The post-Peyton Manning era officially began on Sunday in Chicago, as the Indianapolis Colts lost to the Chicago Bears 41-21.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and newly-added wide receiver Brandon Marshall led the way for Chicago, connecting for a touchdown early in the second quarter to propel the team to an easy opening win.
"We got the guys," Marshall told the Associated Press. "We have the pieces. We have the coaches."
Marshall was acquired by the Bears from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason in a trade. Cutler and Marshall were former teammates on the Denver Broncos.
"The chemistry he has with 15 (Marshall) dating back to their time together showed up today," Colt's coach Chuck Pagano said.
The Bears ran the ball well and the game was never out of hand. Running back Matt Forte ran for a touchdown and had 80 yards, while backup Michael Bush ran for two scores.
Cutler had two touchdown passes and also threw for 333 yards.
Chicago is looking to be more explosive on offense a season after they were rattled by injuries to their starting quarterback and running back on their way to an 8-8 record. The team had over 400 yards of offense in this game, which was the first under new coordinator Mike Tice.
Rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck was making his first start for the Colts since they let Manning go in free agency last year. He was solid through the game, passing for 309 yards, but he also had three interceptions.
"There will be a lot of positives, a lot of negatives, we'll try to learn from it," Luck said. "I'm still disappointed fresh off what happened but we'll get over it."
It took a while for the Colts offense to get in a rhythm and the first points the team put up were on defense, off an interception return for a touchdown by Jerrell Freeman. The first offensive points came on a 18-yard Donald Brown run in the second quarter.
Luck had a good feel with long-time receiver Reggie Wayne, as the two connected for nine passes and 135 yards. He also worked well with his tight end, former Stanford teammate Coby Fleener, hitting him six times for 82 yards. Brown had a decent day, rushing for 48 yards on nine carries.
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher started the game even though he had knee surgery last month. He had vowed to play in the game and fought a bit with coach Lovie Smith when he was taken out when the game became a blowout.
"I don't like to leave the game, but he's the head coach, so I do what he says," Urlacher said.
Luck put up similar numbers to Peyton Manning in his NFL debut, including the same amount of touchdowns (one), and the same amount of interceptions (three). Luck actually outgained Manning in yards, although it was only 309 yards passing to 302.
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