The New Stadium Viewed as the Sun Sets on the City
(Gate O, South Gate)
Oak Park Journal photo 

Ahman Green ran for 176 yards on 19 carries, and Favre threw three touchdown passes, leading the visiting Green Bay Packers past the Bears 38-23. "I knew we would run the ball well," Favre said. "Before the game, Ahman was all fired up. And the offensive line -- you could just tell they were ready to go." The Packers now 2-2 won for the 17th time in the last 19 meetings between these old rivals, building a 24-6 half-time lead against the Bears  now 0-3 

The Bears, in their new-look stadium that is part of a $606 million lakefront beautification project, appeared to get back in the game with 12:36 left when the "A-Train" Anthony Thomas broke off a 67-yard TD run to make it 24-16. It was the longest run of his career.

When the Bears got within eight points in the final quarter, Favre put it away with a pair of TD passes, a 9-yarder to Javon Walker with 8:51 remaining and a 1-yarder to Bubba Franks with 4:21 left... Game Over

"I can't understand why we don't play better. We make the same mistakes over and over," Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "It's frustrating right now. We had a chance to get back in the game and we don't make a play. It was a huge game, and we just embarrassed ourselves one more time"

"It's frustrating right now. We had a chance to get back in the game and we don't make a play. It was a huge game, and we just embarrassed ourselves one more time." 
 

Green Bay Packers QB Farve
Oak Park Journal photo 

Favre improved his career record against the Bears to 19-4 and has now compiled 10 straight road wins against the Bears. He also reached another milestone, moving ahead of Dan Fouts to No. 5 on the career passing yards list with a total of 43,089. Asked why he's been so successful against the Bears, Favre said: "I have no idea. But I'm not complaining." He completed 21 of 30 passes for 179 yards. Green ran for two TDs -- one an impressive 60-yarder. 

Other Highights/lowlights:

The Bears had hoped to make it a gala night. They invited many of their stars of the past -- including Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers,  Mike Singletary and Gary Fencik -- to line the field as the current team charged out during player introductions. 

Bears quarterback Kordell Stewart  who was sacked five times, scored on a 1-yard run with 1:28 remaining. By that time, most of the crowd of 58,937 had gone home. 

Next Up at The New Soldier Field... The Oakland Raiders Sunday, October 5, 2003 
12 noon 

Two Large Viewing Screens Have Heads Going Both Directions. Oak Park Journal photo  Photos and Notes......