It hasn't exactly been an offensive explosion in Chicago so far, but the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings have both taken advantage of short fields, and the Bears currently have a 7-3 lead over the Vikings after one quarter of play.
After a three-and-out for the Vikings on their first series, Chicago running back Matt Forte fumbled the ball on Chicago's first play from scrimmage, and Chad Greenway recovered on the Chicago 23-yard line. The Vikings couldn't move the ball much further, and had to settle for a 40-yard field goal from Blair Walsh to take an early 3-0 lead.
After the teams exchanged punts, the Vikings returned the favor when Adrian Peterson couldn't get the handle on a handoff from Christian Ponder and put the ball on the turf. Charles Tillman recovered at the Minnesota 33, and the Bears took advantage with a drive culminating with a 1-yard touchdown run by Michael Bush to give the Bears a 7-3 lead.
Chris Kluwe got an awful punt away on the Vikings next possession, and the Bears moved into the Minnesota red zone again. Aided by a dumb penalty on A.J. Jefferson. . .and hurt by an equally dumb taunting penalty on Cutler. . .Brandon Marshall managed to lose seven yards and forced the Bears to bring out Robbie Gould, who converted from 47 yards out to make the score 10-3.
That's where we stand after fifteen minutes of play at Soldier Field. The Vikings really need to get something going offensively, or it's going to be a long rest of the afternoon.