The Chicago Bears are tied 3-3 with the San Diego Chargers after one quarter at Soldier Field, as the two teams traded field goals in a relatively uneventful first period. There were a couple of longer plays, including a nice 31-yard pass from Jay Cutler to Johnny Knox, but ultimate neither team could score a touchdown or force a turnover.
The Chargers initially took the lead on a 28-yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak, finishing off a 47-yard drive, but the Bears responded with a field goal of their own on the following possession. Chicago started back at its own 14 on that drive, but Cutler carried them on a nine-play, 62-yard drive to set up a 42-yard field goal for Bears kicker Robbie Gould.
The offense hasn't really gotten going for Chicago, yet, as Cutler's only 4-of-9 for 61 yards while Matt Forte has been limited to only seven yards on his first five carries. San Diego has been a bit better so far, especially on the run with Ryan Mathews covering 34 yards on his first six carries.
The Bears are going to need to tighten things up for the remainder of this game, because so far the defense really hasn't taken advantage of a beleaguered Chargers offensive line. Without the offense running on all cylinders, the Bears defense is really going to have to limit what Philip Rivers and Mathews can do going forward. Early in the second quarter, San Diego currently has the ball near midfield.
For more on Sunday's game, check out Windy City Gridiron, SB Nation's Chicago Bears blog, and Bolts From The Blue, SB Nation's San Diego Chargers blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more updates.