Divisional Round: Bears vs. Seahawks - Sun Jan 14, 12 pm CST

[Banedon]

I've wondered if the Bears are trying different things defensively the last few weeks to give teams different things to prepare for...then I saw this quote.

 

Chicago's defense was dominant. But that was then.

 

"That's way behind us now," Seahawks cornerback Jordan Babineaux said. "They've changed what they do."

 

If he's meaning that the Bears are compensating for the Harris and Brown injuries, then that's true...but I wonder if they are looking at the last few weeks games and thinking that the Bears are vulnerable in places where they may not be this week.

 

Just a thought.

[UMFan83]

I've wondered if the Bears are trying different things defensively the last few weeks to give teams different things to prepare for...then I saw this quote.

 

Chicago's defense was dominant. But that was then.

 

"That's way behind us now," Seahawks cornerback Jordan Babineaux said. "They've changed what they do."

 

If he's meaning that the Bears are compensating for the Harris and Brown injuries, then that's true...but I wonder if they are looking at the last few weeks games and thinking that the Bears are vulnerable in places where they may not be this week.

 

Just a thought.

 

They did change what they do. Back in the Seattle game, almost no blitzes were called because the D-Line was getting such good pressure on the QB. Now without Tommie, Rivera has been using a lot of blitzes and leaving the safties in single coverage.

Edited January 8, 2007 by UMFan83

[Balsa]

I think that may be giving too much credit to Lovie Banedon, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Bears defense stepped up just as Indy's defense stepped up on Saturday.

 

Plus, all this business about momentum makes me sick. The Packers game was nothing more than an exhibition game, with the key being that no one got hurt, and our enemies think us weaker than we really are.

[Banedon]

I've wondered if the Bears are trying different things defensively the last few weeks to give teams different things to prepare for...then I saw this quote.

 

Chicago's defense was dominant. But that was then.

 

"That's way behind us now," Seahawks cornerback Jordan Babineaux said. "They've changed what they do."

 

If he's meaning that the Bears are compensating for the Harris and Brown injuries, then that's true...but I wonder if they are looking at the last few weeks games and thinking that the Bears are vulnerable in places where they may not be this week.

 

Just a thought.

 

They did change what they do. Back in the Seattle game, almost no blitzes were called because the D-Line was getting such good pressure on the QB. Now without Tommie, Rivera has been using a lot of blitzes and leaving the safties in single coverage.

 

Thanks. I thought I might be overthinking it...

[BigSlick]

I don't know why that Seahawk fan would rather play the Bears than the Saints.

 

Honestly I think we are more balanced than the Saints, and I think their bubble is about to burst.

[Soriano12]

Is Trufant playing SUnday?

[da bears]

I don't know why that Seahawk fan would rather play the Bears than the Saints.

 

Honestly I think we are more balanced than the Saints, and I think their bubble is about to burst.

 

I agree. I think the Eagles are gonna beat the Saints. Anyways, I hope Ogunleye has a huge game (finally). If the d-line plays well, Bears win.

[UMFan83]

Is Trufant playing SUnday?

 

Score is reporting he is out. ESPN is reporting that Darrell Jackson is very likely out. Also DJ Hackett will probably be questionable.

[Chocolate Milk]

Is Trufant playing SUnday?

 

Score is reporting he is out. ESPN is reporting that Darrell Jackson is very likely out. Also DJ Hackett will probably be questionable.

 

Wow.

[goonys evil twin]

Is Trufant playing SUnday?

 

Score is reporting he is out. ESPN is reporting that Darrell Jackson is very likely out. Also DJ Hackett will probably be questionable.

 

I like the idea of a guy being probably questionable.

[mhuber92211]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

[USSoccer]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

[YearofDaCubs]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

Bobby Inghram looks pretty slow out there against the Cowboys but isn't Branch considered a shiffty speedy receiver?

[USSoccer]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

Bobby Inghram looks pretty slow out there against the Cowboys but isn't Branch considered a shiffty speedy receiver?

 

I wouldn't lose sleep game planning for him. He's a good reciever, but he's no Santana Moss or Steve Smith. I don't think he can take over a game.

[Banedon]

Here's the article about Jackson likely being out for the Bears game.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/news/story?id=2724346

[BigSlick]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

 

I haven't read anything that uplifting in a while.

 

If we lose I'm holding you accountable US :wink:

[USSoccer]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

 

I haven't read anything that uplifting in a while.

 

If we lose I'm holding you accountable US :wink:

 

That's fine, hold me accountable. :D

 

I honestly don't see this as much of a game, unless the weather and/or Rex is bad.

 

I'm thinking something like 24-10.

[UMFan83]

Trufant was to play in the 2nd round if the Seahawks were to advance. DJack was "out" most of last week too. And Hacket was Questionable all week. I think that this is too soon to make injury assumptions 6 days out.

 

I like the Bears matchup better then the Saints. The speed on D from the Seahawks is a good matchup for the saints but with the secondary beat up I think that we can get better pressure on Grossman and force bad decisions.

