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Game over, Bears win 25-19. Nice comeback from 13-0 deficit. Bears improve to 2-1 on the season. I had a great time blogging, and I will be back next Sunday when Chicago hosts Detroit at Soldier Field. Kickoff is at noon. I will be on around 11:45 a.m. Now, it's time to enjoy some of my father-in-law's pot roast.

Touchback on kickoff. Seattle will start at its 20. Incomplete on 1st down. Jones runs for a first down near midfield and gets out of bounds. 4th and inches, 52 seconds left. Chicago timeout. first down on a pass, ball at Chicago 37. Seattle timeout. 33 seconds left, 3rd and 2. Pass incomplete. 4th down. Pass incomplete to Jones. Bears ball!!!! Good play, Nick Roach.

Three touchdown passes by Cutler. Now it's up to the defense to make one last stand.

Pass to Hester, he breaks free, touchdown Bears!!! Two Seahawk defenders run in to each other. Chicago going for 2. Conversion to Bennett. Wide open. Bears ahead 25-19 with 1:52 remaining.

Chicago will start drive at its 29. Forte runs for a first down to the Bears 45. Adrian Peterson runs for a first down to the Seattle 39. Under 3 minutes to play. Peterson runs for 3 more. Two-minute warning. 2nd and 7. Getting close to Robbie Gould time. One more first down would make things a little more comfortable. His career long is 49 yards.

Huge turnover. Pressure on Chicago's defense for a stop. Near interception by Al Afalava. 46-yard FG attempt by Mare is good. Seattle is ahead 19-17 with 5:12 remaining. It's going down to the wire. Will Cutler come through in the clutch?

Bears start drive on their 29. Forte first down to 45, under 10 minutes to play. Cutler fumbles as he attempted to pass. Seattle recovers at the Chicago 39.

Bears aren't fooled by reverse to Deion Branch. Big loss. Seahawks forced to punt.

Knox downs kickoff in endzone. Bears to start drive at their own 20. Garrett Wolfe carries three consecutive times, and is stopped on 3rd and short. Seahawks will start drive deep in their territory.

Bears hold. Tipped pass on 3rd and 10. Mare to attempt 39-yard FG. It is good. 17-16 Bears in the opening minute of the 4th quarter. Will Mare's two earlier misses cost Seattle the victory?

Two huge turnovers in Seattle territory lead to 10 points for the Bears in the 3rd quarter. This one looks as if it is going down to the final minutes.

Jones rushes for a first down for Seattle. Burleson gets another 1st down for the Seahawks. 1st down for T.J. at Chicago 34 on 3rd down. Houshmandzadeh makes another first-down catch on a ball up for grabs deep in Chicago territory. Third quarter ends. Chicago winning 17-13.

Bears go three and out. Seattle doesn't field punt. Will start drive at its 5. Briggs INT at Seattle 14!!! Cutler fumbles on 3rd down. Bears recover. Gould makes a 37-yard FG. Chicago ahead 17-13 with 5:31 left in 3rd quarter.

One of my friends texted me after the Knox TD and said "do you still not like Johnny Knox?" after I criticized him in the opener against the Packers. Knox has played well in this game, and last week against Steelers.

2 facemask penalties on Chicago. Ouch! Burleson makes big catch to Chicago 20. Time out before 3rd and 5 at Chicago 15. Bears hold. Mare misses the field goal. Score remains 14-13 Bears.

The play stands!!! Touchdown Bears!!! Gould PAT is good. Bears take the lead, 14-13, early in the third quarter.

Seattle to get ball to start the second half. Drive will start at the Seattle 29. Bears recover a fumble in Seatle territory! They strip T.J. Houshmandzadeh at the Seattle 42. And he was talking trash all week. Cutler 22-yard completion to Hester. Big 3rd down and 4 at the Seattle 7. Underneath route to Knox. He gets in. Touchdown Bears!!! 7-yard TD pass from Cutler. Wait a second. Seattle is challenging that Knox went out of bounds before scoring. I'm 0-1 so far on challenges. I say Knox scored, and the TD will stand.

Halftime wrapup: Chicago is fortunate to be down only 6. They are allowing Wallace to complete too many passes. Also, the o-line must give Cutler better pass protection. I'm gonna take a break for a few minutes. See you at the start of the 3rd quarter.

Seattle gets good kickoff return to its own 45. Seahawks burn timeout with ball at Bears 37. 1:09 left before halftime. Jones runs for 14 yards to Chicago 23. Seattle to attempt a 43-yard FG. No good. Wide to the left. Halftime. Seattle up 13-7.

Wow, the ref said down by contact. What a break. Third and goal at the 1. Forte stopped short. 2-minute warning. Touchdown pass from Cutler to Olsen. Touchdown Bears!!! Gould extra-point good. Score now is Seattle 13-7 on the 1-yard TD pass from Cutler to Olsen with 1:56 left in the second quarter.

Forte fumbles near the goal line after catching a pass and trying to extend the ball. Coach Lovie Smith is challenging the call, but it looks to me like it will be difficult to overturn. I think Seattle will get the ball.

