Bears vs. Packers: Five Takeaways From Week 1 Match-up
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
While it was not Perfect, Bears’ Passing Game Showed Promise
The offense was clearly led by Forte and the running game, but Cutler had the passing attack firing on all cylinders at times as well. He finished the game 225 yards through the air on 18-of-36 passing, including a late 24-yard touchdown strike to tight end Martellus Bennett.
That touchdown from Cutler to Bennett was the passing game’s most impressive drive of the match-up. Cutler quickly drove the Bears downfield on a six-play, 72-yard drive that featured all passing plays. The Packers were pretty much in prevent defense, so take it for what it’s worth, but Cutler did a great job of taking what was given to him on that drive, and it kept his team in the game.
Unfortunately, the prior Bears’ possession ended when Cutler threw his lone interception of the game to linebacker Clay Matthews. The defender made a nice play on the interception, but Cutler should not have thrown the ball.
His only interception of the game proved to be a huge one, coming late in the fourth quarter, as the Bears were trying to drive down field and tie up the game.
Entering the game, the Bears’ top three receivers were struggling with injuries. Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson all played, with Jeffery and Wilson have nice games. Royal caught only one pass on five targets for eight yards, and was taken back to the locker room in the first half, being checked for a concussion.
For the most part, Cutler looked good against the Packers. He has some work to do, but he was clearly helped out by the success of the running game. If the Bears can continue to take pressure off of their quarterback by using the running game with success, we will see a much improved Cutler this season.
Cleaning up the pass protection and getting Royal on track is needed, but the Bears’ passing game showed a lot of potential this week against the Packers.
Next: Previewing the Bears' 2015 Season