Nov. 16--Too hot
Zach Miller
After going more than four years without a touchdown, Miller has visited the end zone three times in a span of six days. The 30-year-old tight end scored a pair of first-half touchdowns Sunday in St. Louis, first exploding for an 87-yard score in the first quarter, then later adding a 2-yard touchdown grab in the second. "When other people are covered," Miller said, "they have to throw it to someone. You just have to make the play when it comes your way."
Too cold
Marc Mariani
Mariani is supposed to provide a sense of security as a return man. But three times in the last three games he has mishandled a punt return. In the first quarter Sunday, he coughed up a fumble after being hit by Rams receiver Bradley Marquez. That turnover gave the Rams the ball at the Bears' 17. Mariani also failed to take either of his two kickoff returns past the 15-yard line, unable to offer any spark to the special teams effort.
Just right
Shea McClellin
After missing three-plus games with a left knee injury, McClellin was back in action. And while he admitted it took awhile to get loose and for his discomfort to subside, the fourth-year linebacker lent stability to the middle of the defense. Press box statistics credited McClellin with a team-best eight tackles. Equally important, he ripped a fumble away from running back Tre Mason to set the Bears up with possession in the red zone.
