After a lengthy night of horror movie excellence, here is a slightly abbreviated Gameday Preview. Mike Shanahan's 3-3 'Skins head to Soldier Field to take on his former quarterback Jay Cutler and the Bears. Following a tough loss to Seattle last week, can Lovie Smith's squad bounce back? Let's get to the analysis!
(3-3) Washington Redskins at
(4-2) Chicago Bears
Chicago's offensive line woes reared their ugly face again last week and the Redskin defense will do everything they can to make sure that performance repeats itself. Blitzes are coming on almost every down in an effort to confuse Cutler and the line, which will test Mike Martz's stubborn play-calling. Will we run the ball today? Not likely, if Martz has anything to say about it. Brian Orakpo and linebacker London Fletcher are play-makers across the line. If they're going to have any success there must be better blitz recognition and an effort to find the open receiver quickly, whoever they are. No more seven-step drops today. A quick three-steps is all I want to see from Cutler on the day. If Matt Forte and Chester Taylor aren't in Martz's doghouse, they have the opportunity to have huge games against a 'Skin defense that is giving up tons of yardage. Keep an eye on DeAngelo Hall at DB for the Redskins, who will likely see Johnny Knox for most of the day.
The defense can't put on the same display as last week. Playing at home, the returning Lance Briggs and the other Bear defenders must control their gaps Sunday. Ryan Torain is a bruising running back that ran over and through the Colt defense last week. Other than Torain, the Redskins have nary a threat on offense. Tight end Chris Cooley suffered a concussion in last week's outing but will be active today. Still, he's no deep ball receiver. If the Bear secondary can just keep track of Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong, they should be in good shape to keep the score low. Watch Julius Peppers match up with rookie Trent Williams, who handled Dwight Freeney with surprising regularity. Keeping Donovan McNabb from completing the deep pass will be the Bears' biggest concern, and a pass rush from Peppers will help that goal.
The Odds:
The Bears are a three point home favorite.
The Prediction:
Um... I don't know? It depends on which Bears I see take the field. I'll hesitantly pick them to win at home today.
How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?
Three to four. It'll be too low-scoring to not have a healthy amount of drama.
Message to the Bears Mike Martz:
If you love Jay, you'll run the ball. Give it a shot? ...Please?
Bear down and happy Jay Cutler Day!
Keywords: Chicago Bears, DeAngelo Hall, Jay Cutler, Joe Anello, Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, Matt Forte, Mike Martz, NFL, Trent Williams, Washington Redskins
