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Now it's on to Monday night, and a big NFC North showdown between 3-0 Minnesota and 2-1 Green Bay at the Metrodome. Probably have to pull for the Pack to force a three-way tie at 3-1. But you know Minnesota Quarterback Brett Favre wants this one bad, contrary to what he's said, to stick it to the Packers.

Back for a little more analysis. Chicago scored 48 points, despite being outgained 398 yards to 276. Only possessed the ball for 23 minutes. But won going away. So what happened? Big plays. Forte started it off with a 61-yard jaunt to set up Chicago's first score. Then he scampered 37 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown. Rookie Knox electrified the Soldier Field crowd with his kickoff return for a score. An interception from Harris, and fumble recovery from Ogunleye also gave the Bears short fields for more points.

After Stafford shredded the Bears in the first half, Chicago did play better in the second half.

Game over. Bears win 48-24. Chicago is 3-1 with a bye next Sunday. Two tough road tests follow at Atlanta and at Cincinnati. Stafford and Johnson had big games for Detroit, but the running game was shutdown. Cutler only threw for 141 yards, but had a pair of touchdown passes. Forte did have 121 yards rushing. Hope everyone enjoyed today's blog, and look forward to the Atlanta game on Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m.

Wolfe scores a rushing touchdown for the Bears in garbage time. PAT good. 48 points!!! 48-24 with 1:57 left.

The last two times the Bears have started a season 3-1, in 2001 and 2006, they won division titles. That's a good omen.

Culpepper in the game at quarterback for Detroit. Stafford suffered a knee injury. He had passed for 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Pretty impressive stats for a rookie making his fourth start. Bears hold on downs.

Danieal Manning returns the kickoff near midfield for Chicago. Stafford appears to have injured a leg on the sack. Backup Daunte Culpepper is warming up on the sideline. Cutler completes pass for a first down at the Detroit 37. Timeout called. Forte runs it 37 yards down the left sideline. Touchdown Bears!!! PAT good. 41-24 Bears with 6:46 left in the game. It wasn't ball control. But it was a good running play.

Lions have their best drive going in the second half. At the Chicago 35 with 11 minutes remaining. Pettigrew makes catch to the Chicago 11. Big sack on 3rd and goal by Ogunleye stalls the Detroit drive. Jason Hanson kicks a 35-yard field goal. Bears lead 34-24. That was a big stop because it is still a two-score game. Again, I ask for some ball control offense.

Detroit offense has lost confidence. Another three and out. The Bears also go three and out as the 3rd quarter comes to a close. Chicago leads 34-21.

Stafford fumbles, Bears recover at Detroit 19. One positive for the Bears is they are 2-0 now in the turnover battle. Israel Idonije stripped it, and Adewale Ogunleye recovered. Forte runs for a first down. Cutler stumbles on a third down before he could hand off to Forte. Gould makes a 22-yard FG. Bears up 34-21 with 2:33 left in the third quarter. Forte had a few decent runs in the Red Zone, but this team still needs work on the run game, which ranked next to last in the NFL at 2.8 yards per attempt before this game.

Bears D gets another three and out. Will take possession at its own 48. It's rather obvious the Lions pitiful job of covering kicks has sabotaged the rest of the team's efforts to win. The offense has sputtered in the third quarter. Once again I am asking the for Chicago offense to control the clock with the run and a short pass game. Let's see if it works. No, it doesn't!  Forte rushes for no gain, an incomplete pass and a Cutler scramble comes up short. Maynard punt does put Detroit back to its 17. It's shaping up to be an ugly win, but I don't count out Detroit just yet.

Detroit holds Chicago. Gould to attempt 52-yard FG. And he hooked in perfectly from right to left. Impressive kick. Chicago up 31-21. The offense has not been spot on. The defense has yielded chunks of yardage several times. But Chicago has a 10-point lead with 10:18 left in the third quarter.

Wow, what a way to start the 3rd quarter! Johnny Knox with a 102-yard kick return for a touchdown. PAT good. 28-21 Bears just 12 seconds gone in the second half. Hester is out for the remainder of the game with a shoulder injury. Bears get a much-needed 3 and out. Bennett returns punt to Detroit 38. Special teams playing a big role in Chicago having the lead.

Detroit kicks ball out of bounds. Bears get ball at their own 40, but cannot get into field-goal range. Halftime score: Bears 21, Detroit 21. Analysis: The Bears must tighten up the defense, especially against Stafford and the pass game. Forte's one long run makes the running numbers look good, but the Bears need to control the ball more, and make some first downs running to limit Detroit's opportunities in the second half. Be back with you at the start of the third quarter.

Big completion from Stafford to Johnson to get Lions out of the hole. Johnson has more than 100 yards receiving in the first half. Stafford scrambles for another first down into Chicago territory. Brandon Pettigrew gashes the Bears on a tight-end screen for 28 yards to the Chicago 15. Another first down by Pettigrew at the Chicago 3. Next play, touchdown run, Kevin Smith. PAT good. 21-21 with 26 seconds remaining in the half. This 98-yard drive makes me remember games in the past few seasons when the Bears have been chopped up on defense for big yards and points.

