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Running back Kyle Long and the Bears will open the season by hosting the Packers Sunday at Soldier Field. |
After an off day Tuesday, the Bears return to the practice field Wednesday to continue preparing for Sunday's season opener against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
It's the beginning of a difficult three-game stretch for the Bears, who open the season against three teams in the Packers, Cardinals and Seahawks that went a combined 35-13 last year.
Although the Bears and Packers will meet for the 191st time, Sunday's game marks only the third time the longtime rivals have opened the season in Chicago. The Bears are 17-12-2 versus Green Bay in season openers, including 1-1 at Soldier Field: a 6-3 win in 1979 and a 16-9 loss in 1981.
The Bears lead the all-time series 93-91-6 but have lost nine of 10 since 2010, including the 2010 NFC Championship Game. Their only win during that span was a 27-20 victory at Lambeau Field on Nov. 4, 2013 when Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited with a broken collarbone on Green Bay's first possession. The Packers have won five straight at Soldier Field.
In 11 career games against Green Bay, Jay Cutler has completed 201 of 352 passes for 2,456 yards with 14 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and a 67.1 passer rating. In 13 contests, Matt Forte has rushed for 876 yards and four TDs on 224 carries and caught 55 passes for 529 yards and 1 TD.
In 14 career games versus the Packers, Jared Allen has recorded 16 sacks, 51 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Shea McClellin has registered 4.5 of his 7.5 career sacks in four contests against Green Bay.
ChicagoBears.com will provide all the latest news throughout the week from Halas Hall. Coach John Fox will address the media Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers will be available Wednesday, while Cutler and offensive coordinator Adam Gase will speak Thursday.