Last week my predictions were as good as they’ve been in a couple years, coming within 8 total points of the score. I’m feeling it again today.
YOUR TODD COLLINS-LESS 2010 CHICAGO BEARS
over
Seattle Seahawks
over
Seattle Seahawks
Why do I like the Chicago Bears this week?
- I always like the Chicago Bears.
- I expect taking a week off from the passing game will leave both Mike Martz and Jay Cutler feeling a bit antsy. Look for the Bears to use short routes to open up deep stuff down the sidelines. Big game from Cutler, rebounding from a concussion, and a comeback game from Devin Aromashodu.
- I hear a lot of criticism of Matt Forte, specifically from Steve Rosenbloom, but I’ll take his 531 combined yardage and 5 touchdowns. Forte might not be the best runner or receiver but he’s certainly one of the best all-around in the game. I don’t think his performance against the Panthers was an aberration.
- There will be a few times in this game when a missed tackle on Marshawn Lynch will frustrate the hell out of Bears fans but that’s the kind of back he is. But I’ve grown confident in our safeties, especially when Chris Harris is used as at his natural strong safety spot.
- I’d be afraid of John Carlson if I didn’t think the Seahawks will keep him glued to the tackle opposite Julius Peppers. Carlson can block but not well enough to keep Orange Julius from getting his third and maybe fourth sacks of the season. (Julius Peppers’ neutralizing opposing tight ends has been his unsung reward.)
- I don’t think Seattle’s receivers are strong enough to establish positioning on the inside route or big enough to win jump balls down the field over our safeties.
- I think the Bears are crazy to kick the ball anywhere near Leon Washington. I also think the Bears are coached by Lovie Smith, meaning the ball will be kicked to Leon Washington. Leon’s ability to keep the ‘Hawks out of poor field position will be what keeps the Bears from pulling away.
Chicago Bears 27, Seattle Seahawks 16