It's Garrett Wolfe time again. A 2-yard run from the Northern Illinois product. Cutler fumbles, but Bears recover. Bears don't convert a 3rd and 26, with Wolfe picking up 12 on a screen pass. Maynard punts it down to the Detroit 2.

Bears hold Detroit after one first down. Chicago is bringing more pressure, and forcing Stafford to get rid of the ball quicker. Bennett replaced Hester as punt returner, and had a good one, to the Chicago 40. Am I the only one scratching my head and wondering where has Bennett come from? He had 0 catches and barely saw the field last year as a rookie. Now, he's playing like the 3rd round draft choice he was in 2008.

Stafford obviously didn't see Harris when attempting the screen pass. Now, the Bears are finally playing from ahead in the first half of a game this season. Hester heading to locker room.

Stafford is picked off by defensive tackle Tommie Harris. Bears have the ball at the Detroit 8. Lions hold. But Detroit is offside on FG attempt, moving the ball to the 1 1/2-yard line. Chicago goes for it on 4th down. Cutler hits TE Greg Olsen for a touchdown. PAT good. 21-14 Bears. Could we see a 40-point plus game for Chicago?

Cutler TD pass to Kellen Davis. PAT good. Score tied at 14 in the opening minute of the 2nd quarter. Bears offense at the all-the-yards-you-can-gain buffet.

Zack Bowman called for interference, letting Detroit off the hook. Bowman, a cornerback, has also been burned on some first-quarter pass plays. Alex Brown sack forces Detroit punt. Devin Hester returns punt to Detroit 35. Great catch by Earl Bennett down to the Lions 10. End of the first quarter. Detroit 14, Chicago 7.

Knox with a good kickoff return to Chicago 41. Three and out for Chicago. Maynard punt pins Detroit back to its 6.

Good answer by the offense. Now the Chicago defense must show up. Detroit converts after being 1st and 25. Bears pash rush is non-existent, and the Lions are taking advantage, driving deep into Chicago territory. Stafford drills a TD pass to TE Will Heller. PAT good. 14-7 Detroit with 5:03 remaining in 1st quarter.

Bears start drive from their own 27. Forte runs it 61 yards to the Detroit 5!!! Cutler dives into the endzone, touchdown Bears!!! PAT good. 7-7 with 8:51 left in first quarter. First Bears points in first quarter this season.

So much for the playing from ahead prediction for the Bears. It was a gift-wrapped TD for Detroit.

Lions get the ball first. Will start drive at their own 27. Calvin Johnson makes 54-yard reception on first play from scrimmage. Bears offside on Detroit FG attempt, extends drive for Lions. Detroit QB Matthew Stafford missed wide-open Johnson in endzone. Questionable facemask penalty on Chicago, first and goal for Detroit. Kevin Smith runs in a touchdown for the Lions. PAT good. Detroit ahead 7-0 with 10:50 left in the first quarter.

Just about ready for the game to start. Another thing to watch during the game. How well reserve linebackers Nick Roach and Jamar Williams perform for the Bears.

Once again there are concerns about the Chicago running game. Once again here's another opportunity to get it going. If the passing game puts Chicago ahead early, then the Bears can run the ball more effectively in the second half while bleeding the clock.

Welcome everyone to today's Lions vs. Bears live blog. Chicago looks to improve to 3-1 before enjoying its bye next Sunday.  

After failing to get off to a good start against a banged up Seattle team last week, I predict the Bears do roll early against Detroit, and for the first time this season will play most of the game from ahead.

I know Detroit broke its long losing streak last Sunday against Washington, but they are still a bad football team.

My prediction: Bears 27, Lions 17.

- Tom 

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!

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

It would be the equivalent of Walter Payton that real Bear fans would understand his desire to play for the Packers.  The animosity that was directed at Bear fans from Packer fans, is now somewhat diverted.  The Packer/Viking rivalry has always been there, emphasized by Randy Moss' playful fake mooning of the Packer fans at Lambeau.  Packer and Bear fans can now unite in their unbridled disdain for Mr. Favre and the freak show that has played out over the last few years.

Packer fans totally understand Ted Thompson's stance of not running Aaron Rodgers through ringer.  In all honestly, Rodgers was drafted to be Favre's replacement and has done a very nice job.  Tavaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and Kellen Clemens now all know how Aaron Rodgers felt, they just weren't as fortunate to have a GM that was going to say enough is enough. 

Sage Rosenfels was brought in to compete for the starting job with often terrible Tavaris Jackson, and now all the weeks of competition and the hard work that both guys put in trying to win the job is meaningless, all because the wonderful Brett Favre changed his mind.  It has to leave those two feeling pretty lousy.

