Joe's GameDay Recap: Bears 35, Seahawks 24

That was probably the most relaxing Bears playoff game I’ve ever watched. Chicago jumped out early on the over-matched Seattle Seahawks, putting this game out of reach before the first half ended and looking towards the NFC title game.

(12-5) Chicago Bears 35
(8-10) Seattle Seahawks 24

I guess Mike Martz was keeping Greg Olsen under wrap all season so he could save his break-out game for the playoffs. It was a plan that came to fruition on Sunday as Greg Olsen erupted for 113 yards in the first half, including a 58 yard bomb on Jay Cutler’s first pass of the game. From there it was all Bears… and some food.

Chicago’s defense put this game out of reach in the first quarter by shutting down the Seahawks on third down and forcing punts that resulted in good field position. After the Olsen score, the Bears took their third drive of the game and marched it down to the Seattle goal line where Chester Taylor punched it in. After another punt (notice a theme here?), Jay Cutler ran a score in himself, his first of two on the afternoon. Seattle didn’t get any points on the board until the third quarter, where it was 28-0 and already over.

You can’t overlook how well Cutler played today. For all the detractors that assumed Cutler would bonehead the game away, how do you like him now? Two passing scores and two rushing scores easily make Cutler the MVP of the game. His completion percentage wasn’t great, but averaging 18 yards a completion is outstanding. He kept control of the ball when he had it and found the open man with regularity. When you look at his performance as well as the combined effort of Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, the offensive line needs to be recognized for their dominance today.

Acknowledging their taking it easy in the second half, the Bear defense came out and did exactly what was necessary. Tommie Harris accounted for Chicago’s two sacks of Matt Hasselbeck, making the most of his time on the field. Holding Seattle to only 34 yards on the day is impressive for a team that ran all over the Saints whenever they wanted. No “Beast mode” today Mr. Lynch. Let’s just remember though, they were playing the Seahawks. Just saying.

Areas of concern for Chicago? The cornerbacks. Sure, Charles Tillman did a great job of shutting down and pressing Mike Williams, but the Seahawks only have one go-to wide-out. The Packers have five. Tim Jennings and Daniel Manning can’t afford to lose anyone deep or over the middle. Also, that dumb wildcat call where Forte actually threw the ball (and got it intercepted) was ridiculous. When you’re up 28-3 that play is greedy and unnecessary. Chicago has never been able to run the wildcat effectively, but passing out of it? No sir. Let your franchise QB pass it please.

Now we get to play Green Bay. I’ll try to avoid thinking about it for now. Bear Down and happy Jay Cutler day!