After a disappointing performance against the Bills last week, Cutler and the Bears offense looked much better on Saturday against the Giants. Cutler completed 8 of 13 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, and a 117.8 passer rating. Matt Forte looked to be back at his regular season status rushing for 58 yards on 9 carries including a 32 yard run for a touchdown after being held out of the preseason opener against the Bills. Devin Hester made a key catch converting on third down but struggled on 2 occasions to haul in 2 passes down the field. On one occasion there seemed to me some confusion between the young receiver and Pro Bowl quarterback, and the second looked like Hester hesitated a little and slowed down while the ball was in the air leading to Cutler over throwing the wide open receiver. Wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, certainly helped himself trying to make the final 53-man roster by making an impressive diving catch for 38 yards moving the sticks to the Giants 2 yard line. The Bears look like they are trying to squash everyone’s disbelief that they need a #1 receiver by mixing up the passes to several different targets. Cutler threw to 6 different targets in the 17-3 victory over the Giants. Overall the offense looked very in sync on Saturday I hope that continues.

I was also impressed with the starting defense holding the Giants to only a field goal. Rod Marinelli’s defensive line looked aggressive getting after the quarterback. The defense registered 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble. After a fumble by Bears running back Kevin Jones on their own 28 yard line, the defense was able to hold the Giants to only a field goal, their only points of the game. Dusty Dvoracek injured his knee which is rumored to be one that could keep him out of several games this year. Dvoracek is to have more tests to see how serious the injury is. This isn’t the first time the defensive tackle has gone down to injury. Dusty has suffered season ending injuries the last three seasons in a row. Let’s hope this isn’t his fourth

As for the rest of the NFC north, this is going to be a heck of a year for this division. I can honestly say probably the most exciting division in the league this year. Green Bay has looked impressive thus far in their 2 preseason games with their transition to the 3-4 defense. Their offense looks destined to put up good offensive numbers again with Aaron Rodgers under center and talented receivers. Minnesota has picked up what is believed to be the final piece of the puzzle for their quest for the Lombardi trophy in future HOF quarterback Brett Favre, however questions remain with his overall health. Even with Brett Favre under centre for the Vikings, I don’t believe they are sure favorites to win this division. The Lions have made significant improvement, but still will likely fall short of competing for the NFC north title this year, but the team should be improved and could play that spoiler role later in the season. With how competitive this division is now, the NFC north could send two teams to the playoffs this year, especially since Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota are considered to have some of the easier schedules in the league. But I would say, if its up to the Lions, they would have no problem taking the wild card away from the north.