Defense lifts Packers to opening win
Unit offsets inconsistent offense to beat Bears
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 defense, and just enough from Aaron Rodgers on Thursday night in Chicago 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’s 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. The Packers have won 16 of the last 19 regular-season meetings, and Rodgers is 17-5.
The Bears 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 the Packers, while defending NFC North champion Bears got a 38yarder from Eddy Pineiro.
Raiders to suspend Brown: AllPro receiver Antonio Brown wasn’t with the 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.
“I’ll make it short and sweet,” Mayock said. “Antonio Brown is not in the building today, won’t be practicing. I don’t have any more information for you right now. When I have some and it becomes appropriate you guys will all get it. But that’s it for today.”
ESPN reported earlier Thursday that the two had a heated 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.
Coach Jon Gruden said he was frustrated by the situation but that the team is ready to start the season Monday night against the Broncos without Brown if necessary. The Raiders spent most of training camp without Brown on the field as he dealt with frost bite on his feet and a fight with the NFL over his helmet.
“We’ve been going out for practice every day ... without him,” Gruden said. “We never knew sometimes when he was going to practice. So we’re ... good at ... adjusting. Unfortunately. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed.”
Beckham still ailing, will play: New Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said he’s still slowed by a hip injury that sidelined him in the preseason.
Beckham, who came to Browns from the Giants in a blockbuster trade in March, was kept out of the four exhibitions to manage the unspecified ailment.
The three-time Pro Bowler said he’s been “afraid to open up” and run as fast as he can to this point.
“This is something I’ve never had to deal with,” Beckham said Thursday as the Browns prepared for Sunday’s opener against the Titams. “It’s like an extremely fast car with like a little alignment or something off. And it’s right in the center of what you need. Now, the car can still go but it’s dangerous, you know what I mean?
“So, it’s just something I’ve been trying to figure out.”
Beckham has been undergoing treatment with the hope of being as close to 100% for the opener.