Bears Off to an Impressive Start

The Bears started this season with a bang, taking down the Atlanta Falcons 30-12. With new rules in play this year, there was a penalty on the Atlanta kick off. While fans were hoping to see Hester take off on the kick off reception, with two separate opportunities, the game still started behind the 25 yard line. But fans didn't have to wait long, as Cutler and the Bears marched down the field and put 3 points on the board.

The Bears started strong in their season opener, with Jay Cutler getting some great passes despite getting sacked five times. He finished the game with a 107.8 quarterback rating. Cutler seemed to enjoy this game much more than the final game of the playoffs last year. He was shown several times with a smile and has come back fighting this year.  

The defense, led by Brian Urlacher, showed they are the backbone of this Bears team. Atlanta fans must have been frustated watching the game as the Bears defense seemed to have the Falcons figured out. The Bears pushed Matt Ryan to hurry and throw under pressure time and time again.

The Bears were relentless in the first half with an Urlacher interception that led to Matt Forte's touchdown three plays later. Robbie Gould put up two more field goals and the Bears walked into the locker room at halftime ahead 16-3.

Atlanta came back in the third quarter looking to right the ship but couldn't seem to gain any momentum. Matt Bryant kicked his second field goal of the game to put the Falcons within 10. But a one-yard touchdown by new Bear Matt Spaeth, and then a recovered fumble by Urlacher for another touchdown, put the Bears up a commanding 30-6.

The NFL broadcasters made a great point when they discussed the speed of Julius Peppers. His sack on Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter highlighted how fast Peppers is from the middle of the field to the sidelines. The Falcons were able to get one more touchdown as the result of Cutler's only interception of the game. But with a failed two-point conversion, Atlanta was set at just 12 points.

The Bears are off to a great start this season, but the next two games will be tough. They head to New Orleans to battle the Saints in Week 2 before returning home for a Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears need to keep a strong offensive line and protect Cutler. When he has the time, Cutler can make plays and get first downs. But if the line starts to fall apart like last year, we will be in for a long season of sacks, fumbles and interceptions.  

The defense played tough this game and that intensity needs to stay strong for the whole season. Urlacher is a machine but everyone needs to step up like they did for game one. I think this has the makings of a great season. Let's hope things go well and the Bears can get back to Super Sunday.  

And a quick note to the Bears front office, figure out the contracts for Matt Forte and Lance Briggs. Losing either player would have an impact on the team and it's not a risk you should be willing to take.