Bears vs Seahawks – Keys to a Chicago Bears Victory

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Nov.25, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The Seattle Seahawks come to town to face the Bears for the 8th time in the Lovie Smith era, including two playoff appearances.  It’s like they’re honorary members of the NFC North.  Last season the Seahawks stomped the Bears 38-14 as Caleb Hanie steered the Bears ship into the rocks.  It signified the end of the Bears’ playoff hopes while Jay Cutler recovered from a broken thumb and may have been the last time we saw Johnny Knox in a Bears uniform as he suffered a serious back injury that’s kept him sidelined all season.

Don’t think that the Seahawks’ 2-1 record over their last three meetings has slipped past Lovie Smith.  He’ll have his guys ready to go against Pete Carroll and the visiting Seahawks.  How can the Bears shut down Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and the Adderall twins?  Check out my keys to a Chicago Bears victory.

Do It for Johnny

I might be aging myself with The Outsiders reference, but if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, do yourself a favor and give it a whirl.

Johnny Knox played his last game against the Seahawks last season.  If you think a knee is not supposed to bend backwards, do you think a spine is?  It’s not that Knox’s collision and subsequent injury were the Seahawks’ fault, but that injury should serve notice for the Bears players that any game, any play could be their last.  They need to play with that kind of intensity and energy.   It should also serve as a reminder that the Seahawks dropped 38 point on them and blew them out in their own house last season.

Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers

When the Bears win the turnover battle, they win the game.  It’s that simple.  Under Lovie Smith, they are 49-9 when having a better turnover differential.  That means Jay Cutler and the offense need to take care of the ball when they’re up against the highly ranked Seahawks defense and it means the defense needs to take the ball away from a Seahawks team that doesn’t like to give the ball up.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has only committed 9 turnovers all season (8 picks and 1 fumble).  That’s pretty impressive for a rookie, so the Bears defense will be put to the test to take the ball away.  Marshawn Lynch is a beast and doesn’t fumble too often, so the Bears will have to focus on wrapping up and bring him to the ground instead of trying to punch the ball out.

Be Quick About It

The Bears are notorious for slow starts on offense.  They need to get off to a faster start to succeed.  When they can get out to a lead, the defense can change the way they play and put more pressure on Wilson.

I’d like to see the Bears get into a no-huddle offense to help the offense get a little more rhythm.  Let Jay call some plays and keep the Seahawks from subbing defenders.

A Different Plan B

Jay Cutler calls Brandon Marshall “B” and that’s what the offense’s plan has been this season.  Marshall has dominated the stat sheets and showed us what a true #1 wide receiver is all about.  The Seahawks boast one of the best secondaries in football.  The Adderall twins Browner and Sherman are big, physical corners that can match up with big wide receivers.  Safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are both studs too.  I’d like to see the Bears employ a new “plan B” on Sunday – Michael Bush.

Matt Forte is banged up and has been slumping. I’d like to see the Bears commit to Bush and get him some more touches. His physical style could be just what the doctor ordered against a physical Seahawks defense.

What do you think?  What are your keys to a Bears victory?  Let’s hear your suggestions in the Comments.

BEAR DOWN!!!