Linebacker play was generally strong, contributing to holding the Oakland offense to 92 net yards in the first half, 243 for the game, and a consistent overall performance that did not buckle despite a number of dicey situations.
Pernell McPhee continued the kind of high-energy play he exhibited over the past couple of games and was involved in myriad plays both in and away from his area. His biggest was intercepting a juggled pass in the second quarter, setting up the Chicago offense in the red zone and leading to a go-ahead field goal just before halftime.
McPhee led the Bears with eight tackles, seven of them solo’s and one for a loss, in addition to a pass defensed.
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“I think Pernell McPhee’s play has been really beneficial to our football team,” said coach John Fox. “Not just today. I think he’s brought a certain mindset to our team that was needed and is much appreciated.”
Christian Jones and Shea McClellin each added five tackles, Jones’ being five solo stops. Sam Acho, taking over Jared Allen’s starting spot at outside linebacker following Allen’s trade to the Carolina Panthers, had two stops but one of the plays of the game.
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Sam Acho’s recovery of a fumble by running back Latavius Murray thwarted a threatening Oakland possession and gave the Bears the ball in the Raiders’ end. Murray, coming in as the AFC’s leading rusher with 248 yards and a 4.8-yard average through three games, was throttled and held to 49 yards on 16 carries, none longer than eight yards.
“We work on drills like that all the time,” said Acho, who added that he resisted any urge to pick the ball up and try to score.
Lamarr Houston, with his most extended play time of the season following the Jared Allen trade, struggled in pass coverage in spots but contributed two tackles.
Grade: A-