Nice screen to Bennett for 23 yards in to Seattle territory. Olsen catches 19-yard pass to Seattle 24. Forte gains 8 on a first-down run. Olsen gets first-down catch at Seattle 10.

Lance Briggs gets a big third-down sack. Bears get 3-and-out after Seattle scored on its first three possessions. Chicago starts drive on own 39 after punt.

Bears will start this drive on their 28. Devin Hester makes a nice grab and third-down conversion. Drive stalls three plays later. Cutler is not getting much time to throw.

Mare converts another field goal. Now it's 13-0 Seattle. Looks as if my prediction was not a good one.

Wow. The highlight was played of Brett Favre throwing a last-second touchdown pass to beat San Francisco. Zack Bowman just missed a much-needed interception for the Bears.

This game is a stinker so far for the Bears. Too many mistakes. No rhythm on offense or defense. If if doesn't change soon, it will be a long day.

First quarter ends with Seattle ahead 10-0, and Chicago with the ball and a third and short. Cutler fumbles snap, Chicago has to punt.

Bears finally get Seattle stopped, but Olindo Mare converts a field goal for a 10-0 Seahawk lead late in the first quarter.

Seattle is driving into Bears territory. Catches by Benjamin Obomanu and Burleson have Seahawks at Chicago 30.

Of course, maybe it is the Seattle uniforms. Lime green. Yikes.

Chicago is shooting itself in the foot with inconsistent play. They need to settle down and play some solid, fundamental ball.

Completions to Forte and Bennett (31 yards) get Chicago to Seattle 17. Cutler then is intercepted trying to lob the ball to Knox while under pressure.

Cutler penalized for crackback block on reverse to Hester. First and 25. Now a false start. A sloppy start to the game for Chicago.

Cutler completes first-down pass to tight end Greg Olsen. False start penalty moves them back 5. Matt Forte picks up 10 on 2nd and 13. Earl Bennett picks up 20 for the first down at Seattle 39.

Bears' second drive will start at the 21. Peanut Tillman and Hunter Hillenmeyer missed tackles on the touchdown play for Seattle.

Chicago has themselves in a hole early. Time to take a breath and regroup.

Seattle gets a second first down, now at Bears 30. Bad pitch on run play puts Seahawks in 3rd and 19. Bears blitz and are burned on screen pass to Julius Jones for a touchdown. Thirty-nine yard play. Extra point good. Not a good start.

Wallace completes pass to Nate Burleson for a first down.

Gould pushes 52 yard field-goal to the left.

Drive starts at Seattle 40, two Forte runs net 5 yards, 3rd down pass to Hester in endzone incomplete.

Bears to receive opening kickoff. Johnny Knox returns to kick to 45, and facemask penatly adds 15 more yards.

Ah, gametime is just about here. All the nervous energy about to be let out.

Backup Seneca Wallace is getting the start at quarterback for the Seahawks.

As the noon kickoffs wind down, Detroit has a 19-7 fourth-quarter lead on Washington, San Francisco is up 24-20 against Minnesota, and Green Bay is beating St. Louis 36-17.

A Minnesota loss would obviously be a huge benefit to the Bears.

My pregame prediction is Bears 24, Seattle 17. Look for Chicago to run the ball more often and effectively.

Welcome everybody to a live blog of today's Bears-Seahawks game.

I have my supplies right here by the laptop: snacks (Tostitos scoops and medium salsa con queso) and drinks (cherry Diet Pepsi and bottled water).

As we countdown to kickoff, I encourage everyone to participate by either posting comments or send me the link to your blog.

- Tom

Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley has been nothing but a big pain in the rear end, and General Manager Jim Hendry finally had enough, suspending the moody player for the final two weeks of the season.

Manager Lou Piniella said he attempted to make Bradley as comfortable as possible. Some of Bradley's teammates said playing in Chicago for the Cubs is one of the best jobs in baseball with a large and loyal fan base, along with a great city to live in.

Problem is, Bradley got off to a terrible start, and never recovered, batting a paltry .257 with 12 home runs and 40 runs batted in. Compare that to the other free-agent outfielders the Cubs could have signed: Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia: .277, 31 HR, 87 RBI;  Adam Dunn, Washington: .278, 37 HR, 101 RBI; Bobby Abreu, Anaheim: .295, 13 HR, 96 RBI, 29 stolen bases.

Not with this guy.

Complaints, complaints, complaints. Fans aren't buying it, especially in this economic climate when plopping down a couple hundred dollars for a family to attend a game is more of a luxury than in previous years.

Priority No. 1 in the off-season should be unloading Bradley, even if the Cubs have to eat most of his salary, for the good of the team.

Remember these big, bad Steelers just about choked away the Super Bowl to Arizona late in the game. They barely squeezed by Tennessee in the season opener. Now, I'm not trashing Pittsburgh, but I hope I'm pointing out with the salary cap and parity that exists in the NFL, it shouldn't be that much of a stretch for a good Bears team to beat the Super Bowl champs at home.

And what is the formula to come out on top of these close games as the Bears did yesterday?

