Bears Grades: Kyle Long impresses protecting Cutler's blindside

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Kyle Long moving to right tackle was a story line going into the game but not so much coming out of it. Long stood up well against the expected myriad of looks from Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers and was generally solid outside of being beaten cleanly by Julius Peppers with an outside move that led to a sack and forced fumble.

“Especially on the offensive line, I have a great group of guys around me,” Long said. “Just have to continue to push forward and compete. Not everything is going to be rainbows. You have to continue to push and compete.”

[MORE GRADES: Quarterback ¦ Running back]

Peppers finished with another half-sack shared with B.J. Raji who was able to get leverage on center Will Montgomery and collapse the pocket around Jay Cutler.

More serious were the pre-snap penalties on Long’s replacement at right guard. Vladimir Ducasse drew a first-quarter false-start penalty in the red zone that contributed to thwarting the opening possession, forcing a field goal after turning a second-and-6 into a second-and-11.

As damaging, Ducasse was guilty of a false start at second-and-2 with the Bears driving for a tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The Bears were able to salvage a first down but three snaps later Cutler was intercepted by Clay Matthews to set up Green Bay’s clinching score.

[NBC SHOP: Gear up Bears fans]

But the Packers managed just five total hits on Cutler, plus the two sacks. The last time the Bears saw Green Bay, the Packers sacked him four times and hit him seven more.

“Without watching the tape and individually evaluating every guy, especially from where I stand on the o-line, it’s not the best seat in the house,” said coach John Fox. “But I don’t think protection was the reason we lost.”

Moon's Grade: B

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