Rematch weekend continues when the Seahawks come into Chicago to try and knock off the Bears for the second time this season. In their week 6 win against the Bears, Seattle aggressively blitzed Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler, leading to 6 sacks and an 0-12 mark on third down for the Bears as they struggled to find a rhythm on offense. But there was a few things working against Chicago in this game that the Seahawks won’t be able to exploit this time around.
For starters, Lance Briggs is in the lineup on Sunday. Its easily forgotten that Chicago’s other All Pro linebacker didn’t play in that first matchup, and its easy to see the difference he makes for this defense when he‘s on the field. Another difference about today’s game is that Chicago has seemingly cured what was ailing them in terms of protecting the quarterback. During a four game game stretch which included the game against Seattle Cutler was sacked 19 times and even missed a game with a concussion. Since that time, offensive line coach Mike Tice has solidified the pass protection and motivated the offensive line to keep their QB standing upright.
The running game will be the other key to remember in this matchup. In that loss earlier this season, Chicago ran the ball only 14 times (two on scrambles by Jay Cutler) for 61 yards. In their last nine games, the Bears have taken a much more balance approach on offense with 258 rushing attempts vs. 276 passes, and they’ve gained over 100 yards on the ground in eight of those final nine games after eclipsing the century mark only twice in the first seven games.
So here’s my prediction: Although Seattle may be riding a wave of momentum after last weekend’s emotional win against New Orleans, the Bears have two things working in their favor. Number one, the Bears have zero players listed on their injury report, which is virtually unheard of at this point in the season. Even though the Saints injuries should not have played an important role in that ridiculous loss last week, when you’re missing your top playmakers it’s a given that you’re going to struggle, no matter who you’re playing against. The other thing working in Chicago’s favor is their defense, which has reverted back to “Monsters of the Midway” form. The Bears have given up more than 20 points to an opponent only four times this season, and despite Matt Hasselbeck’s renaissance, the Seahawks are not going to hang 41 points on this defense at home.
Seattle gets no respect; from me or the Bears. Chicago covers the spread in a win by two scores.
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