Bears Grades: Impact plays from the defensive line

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The front failed to get any consistent pressure on quarterback Derek Carr early but a depleted, short-handed group made impact plays are pivotal moments.

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman’s 15-yard sack on first down just before halftime was critical at putting the Raiders in a big hole after the Bears had taken a lead following a takeaway by Pernell McPhee.

Jarvis Jenkins collected his third sack in two games with a takedown of Carr early in the third quarter. The sack ended a drive and set up the offense with field position that was undone by a Matt Forte fumble.

“I was just staying at it, trusting my technique, trusting what my coaches were giving me, and we got it done,” Jenkins said. “We already knew [Carr] was an athletic quarterback who likes to extend plays so the main thing was just to keep rushing, keep getting after him.”

[MORE: Wild finish propels Bears to 22-20 win over Raiders]

The group put in extra duty with Will Sutton active but not inserted in the lineup as he recovers from an arm injury in the Seattle game. Nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle) was not able to play and the Bears had waived Brandon Dunn to make roster room for punter Spencer Lanning.

Result: The Bears went with four defensive linemen plus extra work by linebacker/end Willie Young in rush situations.

Goldman and Jenkins contributed tackles for loss and quarterback hits.

Grade: B+

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