Bears 2-0 27-20 over Dallas

[Da Coach]

The Bears held on for a 19-14 win. Detroit did not score for the last 43 1/2 minutes of the game (except for a disputed touchdown that was overruled in the final minute).

As a Bears fan- there were some positives- The offensive line looked better than in any of the 4 preseason games. And the Bears offense under Mike Martz runs a better screen pass than any time since the Walter Payton years. But I still wish they would be a little more creative in the running game, and try more sweeps. Cutler looked solid except for the one fumble he made, which wasn't really his fault. And the special teams looked OK, though I would rather see Johnny Knox returning punts, that Hester, who seems to think he must get bonus yards for running out of bounds or juking right and left before he actually starts running.

The defensive line looked OK against the run, but they never put any pressure on the quarterbacks. And the defensive secondary looked good at times.

But the biggest disappointment was the coaching- Detroit had not come close to scoring the entire 2nd half, and carried a 14-13 lead almost to the end. Yet when the Bears could not move the ball with first and goal at the Detroit 1 yard line, why would the coach not take the sure 3 points which would give them the lead? Instead, they failed to score on 4th down, and turned the ball over, almost costing the Bears the win. That was the dumbest call I have ever seen in an NFL game.

[BuBraves55]

For those who missed it, take the Hochuli call from a year ago- triple that awfulness and you get the caliber of call that the Bears won it on.

I'd love an explanation as to why that was called not a touchdown in either real time or after a review.

He had 2 feet and his entire body down....what a terrible, terrible way to start the year for Detroit.

[Da Coach]

For those who missed it, take the Hochuli call from a year ago- triple that awfulness and you get the caliber of call that the Bears won it on.

I'd love an explanation as to why that was called not a touchdown in either real time or after a review.

He had 2 feet and his entire body down....what a terrible, terrible way to start the year for Detroit.

It seems to most fans think it should have been a touchdown- but the call made on the field was correct- the pass was incomplete because of the NFL rule concerning a completed pass play. That's why a careful review by the officials did not overturn the call.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Pereira-explains-big-call-in-Detroit-Lions-Chicago-Bears-game-091210

NFL Rule 8, Section 1, Article 4.
A play from start to finish is a process. When you go to the ground, even after you've caught the ball, you have to maintain possession.

The rule states: If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.

BTW- here is a video of the disputed call-

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/09/12/calvin-johnson-touchdown-erased-on-controversial-call/

[BU RICK]

I'm happy the Bears won , it's nice to catch a break once in a while.

I thought it was a touchdown, watched it a half dozen times. The player obviously had the ball securely in his right hand and when the ball hit the ground he released it to start his celebration. Is the NLF getting like the NBC program 'Minute To Win It', where some of their stacks have to stand for 3 seconds to win. He downed the ball and let go of it, that's the way I saw it.

If this happened to the Bears, we'd all be crying foul.

The Sox next 3 games are at home vs the Twins. This is a must sweep. If not they can start getting ready to pack their bags and start their off season earlier than what we hoped. Baseball's a long grind, they've had so many chances to win that were lost.

[AE Braves Fan]

Common sense would dictate that the ball was obviously "caught".

What a terrible rule. That's not football.

Why did the Bears have single coverage on one of the best receivers in football at that stage of the game?

[SFP]

Whatever the rule was the guy had possession of the ball, 2 hand on it both feet down and then only after lost it. I'm a Bears fan but I hate to see them start the season this way with a win on a controversial play.

[lightsout]

The vice president of officiating ruled that it was the correct call. I don't know what everyone is crying about, Cutler said it best everyone got the list of new rules when training camp started. The bears won and I'm not apologizing to anyone for the game. A rule is a rule rather you like it or not.

Chicago Bears 1-0 and that's all that matters.

[BuBraves55]

The vice president of officiating ruled that it was the correct call. I don't know what everyone is crying about, Cutler said it best everyone got the list of new rules when training camp started. The bears won and I'm not apologizing to anyone for the game. A rule is a rule rather you like it or not.

Chicago Bears 1-0 and that's all that matters.

Do you think it was a catch?

[lightsout]

No, not according to the new rule. Its not the Bears fault the NFL came up with a dumb rule.

[AE Braves Fan]

Which post stated that it was the Bears' fault?

What is the purpose of rules in sports?
Answer: To ensure fairness and to uphold the integrity of the game.

That rule did neither today. Just because there is a rule doesn't make it right.

[lightsout]

Which post stated that it was the Bears' fault?

What is the purpose of rules in sports?
Answer: To ensure fairness and to uphold the integrity of the game.

That rule did neither today. Just because there is a rule doesn't make it right.

People are saying its bad they got a win or don't want the win because its controversial play. I say that ridiculous the Bears are 1-0 there is no asterix by the win. Bears win and that's it get over it.

[AE Braves Fan]

Yeah I guess no one should ever discuss a game or the merit of any rule because you say so. Sportscenter should probably be cancelled too.

That's it everyone. Lock the thread. Last person here turn the lights out.

[lightsout]

All i said was the Bears are 1-0 and that's all I care about. Guy cry and the rule all you want I couldn't care less.

[thefish7]

There was all kinds of funny business in that game including that call. It's clear the call was made by rule, it's also clear that the rule is stupid, that was a catch. Chalk up the two roughing the passer calls for "contact" with helmet" as stupid rules properly applied. Anyway, for as stupid as that game was for any 4600 reasons, I'm glad the Bears are 1-0. Hopefully they got the fumblebug out of their system.

[bigjimmy]

4 tournovers and numerous chances in Detroit territory and we score just 19 points. 1st and goal at the 1/2 foot line and gain no yards in 4 plays. Play action should have been on 1st down and maybe a misdirection play would have worked instead of trying power football. And how about a quick count snap before the Lions could get set. And can somebody please tell me why after playing great attacking defense in the 2nd half we played that last defensive series like we had a 2 touchdown lead. I know by rule that Johnson's catch wasn't a catch but man what a tough way to lose a game. Even though the Cowboys really stunk it up tonight the Bears will need to play a lot better if they are going to win.