Chicago Bears Can Expect Close Game Sunday vs. Seattle Seahawks
Published by Dean Siemon on November 30, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
I’m not sure yet if the panic button can be put away for the Chicago Bears right now.
Sure, the Bears (8-3) won their Nov. 25 matchup 28-10 against the Minnesota Vikings and have a full game lead over the Green Bay Packers (7-4) in the NFC North Division. But there are some injuries that could make this Sunday’s game at home against the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) a little tougher.
ESPNChicago.com reports that running back Matt Forte and linebacker Lance Briggs are both expecting to play Sunday, despite ankle injuries.
The Bears would need Briggs in that defense, as they are facing a tough task in defending against Seattle’s rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch.
While the Seahawks are ranked 31st in passing offense, Wilson has put together a quarterback rating of 93.9 with 17 touchdowns while only throwing between 15 and 25 passing attempts per game.
And after the 32-7 loss at San Francisco on Nov. 19, Chicago showed some holes in their pass defense against Colin Kaepernick.
On the other side of the ball, Chicago brings the league’s worst passing offense against the Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” (which is a surprise for those who predicted the Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall show would lead the Bears to the Super Bowl).
If Forte does play, the hope would be that his ankle doesn’t prevent him from being another target for Cutler in the passing game.
The Bears haven’t had much success in finding a passing offense with anyone who isn’t Marshall. In the last few seasons, Forte has been a great option out of the backfield.
Thankfully, Chicago did get Michael Bush as a backup option at running back, even though he’s not as well-rounded as Forte.
Expect the game to be a defensive battle, as fans will see two of the league’s best at Soldier Field. Wilson and Cutler will probably combine for a total passing offense of 300 yards while the running backs grind it out.
I predict this game to go into overtime, and I’m giving the win to Chicago, maybe with a score of 17-14. This is mostly due to Seattle’s terrible road record this year.
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