Return To Soldier Field.

After the first devastating loss to Chicago, one of my first thoughts was that Seattle would meet the Bears in the championship round. Had the Giants won the wild card game against the Eagles, we would be playing the Saints this Sunday. That, however, is not the case. The powers that be are suspecting that it will be the Saints and Bears battling for the rights to play in the show. I, for some unknown reason, think that Seattle stands a more than reasonable chance at winning this bout.

Perhaps it’s the homer in me. Chicago has given the starting QB job to Brian Greise, which is a pretty big slap to Grossman after battling all season going from the number one ranked QB in the NFL to a passer rating of zero. Talk about the rise and fall, poor guy, I’m crying in my beer here.

This is why, one reason I suppose, I am very optimistic about the Hawks chances. Brian Greise is not likely to fair well against a defense that he has yet to face. That leaves the Chicago defense as the deciding factor for winning this game. I figure the defense may put up 14 points. The offense should put up no more than ten points. Likely a rushing td and the field goal for 24 points total. The hawks are 9 point under dogs meaning the odds makers are possibly thinking that Seattle is going to score 15, TD, two field goals and a safety. We may get to Greise, or the rusher in the end zone back field.
Now I’m banking that Holm’s has spent more than a few hours reviewing that Arizona-Bears game. Arizona had them pinned pretty hard, only to not close the deal. A mistake the Hawks have made on a few occasions this season.

Nobody is picking this team to win. This is a far cry from last season. Now the Hawks have a hidden agenda. We can, conceivably, bring the NFC Championship game back to the Qwest with a win in Chicago. This also means that they have nothing to lose. They can play loose. Pressure is hot on the Bears who are without a QB with much, if any, playoff experience to win this game.

Let’s do some comparisons, shall we?

QB advantage clearly goes to Seattle.

RB advantage takes a new swing with Alexander performing very well and the sudden emergence of “Crazy Legs Mo” Morris. Add to that, the two time pro bowl fullback, Maximus Strongimus, gives this back field a decided advantage.

Receivers? come on. Bobby is back, in what seems to be full force, Deion is a slight sleeper that could go either way but may very well decide he can step up to his Super Bowl MVP potential. Hackett has emerged to a top flight NFL receiver.
Does Darryl Jackson have enough time to heal? He has had a career year, performance wise. Offensive line seems to quietly be coming together nicely as well. Anybody else notice that Matt was not sacked against the Cowboys?

Defense, Chicago. While I do expect the Bears will get to Matt a couple of times during the game, I don’t expect them to blitz the QB too much out of respect for the Seattle receiving corps. Brian Urlacker will have to give Stevens some respect because at 6-7, with his speed to break away, Urlacker will be forced to play man coverage on him.

I think we take our chances on defending Chicago’s run and short pass game with Boulware shaking things up in the secondary. Michael is working very hard to redeem himself, as is the rest of this team.

Bring on Da Bears'

MaxHawk 12 Street Writer









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