I'm still trying to figure out what possessed both Brian Urlacher and Matt Leinart to think to themselves, "Yes, I will hit that," when looking at that picture.

You know, I understand why people are pissy about Travis Johnson yelling at a concussed Trent Green. I really do. However, my first reaction when I saw that play this afternoon was "Hey! Serves him right for trying to throw a block like that!" He went helmet first at a guy's knee. Jackson's reaction may not have been very nice, but really, no sympathy for Trent Green. - Run Up The Score

I thought the same thing. Yes, quarterbacks trying to block is as painful as kickers trying to tackle, but Green, whether he meant to or not, did actually wind up going for someone's knees, which is not exactly kosher among anyone in the League. Glad he's okay, but still...

Anyway, Griese goes to Desmond Clark for a first down inside the GB 40. Griese tries to go deep to Olsen, but overthrows him. Brian Griese has looked perfectly serviceable by not throwing picks so far. Benson gets not much on the next play. 3rd down play is a slant that gets nine yards when they needed 12 after a penalty. Gould is trying a 44 yarder. It's good, and it's 17-10, Packers, which means this game will wind up scoring more than I predicted.

Tremond Williams busts a HUGE kick return of 65 yards. DeShawn Wynn takes the screen pass for another 15 to the Chicago 20. Wynn gets six more on the handoff. The Packers can't get any more than that, though, and Crosby will be kicking. Delay of game on the FG offense, but it's not a huge deal at this distance. 20-10, Packers, as it goes through the uprights.

"That is good from 32, 37, 42, or 47." - AM

"I like a bit of kraut on my bratwurst, but you see those guys in there. I wonder where those boots have been." - JM
"You might want a Budweiser Select before eating that sauerkraut." - AM

Shouting out to a sponsor and the main rival in what is obviously Miller territory. Al, you certainly know how to shill. The Packer D gives Griese and crew help with an illegal contact flag for hitting Desmond Clark. Benson piles for about three yards. Griese to Olsen, and another flag as A.J. Hawk brings him down. Al Harris gets called for hands to Griese's face, and another first down.

Madden says you have live with some of these penalties because Harris and Woodson are so physical and dominant. "I'm not making excuses for them, well, I guess I am." Whatever the fuck that means, sir.

Chicago's short on 3rd down yet again, and the kick is off to Woodson who gets a fair catch at the 3, and we've got fisticuffs between a couple players (short-lived) and a flag down. Too many men on GB, but the Bears will decline it.

Saints v. Seahawks next Sunday...when does flex scheduling start? - Anon

Aw, phooey. I'd like to think it's next week, but I bet not.

A reality show to discover the next "Phenomenon" featuring a hack-ass "magician" (Criss Angel) and a dude who can bend metal (Uri Geller)? Put me in charge of NBC's programming. I know I can do a better job of bringing in viewers.

"Favre, who's been to the rodeo for 16 years now, has made it through, but then you get some plays like that happen to you." - AM, as Favre throws his good old interception to Brian Urlacher like the gunslinger he is -- and on the next play, Brian Griese throws it to Greg Olsen, who is forced out by Atari 2600 of the Packers, so touchdown. Gould's PAT is up and good, and it's 20-17, Packers. Possible momentum swing.

G-Reg representing that 7th Floor Crew! - Gangsta D

I forgot, he is an alum of THA U, isn't he? Favre goes three and out with three straight rushes, and they better not punt to Hester.

"If I'm Ryan, I want to directional punt to Sheboygan right now." - AM
"He'll get it between the numbers and Sheboygan." - JM

"...and he just punted it right out of bounds to Sheboygan." - JM. He did kind of shank that thing, and the Bears are going to have a good shot to take advantage of this. Once again to Olsen for very little. False start on Des Clark doesn't help. Handoff gets stuffed, and a very long 3rd down now. Al Harris goes bumpin' on Muhsin Muhammad, and it's 4th down. Packers will get it back, but Woodson fumbles the punt and the Bears recover! Brendan Ayanbadejo knocks it loose and Brad Maynard gets it back. Griese hits Mark Bradley inside the Packer 25.

Third quarter's over, and we have ourselves a ball game, folks. 20-17, Packers, but for how long?