After the Lions offense went three-and-out on the opening possession of the game, the Bears orchestrated a six-play, 59-yard drive that culminated in a 7-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Marshall. The score put Chicago up 7-0 early in the first quarter.
The Lions offense struggled in the first quarter, as quarterback Matthew Stafford was 3-of-7 for 12 yards through the air and Mikel Leshoure had four carries for 22 yards and 34 total yards of offense. Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was targeted three times but failed to catch a pass in the opening quarter.
Conversely, Matt Forte carried five times for 43 yards, and seven different Chicago wide receivers had receptions in the first quarter.
The Bears had six first downs to the Lions' one, and held the ball for more than half of the first quarter.
Bears kicker Robbie Gould added a 39-yard field goal with 1:29 remaining in the first quarter to extend Chicago's lead to 10-0.