Packers Sack Cutler, Bears 23-10
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 14, 2012 3:40PM
After showcasing their revamped offense against the lowly Colts last Sunday, the Bears showed that they remain a work in progress against their archrival Green Bay Thursday night. The Packers beat the Bears 23-10 at Lambeau Field on national television.
Quarterback Jay Cutler became familiar with the turf. He was sacked seven times thanks to an offensive line unable to protect him and threw four interceptions as the offense managed to produce little of the magic it did in week 1. Cutler completed only 11 of 27 passes for 127 yards and an ugly 28.2 passer rating. Receiver Brandon Marshall caught just two passes for 24 yards and dropped what would've been a TD pass in the end zone as the Packers doubled him all night long. Running back Matt Forte was the team's leading receiver, catching 4 passes for 49 yards. He also ran for 31 yards on 7 carries before he injured his right ankle in the third quarter and left the game. Michael Bush added 54 yards on 14 carries.
The defense made a somewhat better showing at Lambeau, allowing only six first half points, and three of those came off of a Cutler pick just before halftime. They sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers five times, including a pair by Julius Peppers and 1-1/2 by first round pick Shea McClellin. Special Teams fell for a fake field goal attempt that resulted in Green Bay's first half touchdown. Punter Tom Masthay pitched the ball to tight end Tom Crabtree, who ran the ball 27 yards for the score.
Down 13-0 at the half, the Bears finally got on the board early in the third quarter when Robbie Gould booted a 45-yard field goal that cut the Bears deficit to 10. The Packers added a field goal early in the fourth, and then struck for seven more points on the first play from scrimmage following Tramon Williams' second INT of the night. A Tim Jennings pick of Aaron Rodgers set up the Bears lone touchdown of the night, a 21-yard pass up the middle to tight end Kellen Davis. But it proved to be too little, too late for the Bears offense.
With their latest Lambeau loss, the Bears have now dropped five straight up north and seven of their last eight against their biggest rivals. The Bears now have 10 days to regroup before they face the St. Louis Rams at Soldier Field on Sept. 23. Mike Tice and Tim Holt will have their work cut out for them as they try to work on the offensive line. J'Marcus Webb was beat repeatedly, so perhaps he's not the solution at left tackle. But do the Bears have anybody who can provide adequate protection for Cutler's blind side? We wouldn't be surprised to see Chris Williams working with the first team this week.