Joe's Divisional GameDay Preview: Seahawks at Bears

After a week off, the Chicago bears are set to enter the playoff picture today as they host the Seattle Seahawks. Brimming with confidence after their victory over the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints, the Seahawks head into what will surely be a raucous Soldier Field atmosphere and some particularly low temperatures. Can Chicago fend off the surprise Seahawks? Or will their week off come at their detriment? Here’s the break down.

When last these teams met in week six, Seattle exploited Chicago’s then-porous offensive line for six sacks of Jay Cutler, who was still being called on to pass nearly every down. It’s been three months since that loss and Mike Martz has flipped the switch on his offensive gameplan, calling a balanced attack and keeping Cutler upright. Mike Tice’s o-line experience is starting to show its true color, solidifying a line that had been ultimately horrific.

On the lakefront, that Chicago offense cannot forget what got them into the postseason. Martz must continue to feed Matt Forte the ball and churn up yards on the ground. From there, he can call the play-action passes at which Cutler excels. Running play-action will suck in ball-hawking Earl Thomas towards the line of scrimmage, which means Johnny Knox or Devin Hester may be able to be at their man down field for a big play. While Martz will need to take his shots today, it comes down to how effective Cutler can be when the time comes. He has to limit his errant “whatever” throws. Keep it safe, but stay on the attack. Missing the past few weeks, Greg Olsen cannot be overlooked in today’s gameplan. He’s a mis-match for any of Seattle’s linebackers, including the now active Lofa Tatupu, who will go after missing time with a concussion. Olsen typically makes his presence felt in the red zone, as long as Cutler doesn’t force a ball into triple-coverage. On the edges, Chicago has to account for Chris Clemons

Without Lance Briggs, the Bears’ defense was short-handed in their loss to Seattle. That will not be the case in the divisional round as the Bears are among the healthiest teams remaining in the post-season. This may sound like I’m spinning a broken record, but Lovie Smith’s defensive success needs to start up front. Julius Peppers must make his presence felt on every play and find a way to routinely hit Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck had a fantastic game last week against a soft Saints defense, but this week he won’t have as easy of a time finding his receivers. Chicago needs to keep their eyes on three Seahawks on offense. Tight end John Carlson converts third-downs, running back Marshawn Lynch will break tackles and wide-out Mike Williams will expose loose coverage.

Where this game may take shape in on special teams. While the Bears have been the best in the NFL, the Seahawks are close behind. Leon Washington is a threat to go the distance whenever he touches the ball, so Dave Toub’s unit cannot afford to miss any tackles or leave any gaps open. Giving the Seahawks a short field lets them be aggressive and puts the defense in a hole. Can’t have that. Instead, Devin Hester has to have one or two fantastic run-backs of his own.

The Bears are a ten point home favorite.

I don’t know what I’m thinking, but I think the Bears win this easily and cover that ten.