49ers Week 11 grades: Defense and special teams

SAN FRANCISCO – The 49ers destroyed the Chicago Bears 32-7 Monday night. Here are the grades for the 49ers defense and special teams.

Defensive line: A. They held the Bears rushing attack to just 3 yards per carry. Justin Smith got consistent pressure on the quarterback for the first time this season. Ray McDonald tackled Chilo Rachal in the end zone for a safety.

Linebackers: A. NaVorro Bowman had a huge bounce-back game, recording 12 tackles. Patrick Willis also played very well, finishing with 7 tackles and two passes defensed. The outside linebackers – Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith – played even better. Brooks got constant pressure on Jason Campbell, and Aldon Smith finished 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The Bears pathetic offensive line absolutely could not block the 49ers pass rush.

Secondary: A. Dashon Goldson intercepted a pass and knocked another one away. Tarell Brown also broke up a pass. The cornerbacks gave up just eight total catches to the Bears wide receivers. Chris Culliver gave up a touchdown to Brandon Marshall – Culliver couldn’t quite jump high enough to knock the pass away. Tough to fault him on that play.

Special teams: A. David Akers made all three of his field goal attempts. Andy Lee pinned all four of his punts inside the Bears 20 yardline. And the coverage team bottled up one of the most dangerous returners of all time – Devin Hester.