• A quarterback that can make clutch plays and limit turnovers: Jay Cutler fit the role nicely yesterday, tossing two touchdowns with no interceptions.
• A defense that can pressure the quarterback and limit red zone opportunities: Alex Brown had two sacks, and the defense allowed only two scores.
• A lucky bounce of the ball: Bears tight end Greg Olsen alertly pounced on a fumble by Matt Forte on Chicago's game-winning drive.

• A few fortunate breaks: Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed botched a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter.

DEFENSE: The unit did yield 308 yards, and was gashed for large chunks of yards several times, but only yielded two touchdowns. Brown's pair of sacks of "Big" Ben Roethlisberger highlighted the effort, as did Peanut Tillman's interception. After being in the media spotlight all week, Hunter Hillenmeyer did a capable job filling in at middle linebacker for the injured Brian Urlacher. The defense has played much better than I anticipated in the first two games. Credit Lovie Smith for taking over the play calling duties.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Robbie Gould delivered a game-winning kick once again for Chicago, and it was difference in the game after Pittsburgh's Reed missed twice. The Bears kick coverage team also recovered a fumble after the Gould three-pointer to secure the victory. Punter Brad Maynard had another solid effort for Chicago. Knox had one long return brought back due to a penalty.

Bears receive the opening kick and start around their 30 yard line - a lot of questions can be answered today...

After picking up a quick first down - the Bears have the Steelers in a third and long at the Bears 20 - but the Steelers converted on a huge play to Santonio Holmes.  Roethlisberger is susceptible to the sack, but if the Bears can't get pressure on him it's going to be a very long frustrating afternoon.

Steelers are just picking the Bears defense apart, Roethlisberger hasn't had a hand in face the whole entire drive.

Roethlisberger completes his opening drive domination of the Bears by throwing a 1yd TD pass to Spaeth.  The Bears offense is going to have to respond - after the defense was on the field for as long as they were, they're going to need a breather.

The Bears have a 3rd and 3 - are in serious danger of going 3 and out twice in a row.  3 and out after Olsen drops the first down pass.  Maynard pins the Steelers deep with a punt and an illegal block in the back.  The Bears are going to have to make some adjustments and try to get some pressure on Big Ben.

Steelers are moving again - the Bears defense looks like swiss cheese.

Bears intercept Roethlisberger down around the goal line to take over, the offense has been stagnant - the receivers need to start catching the ball.  This is a game where the Bears will probably have to pass to set up the run.

The Bears picked up their first first down - it's only the second quarter so that's good....

The Bears drive stalled, Steelers take over around the 20...

Steelers are moving again - 3rd and 10 Bears D  needs to show up.  After trading penalties - the Bears defense holds, but they're pinned back around their goal line.

The Bears are moving again, they've reached the Steeler's side of the field for the first time this year...Olson just got lit up on a pass down the sideline - looks like he's trying to figure out where he is...

Bears have taken advantage of a defensive holding penalty - they're right around the Steeler's 30 yard line and are looking to tie this game up before half.

Cutler is starting to look sharp and the receivers are starting to hold on to the ball with a little bit of regularity.  Knox is slowly putting together a solid game, his size and speed should be a nice fit for this Bears offense.

The Bears are getting ready to score - they have third down on the 5 yard line.  The Bears should get some points here and Cutler is starting to make some better decisions.  The Bears are going to have to punch this ball in.  This will be the last drive of the half and a touchdown should fire this crowd up for the second half.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!! Jay Culter to Kellen Davis for 6 yards - Gould with the PAT 7-7 just before half.

Steelers kneel on the ball to end the half.

Halftime Analysis

The Bears offense got off to another slow start, but finished it up the half with a 97 yard touchdown drive to tie the game up.  More importantly the Bears defense was able to get a much deserved rest while the Bears ran the half out.  Cutler looks much more comfortable, but the receivers have dropped a fair amount of passes to hamstring any progress.  Forte has been relatively ineffective, but the Adrian Peterson has found a few running lanes.

The Bears got a turnover off a Ben Roethlisberger interception, and it marked the first time all game the Bears were able to get pressure on the Ben.  The Bears have been playing a pretty loose zone against the Steelers offense, so Ben has been able to get the ball off quickly and pick up first downs.  The Bears have done a good job against the run, with the exception of a run or 2.  It'll be important for them to continue stopping the run and play solid pass defense.  It's been raining for the better part of the second quarter - so it'll be interesting to see what kind of effect the weather has on the game.  We'll get some pizza and see you in the second half.

Steelers get the ball to start of the 3rd quarter and will start from the 20 yard line on a Robbie Gould touchback.

The Bears keep the momentum on their side forcing the Steelers to a 3 and out.

Cutler and the Bears are going to take over on their own 35 yard line...a nice long drive here would give these young receivers some confidence.  Let's see how the offense comes out.

The Bears reciprocate by going three and out on their first drive - the Steelers are bringing the heat now.

Steelers picked up a first down, the Bears will try to prevent a first down here on 3rd and 2

Alex Brown with a huge sack forcing a Steelers punt, huge play!  That sack was on Roethlisberger - he held the ball too long and gave Brown a chance to get there for the big blindside hit.

Earl Bennett just picked up a huge first down on 3rd an 13 - nice little screen pass with some blockers out in front.

