Final: Packers 21 - Da Bearz 15

As Jerry Seinfeld might, say, "Ohhhhhhhhhh....that's a shame."

Da Bearz. So close. And yet, so far. As in Jay Cutler tossing 4 interceptions, a career high. (As Jay Leno said on air at halftime, the Packers had a great quarterback playing for them...pause, wait for it...Jay Cutler!) And as in a fake punt play that was ultimately a giveaway of points to the Packers, leaving the announcers mystified and even Bearz fans wondering, "What the (insert expletive here) was that?!"

Yes, the Pack got hosed on few calls by the refs, including the critical illegal use of hands call on Al Harris which led to Da Bearz being able to keep a drive going and leading to their last score.

It was, as expected in the Black 'n' Blue Division, a very physical game. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers took more than his share of hits during the game due to some major blocking breakdowns by his line. But when the game was on the line, he connected big time with Greg Jennings for the winning touchdown with just over one minute to go. And then, the Packers defense came up big again, with Al Harris making up for that earlier penalty to award Cutler his fourth pick of the night.

Final score: Packers 21, Da Bearz 15.

One other thing I know coming out of this game -- and Packer fans in the Wisconsin-Illinois border area will be well aware of this -- is that listening to the Chicago sports call in shows tonight and tomorrow will be a pure joy. There are no fans on the planet that turn faster on their hometown team than Chicago fans. But I can save myself all that time because I already heard most of the complaints that Bearz fans will be spouting courtesy of my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, after tonight's game. Starting with, "Cutler sucks!". And it just gets better from there. Use your imagination.

More game review and analysis tomorrow. For tonight, just know that the last time the Packers opened the season with a victory against Da Bearz was 1997. Oh, and the Pack went to the Super Bowl that year, too. Good omen? Good start anyway. And we'll definitely take it. Border bragging rights until at least the December game in Chicago.

Ah, it's great to be a Packers fan!