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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 

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