Bears punt and the Steelers get a 20 yard punt return to set up good field position.  Defense has looked good over the last few possessions, they'll need to keep it going.

Rashard Mendenhall just busted off a 39 yard run to get the Steelers inside the 5 yard line of the Bears.

Alex Brown lost his outside contain on the 2 yard line and Ben Roethlisberger dove in for a 2 yard touchdown.  14-7 Steelers

Johnny Knox had a great kickoff return, but it was called back on a holding - the Bears are going to have to answer from their own 13 yard line.

The Bears called a delay handoff on 3rd and 13 - and have to punt.  Steelers take over around their own 40 yard line

Steelers are driving down around the Bears 10 - defense comes up with another huge sack...Tommie Harris got his hat in there along with Alex Brown.

Jeff Reed missed a 38 yard field goal wide left....Bears take over down 14-7

Jay Cutler escaped pressure and threw to Hester for a first down on 3rd and 3.  Then connected with Olson on a 29 yard completion.

First and goal Bears - looking for the tying score - Olson coming alive on this drive.

TOUCHDOWN BEARS 7 yard pass from Cutler to Johnny Knox and Gould's PAT is good 14-14 with a little under 7 minutes left in the game.

The Bears are trying to hold off a late Steelers drive to get the ball back, but the Steelers are moving the ball on the ground and in the air.

A big third down - 3rd and 5 around the 40, the Bears defense needs another big 3rd down play.

Roethlisberger scrambles for a first down to keep the Steelers drive going.

Jeff Reed misses his second field goal of the game - Bears take over on the 35 yard line.

Matt Forte fumbled after taking a screen about 15 yards, but Greg Olsen recovered the fumble.  The Bears face an important 3rd down, as they are about 10 yards out side of Robbie Gould's range.  It's the 2 minute warning - and the Steelers have 2 TO's remaining.

Hester pickes up a huge third down on a nice pass from Cutler - they've moved inside Gould's range.  It'll be interesting to see how they handle these last couple of plays before they kick.  They're looking at about a 47 yard field goal.

Robbie Gould is coming out to attempt a game winning field goal looks like about 45 yards out.  Slick field, it should be interesting.

GOULD GOOD FROM 44 BEARS LEAD 17-14 with 15 seconds remaining in the game!

STEELERS FUMBLE THE KICK OFF BEARS RECOVER - BEARS WIN BEARS WIN!!!

POSTGAME ANALYSIS - 

There weren't many people that gave a chance for the Bears to win this game against the defending Super Bowl Champs, but the Bears defense play inspired and the Bears offense answered the call every time the Steelers scored.  Jay Cutler and the Bears defense didn't turn the ball over - Jay Cutler rose to the occasion after some early drops and rallied the offense scoring 10 unanswered points. 

There wasn't a lot to not like about this game, when the Steelers threatened the Bears answered and the Bears were helped out by 2 missed field goals and 2 Steeler turnovers - including one on the kickoff following Robbie Gould's go ahead field goal.  While the Bears obviously miss Urlacher, Hillenmeyer played a nice game, and defensive line stepped it up when they had to.

Jay Cutler answered a lot of questions for me, facing a defense like the Steelers, only being sacked once, not turning the ball over, and throwing for 2 touchdowns.  His ability to lead the Bears back down the field after a Steelers score kept them in the game, and then taking advantage of another missed field goal.  The Bears even themselves with the Packers who lost earlier, it was a big game, because most people expected the Bears to start 0-2 while the Packers and Vikings were both expected to start 2-0. 

Johnny Knox was my player of the game - he played spectacularly as an inexperience wide receiving, using both his size and speed to make plays.  Jay Cutler seems to have taken a liking to him and they could end up forming a potent tandem.  

That's all I've got, Bears win 17-14 and have a ton of momentum going into next weeks showdown with the Seahawks.  Thanks for tagging along - Bear Down!

After so much optimism entering this season with Jay Cutler as the franchise quarterback and Coach Lovie Smith calling the shots on defense, it took less than 24 hours for nerves to be frazzled and blood pressure on the rise for much of Bears Nation.

Signing somebody off the street might be a necessity at least to provide some depth since another starting linebacker for Chicago, Pisa Tinoisamoa, was injured early in the game, and did not return. The Bears do have former starter Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams as options at linebacker, but obviously opposing teams will not have to fear any of these guys as much as 54.

OFFENSE: Shaky ballhandling and throwing the ball up for grabs were characteristics of former quarterback Rex Grossman. Seeing them from new QB Cutler was like the reoccurrence of a bad dream. Cutler did make two big plays, one to Devin Hester for a touchdown and one to Johnny Knox, but favorite target Greg Olsen was blanketed by the Green Bay defense. Wide out Earl Bennett did have a team-leading seven catches, but made a bone-headed error of lining up offside in the second half. Cutler's four interceptions were unacceptable, but Knox and Bennett's obvious inexperience played a role, and gave defensive coordinators around the league a blueprint to shutdown Olsen and Matt Forte (no catches) from the passing game. Hester had a nice game, but showed he's a No. 2 receiver not a No. 1. Speaking of Forte, it was frustrating to see offensive coordinator Ron Turner keep calling those runs outside the tackles that went for minimal yardage. Garrett Wolfe had a few decent runs, but didn't play a significant role in the game.

