Sep 9, 2018; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Wesley/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY NETWORK
September 11, 2018
Chicago Bears: In his first game with the team, outside linebacker Khalil Mack made his share of big plays, including a forced fumble, fumble recovery and interception return for a touchdown. But he said the biggest takeaway from Week 1 was the effort wasn’t good enough. “You can take away a few positives,” Mack said. “You definitely have to learn from this, about finishing. You have a few positives, but it’s a lot of negatives. You are only really satisfied when you win.” Chicago didn’t sack Aaron Rodgers once in the second half despite the quarterback battling a knee issue that limited his movement.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers have “some information” but are not sharing it until the NFL requires an injury status update on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers injured his left knee and said he was in a lot of pain Sunday night when he went to the locker room on a cart, only to return and complete 17 of 23 passes for 273 yards in the second half. One factor in the decision is Rodgers’ mobility with the Minnesota Vikings up next. Rodgers was injured at Minnesota last season when he took a shot from linebacker Anthony Barr. “We’re still collecting all the information on his specific situation,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I know Aaron wants to play and is always driven to play, but that’s all I have for you right now.”
Minnesota Vikings: Opposing coach Kyle Shanahan felt the 49ers would have opportunities presented to make a play against former pupil Kirk Cousins, but the new Vikings’ quarterback was able to thread the needle on multiple occasions to win his debut on Sunday. After watching the film, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer — who commonly praised former quarterback Case Keenum for his, eh, guts — came away impressed. “He is pretty accurate. The one to Rudolph was a tight window. The one to (Stefon) Diggs, the one to (David) Morgan. He has been doing it in practice, too. He throws into tight places. When he needs to hum it, he can hum it. There was another throw in there, can’t remember which one it was, but he hummed that one in there pretty good, too. I thought it was probably a little bit of both. A little guts and a little bit of arm talent.”
–Field Level Media