 

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

 

I haven't read anything that uplifting in a while.

 

If we lose I'm holding you accountable US :wink:

 

That's fine, hold me accountable. :D

 

I honestly don't see this as much of a game, unless the weather and/or Rex is bad.

 

I'm thinking something like 24-10.

 

Hopefully the Bears don't see this as much of a walk in the park as you do :)

 

But yeah, its hard to see the Seahawks winning to be honest, but I'm not willing to go as far as you are. But in their last 4 weeks they lost to Arizona, San Francisco (2 teams we beat...SF handily, who they lost to twice), San Diego and beat a bad Bucs team. Then in the playoffs they look only OK against a plummeting Cowboys team. They are banged up all over the place, and not as talented as last years team.

 

That said, they are still a good team, and the Bears have yet to prove they can play good defense with Tommie Harris out (since then they've given up 27 to the Rams, 31 to the Bucs, 21 to the Lions and 26 to the Packers). And there is no way of knowing which Grossman is going to show up, sad as it is to admit it. Until the Bears get a playoff win, I am going to be bracing every step of the way.

 

If the Bears win, it will be the first playoff round win for a non-Sox team in Chicago since the 2003 Cubs and before then the 1998 Bulls.

[rawaction]

I'd like to see 20 carries each from Jones and Benson. Seattle is mediocre against the run (I think they were something like 22nd this year). This game should be no problem, all things considered.

[YearofDaCubs]

Holmgren just said that DJackson has a chance to play this upcoming Sunday against the Bears.

[Jon]

Good news so far:

 

ChicagoBears.com[/url]"]Health and happiness: All 53 players on the Bears roster practiced Monday, including five starters who missed games late in the regular season with injuries: Cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, safety Todd Johnson, left tackle John Tait and fullback Jason McKie.

.............

The official injury report for Sunday's game will come out at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

[mhuber92211]

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

 

Wow. And people say that there is no optimism on this board!

 

Hey, I will be the first to admit that the Bears are a better team on Paper. At the beginning of the season I would have disagreed but with all the injuries this season, I am just happy that they made the playoffs. To think that a O-line that had been together for nearly 2 full seasons last year went to a line where 3 of the starters are replaced and the line hasn't been the same for any game this year. Then add to it that the starting RB, QB, DT, DL, both corners and WR have missed significant time, the Seahawks have had a pretty good season.

 

To grade a team on who they beat and who they lose to is akin to using wins soley to judge a pitcher on. The NFL is different from week to week and is never a fact as to future performance. If the Seahawks beat the Chargers would that have given them some added "cred"?

 

I think that this is going to be a better game then expected. The Seattle Defense has plenty of playmakers up front when given the proper motiviation. Remember the Monday nighter in Oakland? I expect Julien Peterson to have a huge game and remind people of Merriman.

[Flames24Rulz]

I don't see how the Seahawks have a chance at pressuring Rex. Their front 4 hasn't been good all season. If they blitz, they're going to leave an already bad secondary exposed 1 on 1. The only thing that could help their defense is the weather. If the wind is as bad as forcast, it will hamper the passing games of both teams, and even then I like the Bears run offense vs Seattle.

 

Seattle just doesn't match up well anywhere. They don't have that small, shifty slot reciever that gives the Bears trouble. Alexander doesn't have much of a burst right now. Hasselback gets rattled if you hit him a couple times. Jerramy Stevens is inconsistent, and won't have the Roy "I can't cover anyone" Williams defending the middle of the field.

 

Barring an absolute disaster game from Rex, I don't see how we lose. And I don't think this is a team that can force a disaster game out of him.

 

I think that this is going to be a better game then expected. The Seattle Defense has plenty of playmakers up front when given the proper motiviation. Remember the Monday nighter in Oakland? I expect Julien Peterson to have a huge game and remind people of Merriman.

 

Your argument made sense up until this point. Big deal, the Seahawks beat the awful Raiders by 13 at home. The defense shut out the worst offense in the league. The Bears offense, for the most part, relies on the strength of their running game to open up their passing game. Oakland had no running game at all, no O-line, and no QB. I think that the Seahawks are going to be in for a little more of a challenge come Sunday afternoon. And I don't really know how you can compare Julian Peterson to Shawn Merriman.

 

I do agree, though, that the game will be closer than what people are predicting. When the Seahawks offense is clicking, there may not be a more dangerous offense in the NFC (and that's counting the Saints). But they haven't really had too many offensive outbursts this year. If Alexander can get some decent runs and if Hasselbeck can keep the defense honest by making some good reads and decisions, Seattle should easily control the game on offense. If the Seahawks defense can force Grossman into making some bad decisions, it's Seattle's game all the way. But that's a lot of ifs to rely on.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

Im so damn nervous for this game and its only Tuesday morning.

[Balsa]

Im so damn nervous for this game and its only Tuesday morning.

I feel ya man. Me too.