WEEK TWO: BEARS SPOIL THE PARTY IN SANTA CLARA
Just days after new Bears owner Lee Gordon announced his plans to rebuild Soldier Field, the Chicago team flew to Santa Clara to face off against the 49ers as they opened their own new stadium. Unfortunately for San Francisco, the pressure may have gotten to them as they quickly found themselves losing control of a game in which they eventually fell 31-20.
The Bears brought all the heat they could muster, sacking quarterback Colin Kaepernick an alarming seven times, including two back to back sacks for Lance Briggs and a game-changing sack on third and goal early on by new outside linebacker Malcolm Smith. Smith is no stranger to Colin Kaepernick, having recently been acquired by the Bears from the Seattle Seahawks where he recently was awarded Super Bowl MVP, and he was quick to endear himself to Bears fans with the big stop. Jay Cutler was also fairly impressive, throwing three touchdowns despite two picks.
It wasn't all roses for the Bears, though -- despite only allowing 13 points until late in the game, Kaepernick was allowed a perfect passer rating. This has to be a concern for this secondary, despite the defense's bend-don't-break policy.
The Bears are live on Monday Night football next week, on the road once more, against the New York Jets.
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STAT HIGHLIGHTS
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*denotes Player of the Game
CHI - 31
Cutler*: 114.2 Rating, 287 Yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Jeffery: 127 Yards, 1 TD
Bennett: 123 Yards, 1 TD
Paea: 2 Sacks
Briggs: 2 Sacks
Smith: Sack
Tillman: Sack
Allen: Sack
BUF - 20
Kaepernick: 158.3 Rating, 233 Yards, 2 TDs, 31 Rush Yards
Johnson: 127 Yards, 1 TD
Reid: INT
Bethea: INT