Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Jay Cutler threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Matt Forte with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, and the Chicago Bears withstood a controversial ruling to squeak by the Detroit Lions, 19-14, in the season opener from Soldier Field.
After the Bears failed on the two-point conversion, the Lions got the ball back at their own 17-yard line. Detroit backup quarterback Shaun Hill, replacing the injured Matthew Stafford, led the Lions down the field, hitting Bryant Johnson for a 24-yard gain, rookie Jahvid Best for eight yards and Tony Scheffler for 10. A 16-yard strike to Calvin Johnson placed the ball at the Chicago 25 and, after Hill spiked the ball to stop the clock, Calvin Johnson made a leaping grab over a Chicago defender in the end zone for a potential go-ahead score.
However, the officials ruled it was an incompletion because Johnson failed to maintain possession through the completion of the play. The third-year wide receiver lost control of the ball as he made his way to his feet after hitting the ground.
The play was upheld following a video review. Chicago then held on for the win after Hill threw two more incompletions.
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