The Chicago Bears followed their appearance in last season's NFC Championship Game with a strong showing in Week 1 of the 2011 NFL season, using an opportunistic defense and moments of brilliance on offense to score a 30-12 victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field.
NFL Scores Week 1: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte Carry Bears Vs. Falcons
The Bears picked up where they left off in 2011, throttling the Falcons behind an opportunistic defense and Jay Cutler’s arm.
Brian Urlacher had an interception and returned for a touchdown, and the Bears sacked Matt Ryan six teams and forced three turnovers by the Falcons, who failed to score an offensive touchdown. Atlanta's lone six-point score came on a Kroy Biermann interception return in the fourth quarter, with the Bears' victory well in hand.
On offense, Jay Cutler and Matt Forte provided much of the Bears' production. Cutler threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns, including a screen pass that Forte took 56 yards for a touchdown. Forte had 158 total yards rushing and receiving, and was the game's leading receiver.
For the Falcons, Michael Turner had 100 yards on 10 carries.
For more on the Bears, head over to Windy City Gridiron; for more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. Stay tuned to our NFL Week 1 StoryStream for scores and updates from around the NFL, and bookmark SB Nation NFL for regular news and analysis.
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