SPECIAL TEAMS: In a game of many questionable plays, the decision of long snapper Patrick Mannelly to hike the ball to the up back, Wolfe, on a 4th and 11 on the Green Bay side of the field was the biggest head scratcher. Replays showed the Pack momentarily having 12 men on the field, which prompted Mannelly to snap the ball to Wolfe, with a possibility of a big play, knowing if it didn't work out Green Bay would be penalized, and the Bears would then punt on the ball on the following play. But the Packers 12th man, Clay Matthews, did get off the field in time, and a replay showed Wolfe pointing this out. But Mannelly still snapped the ball to Wolfe, who looked as surprised as anybody in the stadium, and was stopped well short of the first down. Robbie Gould was his usual consistent self with two field goals, and punter Brad Maynard had a good night (49.5 yards average on four punts). There were no long returns from the Bears, though Jordy Nelson started the game with a 46-yard return for the Packers.

- Tom

Start your Chicago Bears season off the right way by chipping in - leave me a comment if there's something I missed, let's get a dialog going here!

There's about 13 minutes until kickoff - so I'll see you then!

Getting set for kick off, and I must say - it sure is nice not having to listen to John Madden.  Cris Collinsworth is a great commentator, so this should be an enjoyable broadcast with hopefully an enjoyable result.  Bear Down!

Jordy Nelson got the Packers off to a quick start with a 46 yard kick off return - a lot of missed tackles allowed Nelson to get outside.

The Bears have been able to stop the run early, but are relying on a four man rush against the pass - they'll have to generate pressure if they are going to shut the passing game down.

Bears D holds up on 3rd and 8 and Packers are attempting a 49 yard field goal - missed wide left 0-0 with the Bears taking over on offense.  Jay Cutler takes the field for his first regular season drive as a Chicago Bear.

The Bears go 3 and out on their first drive, but the missed field goal should allow the Bears to pin the Packers deep. Packers first and 10 at their own 8 yard line.

Ogunleye picks up his first sack of the year, the Bears are trying to swing the momentum, the Packers have picked up 2 quick 1st downs, but it's 3rd and long now.

Hester fields the punt and the Bears take over first and 10 on their own 18.

Earl Bennett picks up his first NFL reception and the Bears are moving...right at the 50 yard line.  The offense has seems to have picked up some rhythm.

Cutler threw an Grossman-esque interception after nearly getting picked on his previous 2 passes.  The offense has been pretty disappointing thus far.  The Bears drove into Packer territory and couldn't finish off the drive.  Costly interception because the Bears were in field goal range.

Bears defense looks awfully good tonight, they've effectively shut down the run and just forced the Packers to a 3 and out.  The interception didn't prove to be costly. Rodgers missed on a bomb to Donald Driver, and the punt when into the end zone.

Bears force another 3 and out - Ogunleye picked up his second sack and his beating his man to the edge consistently.

The Packers drived stalled out after a holding penalty, but Mason Crosby hit a 52 yard field goal to give the Packers a 3-0 lead.

The Bears hit Knox on a huge 68 yard pass and Cutler throws another horrible interception from the Bears 10 yard line - Desmond Clark cut off another route and the receivers don't appear to be where they're supposed to be.

Daniael Manning throws Aaron Rodgers down in the end zone for a safety.  The Bears have been throwing some very nice blitzes into their scheme.  3-2 Packers.

Jay Cutler has been absolutely horrendous tonight - he just threw his 3rd interception of the half another late throw across the middle.  If the Bears are going to be competitive this year, Cutler needs to settle down and start making the correct reads and not be afraid to throw the ball away.

Cutler's interception lead to a Ryan Grant 1 yard touchdown run - Alex Brown was assessed a personal foul at the end of the play 10-2 Packers. And they'll be kicking off from the 50 Yard line.

The Bears throw a hail mary pass at the end of the half that falls in complete....the offense has been anemic thus far, despite the struggles the Bears only remain a score down.  At halftime it's 10-2 Packers.

Halftime analysis -

Both quarterbacks have taken some big hits tonight, the Bears defense has done a remarkable job of shutting the Green Bay defense down, but the interceptions have proved costly.  Cutler's third interception lead to an easy Green Bay touchdown.  The Green Bay defense has Jay Cutler frustrated and has shutdown the Bears offense completely.  

The Bear receivers have been on a different page all night, they've been cutting off routes when they shouldn't.  The big thing for the Bears is going to be getting Culter to calm down and make better reads and smarter decisions.

The Bears are sitting at 4th and 1, on their first drive in the second half, they've been moving the ball much better so far.  First down on a Culter sneak.

36 Yard touchdown pass from Cutler to Hester 10-9 Packers....

After a Green Bay 3 and out, the Bears are driving again...Robbie Gould kicks a 47 yard field goal to give the Bears the first lead of the game 12-10 Bears.

The Bears defense continues to stifle the Packers defense, the Bears offense seems to have calmed down.  Cutler has started making some throws and making better decisions.  The Bears are about to go back on defense.

