Week 2 Review: Bears @ Packers

Cutler was sacked 7 times and threw 4 interceptions in the 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

After what we saw in week 1, Bears players and fans alike were confident going into Lambeau that they would be the ones drilling Green-Bay into the ground. We should have known better.

The Packers, who only lost 1 game in the regular season last year, is still an elite team. Even with a weak showing in Week 1 vs. San Francisco, this team is still one the the favorites to win it all. Since 1990, every year Packers have started off 0-2, they have failed to make it to the playoffs. Knowing that this Packers team is a sure lock to be in the post-season -- they weren't going to start off the season 0-2.

Even with all that said, the Chicago Bears were never truly out of the game. They were simply out-coached and out-played, but their defense kept them in the game until the very last quarter.

With 11 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, Jay Cutler threw a deep pass intended for Brandon Marshall that was picked off by Packers. The pass shouldn't have been thrown. Besides the fact that was ball was WELL under thrown, Brandon Marshall was the only WR in that area of the field and commanded the attention of all of Packers secondary.

There was enough blame to go around through, and if you want to discuss whether the Bears lost or the Packers won -- The Packers Won at the end of the game and that's all that counts.

The offensive line was a mess. Clay Matthews was a beast and ate Cutler up multiple times after cruising past left tackle J'marcus Webb. At one point in the game, NFL network captured Jay Cutler screaming in Webb's face, and even added a little shove to make his point. This is quickly becoming a scene of discussion and whether Cutler was being a leader or a bully?

Webb needs to be motivated. Although the shove was unneeded, Cutler is tired of constantly getting drilled to the ground. After the game, Cutler was still very frustrated showed his emotions while addressing the media.

Wide receivers had an off day. The passing game gained a total of just 74 yards. Brandon Marshall had a key drop in the end-zone that would have made it 13-10, but the bears had to settle for a FG.

The Coaches were out-coached. Not did the Packers have good defense calls to control and contain the Bears passing game. The Bears had just 47 total yards of offense in the 1st half, and only 7 passing yards. At crucial times in the game when the offensive line was breaking down, Bears did not run the ball enough. While the total play call at the end of the game was well-balanced, the timings of the run/pass plays was, shall I say, Rookie-ish? Perhaps Mike Tice's first actual game where he had to think on his feet and adjust the play call drastically during the game was too much for him.

There were a couple bright sides though, something to hang our hats on. Matt Forte accounting for 80 of the 168 yards of total offense. Unfortunately, he was injured during the game and reportedly has a high ankle sprain that will likely keep him off the field for a couple games.

The defense wasn't too bad, and the defensive line actually got more pressure on the Rodgers than they did on Andrew Luck the week before. They sacked Rodgers 5 times, including one by rookie 1st round pick Shea Mcclellin. Defense also forced 2 turnovers as Tim Jennings intercepted yet another pass. The defense was also able stop the Packers on many 3rd & 1s to keep the Bears in the game. 

While the loss is tough to take, we must remember that this was just week 2 and the Bears are 1-1. Don't forget that last year the Bears started out 2-3 and then went of on a 5-game winning streak where they were recognized nationally as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. As the season progresses, the Bears will figure out a way to keep their offense balanced and explosive. The defense, even with an older and slower Brain Urlacher in the middle, are still fierce and strong enough on the line to keep the team in the game and force critical turnovers.

Next up, the Bears face-off against the Rams at home next Sunday. Although this past Sunday was an OFFENSIVE DISASTER, the Bears now have played 1 good game and 1 to certainly forget. When it's all set and done, this team should be in the post-season but we are weeks away from serious talks about that.

First thing is first. Take care of the task at hang and that means cleaning up offensive mistakes and focusing on the Rams. Until next Sunday --- BEAR DOWN!