecutive come-from-behind win on their final possession. Sunday’s victory improved their record to 6-3 and kept them in the hunt for the division crown. If Chicago’s defense can improve against the run, they will be in the race for a playoff berth.
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Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff makes a pass against Tennessee Titans during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit
The Lions will play one of their three outdoor games today | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: A
Detroit put on an offensive display, finishing Sunday’s victory with 546 total yards. Jahmyr Gibbs continued his big season, totaling 142 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 30 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. Gibbs’ monster performance overshadowed quarterback Jared Goff’s big day. The Detroit quarterback completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. The headline, entering Sunday’s game against Washington, was head coach Dan Campbell taking over playcalling duties.
Defensive Grade: B+
The Lions’ defense played an effective game of their own. The defense was stingy, allowing 213 passing yards, 93 rushing yards, and adding two sacks to the league’s 4th–ranked total. The defensive standout was linebacker Jack Campbell. The team’s leader in tackles added nine to his running total while contributing one QB hit.
Overall Grade: A-
Week 10 saw Detroit play one of their best games of the season. It was a well-rounded performance with the offense and defense playing consistent football in all four quarters. If performances like this continue, Detroit is due for a long playoff run.
Green Bay Packers:
T8. Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: D
Green Bay’s offense was putrid on Monday night. Quarterback Jordan Love failed to pass for 200 yards, and the team compiled 104 rushing yards on 27 carries. The Packers’ offense has been an issue throughout the season and shows no signs of finding light at the end of the tunnel.
Defensive Grade: A
The Packers held Philadelphia to 10 points and kept the team in the game throughout Monday night. Green Bay limited Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts to 183 passing yards and one passing touchdown. As they’ve been all season, the Packers limited Philadelphia’s opportunity for success in the running game. Philadelphia ended the game totaling 111 yards (3.3 average) on 34 carries. If Green Bay reaches the playoffs, it will be due to its defense.
Overall Grade: D
Green Bay had a poor performance on Monday Night Football. The offense continued to search for an identity, and the defense again kept the game close. The season is starting to enter crunch time, and the Packers must find a way to put points on the scoreboard.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium – Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Offensive Grade: D
Minnesota fell to Baltimore 27-19, with little offensive production. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished the game completing under 50% of his passes, with 248 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Vikings’ running backs were non-existent, totaling 13 carries for 72 yards and one touchdown. This has been the ongoing story for Minnesota. The offense has performed well when success starts through the ground game.
Defensive Grade: C
Lamar Jackson finished the game with modest numbers. He totaled 176 passing yards and one touchdown. However, Minnesota’s inability to stop the run was its demise. Baltimore finished the game with 36 carries, 152 yards (4.2 average), and one touchdown. The Ravens ground attack allowed them to enter the fourth quarter with a lead and chew precious time off the play clock.
Overall Grade: C-
Sunday’s loss was due to Minnesota’s inability to stop the run and little offensive production. Their inability to run the ball led to the offense becoming pass-heavy and one-dimensional. Baltimore had its way on the ground, and its success allowed the team to take valuable minutes off the play clock during the fourth quarter.
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