Lovie Smith just made the worst coaching decision in the history of football, calling a fake punt from inside the 30 yard line.  The Packers appear to have taken over around the 32 yard line, but Lovie has challenged that the Packers had too many men on the field at the snap.  If that call doesn't work out - that could end up costing the Bears the game.  Just a horrible horrible call.

The Bears are looking to respond after Mason Crosby gave the Packers a 13-12 lead. Bears are driving into Packers territory with a chance to regain the lead.

Robbie Gould kicked a go-ahead field goal, Cutler almost threw a fourth interception, but was able to drive the Bears into field goal range.

 Aaron Rodgers threw a go ahead touchdown pass to Greg Jennings with 1:11 remaining. 21-15 Packers

Jay Cutler has thrown his fourth interception on the first play after the kickoff that should seal the game for the Packers.

POSTGAME Analysis Packers win 21-15:

Jay Cutler had a forgettable debut for the Bears throwing 4 INTS, his last being the most costly.  The wide receivers could never get on the same page as Cutler which cost the Bears dearly.

The Bears defense had a pretty solid game, but it was a costly 3 and 1 play where Rodgers hooked up with Greg Jennings for the game winning touchdown.  The Bears brought a safety into the box to protect against the run, leaving a single safety up high to guard deep.  Jennings blew past Vasher and got deep the safety could never recover and Jennings waltzed in for the deciding score.

The visions Bears' fans had of an offensive juggernaut rolling through the regular season were dashed, even if just for a week.  The Bears host the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers next week, and could start their season off 0-2.  The encouraging thing about the game tonight was that the Bears were never out of the game.  Despite the struggles Jay Cutler went through, despite the inexperience of the wide receivers, the Bears were one big play away from actually winning this game.  While you don't get credit for an almost, the Bears could have potentially lost this game by 3 touchdowns.

The defense really hunkered down, held their ground, and disabled a good Packers offense for most of the night.  The way the game the works though, the team that should have won ended up winning; even though it wasn't the way they should have won.  The Bears have to regroup and get ready for a tough Pittsburgh defense.

Thanks for joining me tonight, I had a great time blogging this game despite the final result.  Look for us throughout the season, we'll be blogging more Bears games.  If there is something that I missed, or that you thought should have been covered in more depth, please feel free to let me know, and I'll work on it next time.

Thanks again

Matt

2:38 - Michigan kicking off - touchback.  Michigan is showing some measure of quiet confidence - Notre Dame on the other hand is yelling and screaming and jumping around.

2:41 - Matt Millen runs a commentary booth better than he runs a football team...probably explains why he's in the booth.

2:42 - Notre Dame is driving, a few big plays first and 10 on the 25 of Michigan

2:45 - Notre Dame is going to settle for a field goal....missed wide right from 28 yards - the Big House is up for grabs....Michigan takes over!!

2:47 - Michigan goes picked up a first down, but couldn't get moving Mesko is set to punt from the 34.

The Michigan defense looks pretty small in comparison to the ND O-linemen, but they look quick.  A blitz on third and 2 forces a 3 and out for Notre Dame

Greg Matthews just made a fantastic catch for 40 yards, looked like he may have pushed off initially, but replays showed it was a clean catch.  First down Michigan, holding on the very next play, first and long from right around midfield

Michigan continuing to move, first down on the ND 26 - offense looks composed and competent.  The pace of the offense seems to have ND's defense back on it's heels.

First Down Michigan - Brandon Minor to the ND 2 yard line.

TOUCHDOWN Michigan - Brandon Minor 2 yard run - Michigan converted some big third downs on that drive and marched down the field for a 9 play 79 yard touchdown drive PAT GOOD 7-0 Michigan

Notre Dame had a couple of big plays right off the bat and have the ball first and 10 at the UM 45

TOUCHDOWN Irish - 40 yards from Claussen to Armondo Allen on a screen pass.  Michigan got caught in a blitz - Allen walked into the endzone.  Timeout prior to the extra point

The play is being reviewed..coaches challenge on the previous play and the play is overturned after it was determined Allen stepped out at the 22 yard line.

The challenged was initiated from the booth, not Rodriguez - and it was as close as it gets.  I'm not even convinced he stepped out.

Claussen throws a 3rd down pass into the band - second field goal attempt for ND - kick good from 34 yards

Darryl Stonum kickoff return for a TOUCHDOWN 14-3 Michigan!!

End of the first quarter

Notre Dame driving down to the Michigan 4 yard line - looking to answer the kickoff return with a long sustained drive.  Floyd and Tate both with big catches on the drive.

TOUCHDOWN Irish - Jimmy Claussen 4 yd pass to Golden Tate PAT GOOD 14-10 Michigan

Michigan goes 3 and out - Mesko punting from the 40 - Notre Dame Fair catch on the 31 yard line.

Notre Dame moving backwards after a holding call and a delay of game 1st and 25 from the 16 yard line

33 yard pass from Claussen to Floyd - First down Irish

Notre Dame's larger offensive line has opened up some running lanes, they're using their size to take advantage.

TOUCHDOWN Irish 11 yard pass from Claussen to Floyd - Michigan defensive backs are having a hard time covering the speed guys on the outside. PAT GOOD 17-14 Irish

Michigan's intensity has seemed to fade a little bit - the last ND score seems to have picked up their spirits a little bit.  Michigan is going to have to respond.

