GRIN & BEAR IT
NFL's 100th season opens with ugly Packers-Bears battle
The Monsters of the Midway showed up for the NFL's season opener. They were wearing gold, green and white.
In a defensive battle also marked by sloppy offense and penalties, the Packers used the Bears' usual trademark, a staunch D, and just enough from Aaron Rodgers on Thursday night to kick off the league's 100th season with a 10-3 victory over their archrivals.
A lack of action in the preseason clearly damaged both offenses, and Rodgers at times looked uncomfortable in the attack designed by new coach Matt LaFleur. But he is a two- time league MVP, and he hit Jimmy Graham for the game's only touchdown in the second quarter.
From there, it was an aggressive defense that would have made Vince Lombardi proud in the latest edition of the NFL's longest rivalry, which the Packers lead 98- 95- 6. Green Bay has won 16 of
the last 19 regular-season meetings, and Rodgers is 17-5.
Chicago's defense hardly slacked, getting five sacks — tying the most it has had against Rodgers. But it could do little with the ball and the Packers had five sacks of Mitchell Trubisky, who never found his stride. Former Bears safety Adrian Amos picked off an end- zone pass into double coverage with 1:58 remaining, the only turnover of the contest.
Mason Crosby made a 39-yard field goal in the final period for Green Bay, while defending NFC North champion Chicago got a 38-yarder from Eddy Pineiro.
Antonio Brown not with Raiders amid reports of suspension
Star receiver Antonio Brown was sent away from the Oakland Raiders four days before the season opener amid reports he could be suspended over a confrontation with general manager Mike Mayock.
Mayock said at the beginning of practice Thursday that Brown wasn't at the Raiders facility and wouldn't be practicing a day after posting a letter from the GM on social media detailing nearly $54,000 in fines.
ESPN reported earlier Thursday that the two had a confrontation the previous day over the posting of the letter and that the Raiders plan to suspend Brown.
Teams have the right under the collective bargaining agreement to suspend players up to four games for conduct detrimental to the team.
A suspension would also void the more than $ 29 million in guarantees over the next two seasons contained in Brown's contract with the Raiders.
Extra points
Falcons: Julio Jones and Atlanta have not agreed on a contract extension, but the nine-year veteran wide receiver is still expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the Vikings without a new deal.
Rams: Tight end Tyler Higbee agreed to a fouryear contract extension worth $31,025,000. A person with knowledge of the deal says Higbee is guaranteed $15.5 million and could make $36 million over the course of the contract, which runs through the 2023 season.