Joe's Gameday Preview: Seahawks at Bears

Returning home from their forgetful win at Carolina, the Bears welcome the Seattle Seahawks to Soldier Field on Sunday. Coming off their bye week, Pete Carroll and his young Seahawks are looking for the upset win in the windy city. Here's my take on today's NFC match-up.

(2-2) Seattle Seahawks at
(4-1) Chicago Bears

What gives the Bears a competitive and emotional advantage this week is the return of quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler, cleared of his concussion, will aid an offense that was completely anemic through the air last week. He'll be staring down a surprisingly decent Seattle defensive unit which ranks twelfth in the league in points allowed at 19.3 per outing. While they give up nearly 375 yards a game, they don't let you in the end zone. Carroll, known for his defensive schemes, drafted a playmaker in secondary when he took safety Earl Thomas with the 14th overall pick. Thomas is a ball-hawk and will be waiting for any errant pass over the middle that floats too long. The Seattle secondary is full of names you'll know like corner Marcus Trufant and veteran safety Lawyer Milloy, but they're long in the tooth and won't be able to keep up with the Bears' speed on the outside with Devin Hester and Johnny Knox. Cutler should carve them up if he's patient.

The strength of the Seahawk defense is in their linebacking unit, anchored by Lofa Tatupu in the middle, flanked by Aaron Curry on the weakside. They're big defenders that fly to the ball, making it hard for opponents to run on the 'Hawks, who only give up 73 yards a game on the ground. Despite that statistic, Mike Martz can't forget about the run in Cutler's first game back. Matt Forte's explosiveness last week proved that he needs to touch the ball as often as possible. His success should serve as a deterrent to defenses that simply want to blitz Cutler on every down. The Seahawk defense is weak up front with Chris Clemons and Red Bryant on the outside. Former Colt Raheem Brock gives the 'Hawks depth at the end position, but the Bears should (emphasis on should) be able to control the line of scrimmage. Still, the additional shifts this week might make for early problems on offense. Chris Williams makes his return to the starting line-up, but now at left guard, replacing the injured Roberto Garza. Edwin Williams and J'Marcus Webb will get their second opportunity to start together on the right side of the line, so keep an eye on the youngsters to see if they fend off the veterans behind them on the depth chart.

Playing right into Lovie Smith's style of play, the Seahawks own the 31st ranked offense in the NFL, accumulating only 277.3 yards a game. Carroll's team plays with a different intensity at Qwest Field, where they have the NFL's best home field advantage and sit at 2-0. On the road in 2010 they're 0-2 and struggle to mount offense. Matt Hasselbeck is an aging QB who doesn't have the same accuracy as he did during his Pro Bowl seasons. He has a very inexperienced group of wide-outs, especially since they just traded away veteran Deion Branch back to the Patriots. Former bust Mike Williams starts on the outside and rookie Golden Tate backs him up while slot receiver Brandon Stokley gets his catches over the middle. Pass-catching TE John Calson is probable for the game, making sure Hasselbeck has one of his favorite targets. Chicago's secondary matches up favorably with Seattle's receivers, but they can't allow them to find success early. Forcing a few three-and-outs early and getting the offense a turnover or two will lock in a victory.

The combination of Justn Forsett, Leon Washington and the recently acquired Marshawn Lynch is a formidable one, but they don't get much help from the offensive line. Eighty rushing yards a game won't get it done, though Washington is a threat on special teams. Not against a defense as fast as the Bears' is. Rookie tackle Russell Okung and guard Stacy Andrews are decent pieces, but the line isn't settled at all. Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije are likely to have big days rushing the QB. Brian Iwuh makes the start for Lance Briggs, whom the Bears could miss on the defensive side.

The Odds:

Bears are currently six point home favorites.

Prediction:

One word: BEARS! Cutler's return paired with a struggling road team will make for an electric home atmosphere that the Seahawks will not be able to overcome. I expect Matt Forte to have another big day.

How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?

I'd say one at MOST. Seattle is a hot, steamy pile of garbage on the road. They just won't be able to get it done, ensuring a fairly drama-free afternoon. (Unless Cutler gets knocked around early. Then I'll be furious.)

Message to the Bears:

Protect Jay and win. That's all you need to do.

Bear down and Happy Jay Cutler Day! Welcome back Jay!