After a defensive penalty, Michigan's drive ends quickly - The Wolverine defense is going to have to step it up - a terrible Mesko punt puts ND on the Michigan side of the field.

Big penalty hurts Notre Dame - 4th down as the Irish bring out the field goal unit for a 42 yard try. - Kick good 20-14 Irish

Denard Robinson comes into the game for Forcier and picks up 12 yards on run off the right side.

Forcier improvises on a 4th and 11 and hits Greg Matthews for a first down with under 30 seconds left.  Timeout Michigan 17 seconds left in the half and Michigan is inside the Notre Dame 30.

Offsetting penalities create a 1st and 10 at the 23 yard line - Notre Dame's final timeout - Michigan has 1 remaining.

Incomplete pass - 5 seconds left in the half Olesnavage hits a 39 yard field goal as time expires to make the score 20-17 Notre Dame.

HALFTIME:

Notre Dame outplayed Michigan for most of the first half - despite the fact they trailed through most of the first quarter.  The Michigan defense has looked inexperienced, Claussen is able to sit in the pocket and find receivers.  If Michigan is going to win this game, they're going to have to shut down the Irish offense.  Claussen needs pressure in his face, he's a skilled quarterback and can sit back and make quality throws when he's not harassed.  When he has to move his feet, he can make mistakes.  Notre Dame's penalties have cost them some points - but Michigan has been able to stay in the game.

Notre Dame dominated the Michigan defense, but only lead by 3 points.  Both teams are much improved from last year and at this point, this game is up for grabs.  This is a big game for both teams, especially Notre Dame.  Some analysists (unfortunately one of them coached them for years) have predicted Notre Dame to win the National Title.  A loss here would most certainly dash any hopes for a BCS game.  Notre Dame has an extremely weak schedule, as they have the last couple years, so anything short of perfection with that schedule should knock them out of contention.

Michigan is looking to get back to prominence after a very disappointing 08 campaign.  Knocking off Notre Dame today would give them a win against a top 25 team and give them a great deal of confidence going into the Big Ten season.  The Big Ten seems to be pretty wide open - Michigan State lost to Central Michigan today, Ohio State looked less than impressive against Navy and face USC tonight, Iowa had to block 2 field goals to beat Northern Iowa in week 1, Wisconsin squeaked out a win against Fresno State in overtime.

Notre Dame looks a little bit more comfortable on the field, they seem to be a little bit more comfortable in their system - while Michigan is scrapping and fighting to stay within striking distance.  Look for Denard Robinson to get a few more snaps in the second half and look for Claussen to continue to throw the ball deep to Tate and Floyd - at least until Michigan proves they can stop it. If Michigan can't make the necessary adjustments, Notre Dame should hang on for the win.  

It was an exciting first half and the second half should be just as entertaining.  Time for some pizza during halftime - Go Blue!

Second half kickoff to Michigan

Forcier looks good to start the second half - a couple of first down and Brandon Minor looks like he's getting started again.

Minor driving Michigan down the field - a fumbled snap - 3rd and 2 from the 2 yard line. Michigan stalls out on the 5 yard line - Olesnavage lines up for a 27 yard field goal to tie the game...and missed wide left.

Notre Dame fumble - recovered by Michigan's Jonas Mouton

Brandon Minor is rolling again - First and goal Michigan on the 7...

3rd and goal on the ND 3...TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN 3 yard pass from Forcier to Koger...PAT GOOD 24-20 Michigan

EDITORS NOTE:  I'm using this game as a warm up for Sunday Nights Chicago Bears @ Green Bay game - I will not be finishing this game up , this live blog will end at 5:00pm CST.  I will return after the game for some post game analysis.  Thanks for hanging out with me this afternoon!

Michigan's Defense has made some adjustments - holding Notre Dame to a 3 and out after a 52 yard kick off return.

That's going to do it for me - check back later and GO BLUE!!!

 POST GAME ANALYSIS:
Michigan was able to pull out the win in a wild game, the win was great for Rich Rodriguez and may be one of the final nails in the coffin for Charlie Weis.  Weis may be in trouble, not only because ND lost, but because of the way he mismanaged the game in the closing minutes.  Michigan should never got the ball back to score, but Tate Forcier made the most of the opportunity he was given, and despite blowing an 11 point lead late, his composure and poise was enough to pull out a huge win.

Charlie Weis has often been called an offensive "genius", but during his tenure at Notre Dame he's been anything but.  His willingness to get away from an effective running game in order to show how good he is, well it was his undoing today.  Jimmy Claussen was pretty good and Michigan had their hands full with Allen, Tate, and Floyd all day long, but more than the mistakes, miscues, and turnovers - it was the coaching that ultimately ended Notre Dame's bid for BCS bowl and National Title.

