Well shut my mouth! The Bears definitely proved me wrong yesterday, and did it resounding fashion. As I wrote the other day in my preview, I wasn’t expecting much from the Bears.  Atlanta was a top team last season, with improvements all around this season, and the Bears were bringing the same people to the party after lucking out on more than one occasion a year ago.  But after a 30-12 beatdown, which featured contributions from both sides of the ball, maybe I have to rethink some things.  But first, let’s look at how it happened.

Everything pretty much clicked for the Bears yesterday afternoon.  Jay Cutler was outstanding, throwing for over 300 yards along with a couple touchdown passes.  He did have one interception, but if he keeps those to a minimum, things should be okay.  Matt Forte had a fantastic day, catching one of those touchdown passes and totaling 90 yards receiving.  But he’s a running back and also added a decent 68 yards on the ground. 

The receiving corps did a nice job overall, with the highlight being a Devin Hester run after catch for a sizeable gain.  Roy Williams and Johnny Knox contributed 55 and 60 yards, respectively.  It was a nice performance and one that should quiet some critics if it continues, including yours truly.

As for the defense, the Monsters of the Midway were out in full force for one afternoon, at least, as they were just relentless in their pursuit of Matt Ryan.  They kept the vaunted Falcons’ offensive attack in check all game long, and put a stamp on it with Brian Urlacher’s touchdown in the second half.  One turnover and five sacks is what the doctor ordered, and if that sort of pass rush continues, the defense will be a force.

It was a total team effort, which was a nice surprise.  The Bears played as though Green Bay has already been handed the division by pundits, and were determined to show that, as the defending champs, they will have something to say about that. 

But what does it mean?  Well, not a whole lot.  If they keep playing at this level, then yes, I will change my tune and start getting behind them.  But this was one game.  Granted, it was a very good game on all accounts, and the Bears played like they are ready to make noise.  However, I feel like Atlanta didn’t play anything close to their potential, and the Bears came out jacked up with it being the trifecta of the opening game, opening game at Soldier Field, and the absolutely riveting and chilling 9/11 ceremony and National Anthem performance.  The Falcons were walking straight into the fire, as the crowd was nuts, and never gained composure.

Which leads to next week, when the Bears travel to New Orleans for the Saints’ home opener.  That dome is going to be rocking and the Bears will feel how the Falcons felt. Next week is now the true litmus test for the Bears, as they go on the road to face one of the best teams in football.