Packer fans understand that they had Brett Favre when he was good, it's the same as the Orioles getting Sammy Sosa.  Sure you got Brett but he's not good anymore, good luck with that.  It's Brett's arrogance, by suggesting that real Packer fans understand, that made them upset.  He played games with Packers with his "will I, won't I" games, giving Rodgers an opportunity to get comfortable with his receivers, and hoping to skip mini-camp and pull the plug on all the progress Rodgers made in camp.

People of Green Bay can at the very least share our sentiment, it doesn't matter if it's not for the same reason.  Packer fans are generally pretty reasonable, from what I've heard about Lambeau and what I've seen for myself.  They've been double-crossed and they have every right to be upset.  I'm not suggesting that we should be asking Packer fans to share an apartment with us, but let's face it we had 2 reasons to hate the Packers.  The face of their franchise for the better part of 2 decades is gone, now we just have the historical rivalry. 

In case you didn't hear, the king of drama has changed his mind again today, and will play this season for the Minnesota Vikings. In fact, published reports say plans are for the 39-year-old signal caller to start Friday's exhibition game against Kansas City.

Naturally, all will be forgiven if the great No. 4 leads the Vikes to that elusive Super Bowl title that has escaped the grasp of this franchise. I don't like the odds of that happening, even with stud running back Adrian Peterson leading the offense. If you remember, Favre was impressive leading the Jets to an 8-3 start last season before the combination of injury, age and ineffectiveness resulted in New York fading to a 9-7 finish and not even making the playoffs.

And quite frankly, I don't think Chicago and Green Bay will be that concerned about Favre as much as Peterson. Remember, Bears Coach Lovie Smith is 6-2 against Favre. And to my surprise, Aaron Rodgers has performed above expectations in Green Bay. He was solid last year for the Pack, and even though it was just preseason, he made a wonderful step up in the pocket and long touchdown pass to Donald Driver against Cleveland last week. 

 Jay Cutler didn't look horrible, but he didn't really take all the cautious Bear fans by the hand and say "see everything is going to be alright".  Aside from the Grossman-esque interception that was thrown to the "Number 1" receiver, he was fine.   It was his first two drives as a Bear against people wearing differnet helmets.  I can understand that the game timing still isn't there.  It's fine, it really is.

I remember Erik Kramer, Moses Moreno, Kordell Stewart, Henry Burris, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Shane Matthews, Danny Wuerffle, and the countless other quarterbacks that took snaps under center in the last 2 decades.  You can tell me that Jay Cutler is good all day long, but I'm not going to believe you until I see it with my own 2 eyes.  I've seen Jay Cutler play in Denver - Jay Cutler is a quality starting quarterback...in Denver. 

The thing that concerns me the most is the Bears secondary and sure I know they were without Peanut Tillman, but there's not a real good excuse for allowing the Bills to throw all over you when their best WR is out with an injured toe.  Either the front 4 need to generate more of a pass rush or the defensive scheme needs to improve.  If you look at where all the completions end up, holes in the zone.  There is a time and place to play zone coverage, but it'd be nice to see these corners man up a little bit more too; well of course with the exception of Nate Vasher.

Urlacher looks to be back in great shape again, Briggs looks as good as ever, and Tinoisamoa fills the gap that Hillenmeyer left open nicely. Tommie Harris has taken the perennial question mark award away from Mike Brown, now that he's gone.  I've not been of the opinion that the Bears don't have the talent, I think the Bears issues are more in the coaching game.  Should we really be excited about Jay Cutler in Ron Turner's offense?  Is the Head Coach who loses 1 to 2 games a year on coaching blunders really going to be able to work wonders for this defense?  What is Bob Babich getting paid to do now?  All valid questions, and they do just enough to temper my enthusiasm for the time being.

Tom and I are going to be live blogging the Bears games this year...so look for our commentary on the ups and downs as the Bears push for the playoffs.

-Matt

 There was the expected "you guys should be better with Cutler" comment, along with an anticipated remark about both the quality and quantity of wide receivers being a problem unless the prized quarterback makes them better with his golden arm.

In reality, the Bears have not had a dominating defense since about the first 10 games of the Super Bowl season of 2006. It's probably more of reputation thing when names such as Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, Lance Briggs are mentioned.

The biggest question mark in training camp is the secondary. With starting cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman out for several more weeks as he recovers from back surgery, safety Mike Brown no longer on the team after many injury-plagued seasons, the opening day lineup in the defensive backfield could be a scary proposition.

Cornerback Nate Vasher has missed time with injuries in the past two seasons, and when he has been on the field, he has not performed as well as he did when he earned the nickname "The Interceptor" in his early years with the team.  

Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz, Trumaine McBride, Corey Graham and Zack Bowman are all young guys who have yet to distinguish themselves, but at least a couple of these guys will be on the field quite a bit this season.

The good news for Bears fans is Urlacher has looked sharp to this point, and he and Briggs need to make some big plays for the defense to excel.

Then the guy proudly wearing his Ohio State shirt identified himself as a Cincinnati Bengals fan, I asked how do like having ex-Bear Cedric Benson on the team, a bunch of us had a good laugh, and the pro football talk came to an end.

 - Tom