Bears Face Do-or-die Game Versus Seahawks

Riding a three-game losing streak, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a situation where they have no room for error. With the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions currently holding both wildcard spots, one more loss could potentially end the Bears’ (7-6) quest for the postseason.

During their three-game skid, Chicago’s defense has played exceptionally well, giving up only one touchdown in each of the last three losses, and has kept the Bears in position to win each game. The sputtering offense has to improve on their production in order to complement the defense’s efforts.

Quarterback Caleb Hanie has not played to the expectations of Bears fans since replacing the injured Jay Cutler. Hanie has just two touchdown passes as a starter this season, and has thrown six interceptions. In last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos, Chicago heavily relied on their running game by calling 38 run plays versus 19 pass plays.

It looks as if running backs Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell will have to shoulder the load for the Bears’ offense that has an anemic passing game and an offensive line that has given up 15 sacks during this losing streak.

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Barber, who despite two blunders in last week’s loss, did prove that he still can produce on the ground and will be the key factor in this week’s matchup against a Seattle defense that is 11 th in the NFL in stopping the run (104.3 ypg).

Seattle’s offense seems to be a carbon copy of Chicago’s offense. Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who is seventh in the league in rushing with 969 yards, will be the focal point for the Bears defense. Lynch has scored nine touchdowns this season and will have to face a stout Chicago run defense that is 10 th in the league in stuffing the run (101.7 ypg).

Chicago’s defense hasn’t allowed a player to rush for 100 yards since Week 5. Continuing this dominance will be of great help for the Bears.

It looks as if the determining factor in this game is time of possession. Who ever can control the clock, and not turn the ball over, will prevail from this potential low-scoring affair.

With three games remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Bears are playing with their backs against the wall. Every game will be a win-or-go-home situation, and with this being their last time playing at home this season, Chicago had better take advantage of playing at Soldier Field versus this 6-7 Seattle Seahawks team.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent