But for falling into this starting five with Long at right tackle and Vladimir Ducasse at right guard the week of the game, the Bears did well. He was helped out tremendously by Forte and the running game, but maybe that is all he needs? But he also committed some miscues in pass protection.
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Still wasn’t enough to put a big smile on Long’s face. With stout defenses up next with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, there must be some fine tuning in what Long does. His production was expected to be on par with his position. He also ran for 31 yards, doing a nice job of keeping plays alive with his legs.
NOTES: Gould’s first field goal of the day was No. 244 for his career, breaking a tie with Kevin Butler for the franchise record…. If the Chicago Bears are to have any success this season, ball control by running the football, along with good game management by Cutler, will be the key.
Cutler had to avoid a Packers defender when he was targeting TE Martellus Bennett on a drag route.
Chicago was driving for what could have been a game-tying score, but Cutler was intercepted by Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews.
The differences in execution where and when it matters most accurately depicts where these teams are at the moment. This year the Bears look a little bit more up tempo, but more effective. In the NFC Championship game last season, the Packers allowed Lynch to rush for 77 yards on eight carries, including a 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and overtime.
That should come as good news to Forte, who carried 24 times for 141 yards, as well as the offensive line.
“It is easier right after the play or after the series to make calls”, Fox said on Monday, reflecting on his first game as Bears coach.
The Packers get no breaks. Jeffery was relatively quiet against Green Bay but did catch a huge third-down pass to keep the Bears’ opening drive alive, which led to a field goal.
Questions about the defensive end was answered. Since then, he’s (a) regressed his touchdown total with the Packers, (b) left Green Bay for Oakland as a free agent, (c) was released by both Oakland and the New York Giants since last season ended, and (d) re-signed with Green Bay last week.
Bears fans are used to Rodgers ruining their weekends, but James Jones?
How do you celebrate the Bears?
On the next Bears drive, Chicago drove 80 yards in 15 plays.
“We can play with anybody”.
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There aren’t many wide receivers who are as good as Jones that are available in free agency immediately before the start of the regular season. Other teams I like to lesser degrees are the Texans -0, Jets -3.5, Rams+4, and Titans+3 but they are all early games. The great thing about having a guy like Forte is whenever you need something, he can deliver. Coaches will groan when they see the Bears coming up on their schedule. Which had to fluster former, arguably overpaid Bear Julius Peppers, who shushed the Soldier Field crowd after the play.
