Bears Blitz

Chicago Bears-Seattle Seahawks Preview and Prediction

Published by Tyler Juranovich on January 10, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

With a week to sit and watch the first round of NFL playoffs, the Chicago Bears now have all week to prepare for a Seattle Seahawks team that beat them 23-20 in week six.

The Bears surprised many this season finishing 11-5 and winning the NFC North division. Seattle surprised many with a strong-looking defeat of the returning Super Bowl Champs, New Orleans Saints, and are now the talk of the NFL playoffs.

A ten point favorite, Chicago, rather, rejects the title and prefers to be called the underdog in hope to stir some enthusiasm throughout the team.

That attitude might just be needed.

Despite being double-digit underdogs last week against New Orleans, Seattle came to play with a determined attitude, and for that you have to applaud them. It doesn’t matter what your record is in the regular season for this does not determine how you will do in the playoffs. Rather the determination you exhibit once given the opportunity of playing in the playoffs.

The Seahawks have this mentality.

Both teams have something to prove Sunday at 1pm est. Chicago, appearing in the their first post-season since losing to the Colts in the Super Bowl in ’06, have to prove their mid-season revival wasn’t a fluke. Bears’ quarterback, Jay Cutler, will be playing in his first playoff game of his career. The team needs him to limit the turnovers.

Speaking of limiting players, the Bears will need to spend a good portion of their time to limiting Seahawks receiver, Mike Williams.

Williams had 10 catches for 123 yards in week six against the Bears. Seahawks quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck threw 40 times in week six and was never sacked. He was only sacked once against New Orleans.

The Bears’ defensive line has played a lot better since week six so their chances of getting at the Hasselbeck is better this weekend. If they fail to do so, they’ll have to rely on their offense to produce more, the exact opposite principle the Bears are founded on.

For the Seahawks, the strategy remains pretty clear: build on the hype and motivation you’ve just created.

Chicago host Seattle Sunday, January 16th at 1pm est.

Chicago Bears win 24-21