Quarterback
Byron Leftwich didn’t have a great day, but his patience paid off with two TD passes. Chad Hutchinson had to run for his life at times.
Edge: Jaguars
Receivers
Jacksonville’s Jimmy Smith and Reggie Williams combined for 10 catches, 147 yards and two TDs. Ten Jaguars had at least one catch. No Bears wide receiver or tight end caught more than two passes.
Edge: Jaguars
Running backs
Bears held Fred Taylor to 79 yards, but Thomas Jones had only 26, averaging 2.0 yards per carry. Taylor had runs of 20 and 18. Jones’ longest was for 7.
Edge: Jaguars
Offensive line
Jaguars ran better and protected the quarterback better. Bears allowed five sacks, Jaguars none.
Edge: Jaguars
Defensive line
Bears rarely applied pressure on Leftwich, though they contained Taylor. Jaguars’ line, led by tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, kept the Bears’ offense under control the whole game.
Edge: Jaguars
Linebackers
Lance Briggs was dominant in the first half. Brian Urlacher had a solid game, and the Bears did a decent job against the run.
Edge: Bears
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Defensive backs
Mike Green and Charles Tillman had key penalties, though the call against Green was questionable. Tillman also was beaten for a TD pass. Jaguars’ secondary gave up a 38-yard reception to Bernard Berrian but no TDs.
Edge: Jaguars
Special teams
Close call, but Paul Edinger missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt that might have set the tone early. Jacksonville rookie Josh Scobee made both of his attempts, chip shots from 30 and 25. Punting and return games even.
Edge: Jaguars
Coaching
Bears have injury problems on offense, but they still should have managed a TD or two. Jaguars were able to protect Leftwich.
Edge: Jaguars