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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

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.