The allegations that haunted Rich Rodriguez prior to week one seem distant, and controversy swirling around Charlie Weis is sure to intensify.  As Michigan makes it's way back to prominence, Notre Dame remains mired in mediocrity and their inability to win the meaningful game hasn't helped at all.  As I mentioned at halftime, it's only week 2, but this was a huge game for both teams.  Michigan has Eastern Michigan and Indiana next on the schedule, so a 4-0 start wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.  Notre Dame has to regroup and try to salvage what they can from this year.  Their offense was hitting on all cylinders, and we'll just have to wait and see how much Charlie's "genius" has an effect on what ND does the rest of the year.

AFC East: New England

AFC North: Pittsburgh

AFC South: Indianapolis

AFC West: San Diego

AFC wildcard teams: Tennessee, Baltimore 

NFC East: New York Giants

NFC North: Chicago

NFC South: Atlanta

NFC West: Arizona

NFC wildcard teams: Philadelphia, Minnesota 

None of these picks should be too far out there. I'm sure some folks think forecasting the Bears to win the NFC North is a homer selection, but I believe after a big start, Brett Favre and the Vikings will fade down the stretch. Certainly, Atlanta and Arizona aren't locks, while teams such as Carolina, Dallas, New Orleans and Green Bay could earn playoff spots. In the AFC, I'm pretty confident in my selections. I don't think Miami will be as good as last season, and the Jets are decent, but not good enough to get to the playoffs.  

I have joined a confidence pool, but it doesn't start until next week, and at that time I will reveal my confidence picks every week.

Tonight's game: Steelers 24, Titans 20

A battle of two outstanding defenses will yield a few more points and yards than anticipated, but Big Ben will make a few more plays than Kerry Collins.

- Tom

I understand the Brett Favre lovefest is back in town but the most wretched part about that cheap shot was that it was in a preseason game.  It's those games that you just hope your starters and special teamers get through without major injury.  Granted no one is going easy, but a cheap shot is bad enough during the regular season - this is the preseason.  Now everyone is hesitating to call it cheap, obviously because Favre was on the dishing end, had Favre been on the receiving end of a block like that or an extremely vicious, low, late hit after he threw a pass - there'd be investigations, arraignments, fines, suspensions, jailtime, and house arrest ankle braclets.  Let's call it what it is, it was a cheap shot and it was cowardly to walk away and not even check on the guy who's career you could have just ended.  Ask Correll Buckhalter how hard it is to come back from a knee injury - the guy has a team of trainers surround him every time he sneezes.


For all the great things Favre did for the NFL and the Green Bay Packers over the better part of the last 2 decades, the last couple years have left a lot of people with a sour taste in their mouth.  Ask the cheeseheads up North, or the Jet fans, or wait about 6 months and asking the Viking fans.  He left the Jets locker room in shambles, word is he's already got the Viking locker room divided, and his divorce from Green Bay was one of the sloppier ones in recent history.  The man's superiority complex is bigger than his arm ever was, and if you don't cave to the demands of the almighty Brett - well you'll be dealt with.


Childress' first mistake was bringing this traveling, greying, circus side show freak to town, because guess what.  When the season's over and the Vikings don't make the playoffs BECAUSE of him (don't think it can happen, ask Thomas Jones and company about what happened last year), he's going to fade away quietly into the Mississippi sunset (granted only to annoy us a few months later).  He doesn't care about winning, sure he'd love to win another Super Bowl, but he doesn't want to work at it.  He wants to come in late, skip all of training camp, and take the starting job away from two guys who battled through the dehydration, soreness, and hot weather to earn it.  In his mind he's already earned it, and who knows maybe he has.  The downfall is that you can't bench him, I mean it's not Mike Holmgren coaching the Viking - it's a team without a quarterback bringing in a has-been quarterback to try to take them to the promised land.


So don't give me that garbage that lack of blocking practice was the reason he threw an unneccesary, cheap block on an unexpecting linebacker.  That's on him, but you're the reason he was even in uniform and had the opportunity to do it.  You don't realize it now, but you'll rue the day you ever accepted him into your locker room and allowed him to put on the purple and gold.  If you do happen to win this year - he'll be gone, because he's got his - and you'll be left to pick up the pieces of a shattered team morale.  If you don't win - well he'll just find another team to destroy.

It did cost popular and gritty center fielder Aaron Rowand, but the dream of Thome launching long homers for the South Siders while leading them to another World Series victory was intoxicating.

So with the Sox fading fast to six games behind first-place Detroit, General Manager Kenny Williams traded Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the 11 p.m. central daylight time deadline Monday to be included on the playoff roster for his new team.

Both are free agents who weren't going to be coming back in 2010 no matter how good or bad the Sox were playing. Now, Thome gets a decent shot at a World Series title with the Dodgers. The only obvious odd thing about the Thome trade is he can no longer play in the field. The Dodgers will have to use him as a pinch hitter until the World Series, that is if L.A. makes it as the National League representative. Thome is one of the finest gentlemen in the game, and maybe Dodger officials are hoping he will help relax the struggling Manny Ramirez, his former teammate in Cleveland.

For those with short memories, Contreras was the ace of that '05 Sox rotation that went 11-1 in postseason play after earning 99 victories in the regular season. But after starting out 2006 on a roll, his career has spiraled downward. He is a pitcher who still has plus stuff, but increased wildness and inability to keep runners from stealing bases have led to far too many losses and short outings.