Seahawk, It's Not A Word.

When I was a kid I was under the assumption that the Buccaneers, Saints and Seahawks would never win the Super Bowl.  Thanks to the bungling of a couple less than choice AFC squads two thirds of this dream has been crushed, but the Milwaukee Brewers of the NFL are keeping hope alive.  Despite winning only seven games in the regular season, the Seahens have not only claimed a playoff spot, but have also knocked of the defending champion New Orleans Saints, shaking the very foundation of the world.  The well rested, second seeded, eleven win Chicago Bears should no problem knocking off a team that shouldn't even be in the playoffs, right?  Uh, well, muh.....suh...

Ok, Ok, calm down, of course the Bears are going to win.  It just will be more annoyingly challenging than necessary.  Not because Seattle is some under valued squad or set to take a magical playoff dream come true, but because there is one big match up issue.  The Bears defensive mind set is keep everything short and make teams execute the length of the field, assuming their will be a mistake (sack, holding or turnover), but veteran Seattle quarterback and his slew of capable receivers are built for methodical, precise execution.  When Seattle beat Chicago in week six Mike Williams torched the Bears for 123 yards on ten catches.

There are some differences in the Bears this time around and, of course, some ways to make sure this doesn't end the Bears season.  The first adjustments will come on offense.  In the first meeting Matt Forte and Chester Taylor combined to run the ball 12 times for 42 yards.  In the Bears final eight games the duo averaged almost 23 carries a game for 91.5 yards a game.  Not only has the commitment to run been improved, but the biggest improvement for the Bears offensive line has been their run blocking on the edges.  Also by earning the bye the team has had an extra week of rest and preparation.  Since the Bears didn't know who their opponent would be until Sunday, they had to start game planning for three different teams, the real value is the Bears had an extra week to scout themselves.  An extra week of prep for offensive coordinator Mike Martz means, the Bears will use their past formation tendencies to set up unpredictable plays, maybe a big end around.

Defensively having linebacker Lance Briggs available will be a boon for the Bears, as he missed first meeting with an ankle injury.  Briggs speed, instincts and tackling are a big reason the Bears can control a team's running game and short passing attack.  Keeping Seattle's backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett from gaining traction on the ground will also be key.  The two ground out 111 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting.  Keeping Seattle to 3 and 7's or longer would be huge, as will getting to the quarterback.  Every team wants to pressure the quarterback, but with an aging, beat up Hasselback at the helm and early battering would keep him physically and mentally uncomfortable in a hostile environment.

Prediction:  Bears 23, Hens 13