Bears vs. Jets 2014: Both teams searching for 2nd win in primetime

The New York Jets are coming off a loss in which they likely impressed many with relatively strong play. The Chicago Bears are coming off a win which most consider pretty lucky, and attribute more to the fact that the San Francisco 49ers imploded in the second half. Both teams are 1-1 though, and seem evenly matched heading into their primetime game on Monday Night Football.

New York is better than most expected, though the season is early yet. The Bears, on the other hand, were floated as playoff contenders during the offseason and have not looked the part through two games. The loss to the Buffalo Bills was particularly troubling, as is their inability to stop the run. But pulling off that late comeback in San Francisco was a solid first step toward fulfilling their potential.

Jay Cutler hit Brandon Marshall for a touchdown just before halftime against the 49ers, and that set the comeback in motion. Yes, the 49ers made a ton of mistakes and basically handed the game to the Bears, but the Bears were also able to execute on their end, which is just as important. Cutler wound up throwing three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, after Colin Kaepernick threw three interceptions and generally failed to get anything going.

This was a game in which the Bears were dominated for the better part of three quarters, coming off a bad loss to the Bills. But you can't argue too much with four touchdown passes for Cutler, three of which went to Marshall as the 49ers insisted on rookie Jimmie Ward in coverage. Cutler only threw for 176 yards, but his defense consistently gave him strong starting field position.

Of course, one of the teams the Jets played was the Oakland Raiders, a team totally incapable of moving the ball in any situation. The Jets beat the Raiders by a score of 19-14 and carried some momentum into their road matchup against the Green Bay Packers. That momentum helped them to a 21-3 lead in the second quarter, before the Packers battled back.

They were passed in the third quarter, when the Packers took a 24-21 lead, and then the Jets tied it back up at 24-24. But Aaron Rodgers wound up hitting Jordy Nelson for an 80-yard touchdown pass that sealed the game. It was a disappointing game for the Jets to be sure, but they still come out well in a few notable areas.

Out: C Roberto Garza (ankle), LB Shea McClellin (hand), CB Sherrick McManis (quadricep), DT Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion), G Matt Slauson (ankle)

Questionable: WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), WR Brandon Marshall (ankle)

Probable: DE Jared Allen (back), S Chris Conte (shoulder), WR Josh Morgan (groin)

Probable: LB Nick Bellore (hip), S Josh Bush (quadricep), G Willie Colon (calf), LB Quinton Coples (elbow), LB A.J. Edds (hamstring), RB Chris Johnson (ankle), C Nick Mangold (shoulder)

The Jets will remain at home to host the Detroit Lions on Sept. 28. The Bears will return home to play host to the Green Bay Packers on the same day.