Bears @ Seahawks Preview

It's week three in the NFL, and the 1-1 Bears travel to take on the 1-1 Seahawks. The Seahawks are a banged up team, with 11 players possibly missing this game. That includes quarter back Matt Hasselback, who is a much better quarter back than backup, Seneca Wallace.

The Bears haven't won in Seattle since 1976, a drought that needs to end this weekend. It's tough to win in Seattle, because of how their stadium is built. It gets loud real quick. In fact, since that stadium was built, the Seahawks are on top of the NFL in opponents offsides, and false starts. Talk about home field advantage.

Last week was a big win for the Bears. Falling to 0-2 would have been devastating, especially when it looks like Minnesota is the team to beat in the division.

But after a nice performance from Cutler and the Bears defense, the Bears are 1-1 instead of 0-2, a big difference in my opinion. One game is a lot, it can get you in the playoffs, or keep you out.

This week is a game the Bears should win. Especially with Hasselback and Lofa Tatupu out. Two key players on offense and defense.

Did anyone see the trash talking between TJ Whose-Your-Momma (Houshmanzadeh) and Lance Briggs? Apparently, TJ said he was going to make the Bears and Jerry Angelo pay for not looking at him in free agency. Personally, I agree with the Bears on not looking at him. Seeing this coming from one of the most overrated WR's in the league, I hope we shut him up.


This is what TJ said:

Houshmanzadeh's brash comments that he will best the Bears defensive backs 95%
of the time Sunday, and show up General Manager Jerry Angelo for not signing him
in free agency.

Lance Briggs heard this, and had some trash talking of his own to do:

"Sounds like a bitter guy" Briggs said, "Maybe he wanted to play in Chicago. If
he's going to show what hes going to do on Sunday, well so am I"

Looks like TJ better watch himself coming over the middle.

Running the ball is a must for the Bears, they need to get Forte going, and going early. We seen what Frank Gore can do against this defense. I'm sure Forte could put up some big numbers on this run defense. I'm not worried at all about Forte this season, yet. He did go against two of the best run defenses in his first two games.

We need to get pressure on Wallace, that's a big key to this game. Wallace has the skill to scramble out side of the pocket. Keep him in the pocket and make that pocket close. We should be fine if we can get pressure on him.

Tommie Harris needs to show up. He's had about two good plays this season so far, but he claims he is 100 % this year. Now start playing like it Tommie. Don't we all remember what a beast this guy was in 2005-2006?

Can Alex Brown and Ogunleye keep their good play up? Both have had two good games so far, they are making the Bears defensive line look good.

Finally, Cutler needs to make plays down field. Jay is tied for fourth in the NFL with passing plays over 20 yards. The Seahawks defense is #2 in the league in holding their opponents to passes under 20 yards, with only one. In fact, the Seahawks have not given up a passing touchdown all year. Change that Cutler, and we will be in good shape.

Now for my Three key players of the game:

Matt Forte

Is this the week Forte finally breaks out and gets to regular form? Most likely. The Seahawks look like a good team to run on, especially since they are banged up. I expect Forte to get a lot more touches this week, and make the most of the touches. On the other hand, if Forte isn't getting touches, the Bears will struggle. But I like the first option I said.

Johnny Knox Is Johnny Knox a fluke? I dont think so. And impressive eight catches for 152 yards and a TD for a rookie in his first two games doesn't sound like a fluke. Knox has blazing speed (Maybe faster than Hester) and he is not afraid to go up and get the ball. He seems like Cutlers favorite target this year so far, lets hope he keeps playing well. Knox will get his chances in this game, he just needs to make the most of them.

Tommie Harris
Tommie needs to get on track, and get on track now. The Bears are going to need him to play big if they want to have a legitimate run this year. Tommie just has two tackles all season, something that has to change. Tommie can turn this around, but it's going to take effort. I believe Tommie will this week.

Final Score Prediction:

Bears 24, Seahawks 20

The Bears will come out on top, but it wont be easy. It's never easy playing in Seattle.