After winning a game no one expected them to win, the Bears are now widely expected to travel to Seattle and defeat the injury-battling Seahawks. Which Seahawk is injured you ask? Someone pretty important…
How about former Pro-Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck? After being viciously (but legally) leveled by 49er linebacker Patrick Willis, Hasselbeck was discovered to have a fractured rib. Needless to say, the Seahawks are being cautious with their star. No one expects him to be able to play on Sunday, so back-up Seneca Wallace will be asked to fill in.
He’s not the only injury of note for Seattle either. Tackle Sean Locklear is expected to miss the game, as is linebacker Leroy Hill. An even bigger hole would be left by middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who is listed as doubtful for the game. On Chicago’s side, Desmond Clark is doubtful and Pisa Tinoisamoa will miss another week.
Even with injuries of their own, the Bears should have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the ailing Seahawks. On defense, Seneca Wallace is a steep drop-off from Hasselbeck. He’s not as accurate or savvy, but he is more mobile, which could pose a problem in getting pressure on the QB. Fortunately, tackle Walter Jones is listed as questionable with a knee injury, so even if he does play Alex Brown (who is injured himself but expected to play) should have a strong game at the defensive end spot. Speaking of injuries, Tommie Harris needs to show some burst out there so he can help a still-improving pass rush.
Chicago’s secondary will have a tough time covering Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, and new acquisition T.J. Housmandzadeh, all of whom are dangerous. Again, without Hasselbeck under center, that job should be marginally easier. Seattle’s running game is better than advertised, racking up 4.1 yards a carry early in the season.
A lot has been made of Houshmandzadeh’s comments about facing the Bears, in reference to their lack of interest in his services during free agency. "Jerry Angelo probably didn't think I could play, so I'm going to show him Sunday." Linebacker Lance Briggs responded then Housh made his rebuttal on Chicago radio. I don’t care. Housh didn’t say anything earth-shattering. That’s how I’d expect a frustrated receiver to act. He hasn’t seen the ball much in Seattle so far and wants to make an impact. If it motivates the Bears that much, so be it.
Offensively, Chicago needs to establish the run and this weekend is the perfect time to do it. If Tatupu is not at 100% (or out, even better) and Hill is on the sidelines, then Matt Forte should see plenty of carries coming his way. Seattle end Patrick Kerney may excel at rushing the passer, but he’s average against the run. Expect runs his way and up the middle.
Through the air, Cutler is aiming at a pass defense that ranks second in the league after two games. (Though they finished 2008 dead last, so this could be an anomaly of playing the Rams and 49ers, neither of whom pass the ball effectively downfield.) If Devin Hester and Johnny Knox see the field at receiver together, there should be plenty of space to run, but also plenty of cushion on the outside. Seattle’s DB’s will have to respect their speed and Cutler’s arm. Greg Olsen and Kellen Davis will have all the space they need to make catches over the middle. Olsen’s size and speed should give Seattle’s secondary fits.
I won’t call this an easy win, but Chicago has a great chance to reach 2-1 on Sunday afternoon. If they don’t, they can only blame themselves.
Bear down and happy Jay Cutler day!
