Bears-Seahawks Week Three
Published by Nathan Venegas on September 24, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears head out west to noisy Quest Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Against a tough Steeler offense the Bears defense held up well enough and made plays when it had to. Pressuring the quarterback always bodes well for your team and that will need to continue no matter who lines up under center for the banged up Seahawks.
Matt Hasselbeck has a fractured rib and will play if cleared by the doctors. I personally don’t see him playing in this game unless backup Seneca Wallace isn’t productive.
The Seahawks have a triple threat at running back with veterans Julius Jones, Edgerrin James and youngster Justin Forsett.
Both James and Jones will stick to running between the tackles and pounding away for yards. Forsett on the other hand is a smaller guy capable of turning on the jets and running by the entire defense. He’s a smaller back meaning he can get lost in a crowd and make you pay.
Free-agent acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh is banged up and showing his age. He’s been held out of practice for much of this week to keep him fresh for Sunday. He’s averaged five catches in the first two games and can still big that big play threat.
The Seahawk defense has given up 300+ rushing yards in the first two weeks of the season. I’m sure Matt Forte and the offensive line sees a golden opportunity to create some momentum and get back to running the ball.
The Seahawks come into this game banged up on both sides of the ball. The biggest in jury, aside from Matt Hasslebeck, is linebacker Lofa Tatupu has been nursing a hamstring injury.
Keep an eye out for Chris Williams having to guard Patrick Kerney. Last time out against the Bears Kerney had a three sack game. Williams is much younger but Kerney is a crafty veteran who can make the youngster look silly if he’s not careful.
Spreading the field out and hammering the ball between the hash marks should be the plan of action for Jay Cutler and the Bears offense.
Passing the ball beneath coverage to speedsters like Devin Hester and Johnny Knox should yield positive results.
As always Greg Olsen matches up good against any of the Seattle defenders so getting to ball to him is a must.
Going into the season a lot of NFL Analyst didn’t have very many nice things to say about the Bears receiving corps.
A big game from Johnny Knox and timely receptions by Kellen Davis and suddenly the number weapons seem to be growing. Aside from Greg Olsen there isn’t really a #1 guy to throw the ball to but having several solid weapons isn’t too shabby.
Players to Watch
Matt Forte: After two weeks of disappointing performances look for him to break out against the Seahawks.
Johnny Knox: Let’s see how the rook responds after posting good numbers against the Steelers. His speed gives Jay Cutler two deep threats for the Seahawks to worry about.
Tommie Harris: Harris has been relatively quiet so far this season. Most times drawing double teams is as good as a sack. Look for him to eat up even more real estate at the line of scrimmage and allow some of the quicker Ends and line backers a chance to make plays.
Key to the Game: Quarterback pressure. If Matt Hasselbeck suits up he won’t be at 100 and Seneca Wallace is a decent backup quarterback but isn’t a complete passer, rattling either of them will ensure a Bears win. The first two games of the season Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye have alternated having two sack games, getting pressure from the ends is a promising sign of things to come.
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