The Bears took their first step toward Super Bowl XLI with a season opening 26-0 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Bears became the first team to shut out the Packers in 15 years.
Rex Grossman wasted no time silencing his critics with a 49-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian on the opening drive, giving the Bears an early 7-0 lead.
While Grossman and the offense moved the ball virtually at will, the defense only allowed the Packers into Bears territory twice in the first half. Though the offense could not score another touchdown, Robbie Gould kicked three second quarter field goals to give the Bears a 16-0 lead going into the half.
The second half had General Manager Jerry Angelo smiling when he saw his top two draft picks showcase their talents. Safety Daniael Manning intercepted Brett Favre and Devin Hester capped off the scoring with an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown.
The win was dominating, Bears fans should keep in mind that the Packers are an early front runner for the number one pick in the 2007 NFL draft. Their fans are feeling the pain.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do all winter.” Packers fan Dennis Johnson said after the game. “The Packers used to be the only thing we had to look forward to. The offense looked bad, the defense looked worse. Hell, even my wife has a better mustache than (backup quarterback) Aaron Rogers.”
Number of the day: 1970
The last year the Bears opened the season with a win on the road. Head coach Jim Dooley lead the Bears to a 24 – 16 win over the New York Giants.
