GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns passes, the second after Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler threw an interception in his own territory, and the Green Bay Packers raced to a 21-0 lead early in second quarter Sunday night.
Rodgers started 10 of 12 of 146 yards in dissecting the Chicago defense. He found Brandon Bostick for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 6:13 left in the quarter, and connected with Andrew Quarless on a 4-yard scoring strike less than 3 minutes later.
The second touchdown was set up after safety Micah Hyde picked off Cutler’s short pass at the 32 and returned it 9 yards. Rodgers found Quarless four plays later.
Green Bay made it a three-score game when Rodgers connected with Jordy Nelson for a 73-yard touchdown pass on third-and-11 on the first play of the second quarter.
Cutler’s first-quarter performance surely won’t ease the stinging criticism he has faced back home in Chicago. He has thrown 11 interceptions in four career games at Lambeau Field.
Cutler opened the game 5 of 8 for 49 yards. The Bears’ last possession of the first quarter ended with star linebacker Clay Matthews sacking Cutler on third-and-12 – a play made worse for the Bears after right tackle Jordan Mills was whistled for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness for shoving former Bears pass rusher Julius Peppers after the play.
Green Bay’s league-worst run defense also got off to a good start after holding Matt Forte to 3 yards on three carries.
The Packers scored on their opening possession for the fourth straight game.
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