Bears-Seahawks: Four things to watch on Sunday

Bears-Seahawks: Four things to watch on Sunday

By Brad Biggs

Back in the saddle

Jay Cutler returns after missing one game with a concussion, the first time he has missed a start because of injury in the NFL. The team challenged reports from multiple media outlets that he had suffered four previous concussions in his career, three at Vanderbilt and one with the Broncos. In those instances, Cutler finished all four games. He has professed he will not change his style of play, and that's what the Bears need. A quarterback must keep his focus downfield and not on his linemen and the pass rush. Once he drops his eyes, he's in trouble. Based on Cutler's history, it's easy to believe he'll remain fearless in the pocket.

No quick fix

While the move of Chris Williams from tackle to guard coincides with arthroscopic surgery for Roberto Garza, don't expect this to be a temporary switch for the 2008 first-round pick. This has to be a thought-out decision, despite the fact Williams has made only seven career starts at left tackle. Garza could return to the starting lineup at right guard, but Williams figures to be entrenched at guard -- for this season anyway. New line coach Mike Tice didn't take long to make the evaluation after watching Williams in the preseason and basically one regular-season game before he pulled a hamstring.

A nice blend on 'D'

What's most amazing about the start by the Bears' defense? They have only two starters -- safeties Danieal Manning and Chris Harris -- who were selected in the seven drafts coach Lovie Smith has been a part of with general manager Jerry Angelo. And they had to trade to get Harris back from the Panthers. But the mix of veterans who predated Smith -- including Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman -- and free agents of all sorts, from Julius Peppers to Israel Idonije and Matt Toeaina, have blended nicely. The Bears are third in the Aikman Efficiency ratings and fifth in points allowed.

Replacement player

It doesn't appear Briggs, selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, will play Sunday after sprained his left ankle last week. Another free-agent addition, Brian Iwuh, will take his place. The Bears figured Iwuh would be a solid replacement for Tim Shaw, who led the team in special teams tackles last season and has 10 so far for the Titans. Iwuh has been better than advertised on defense and is part of the Bears' improved depth this season. Don't overlook special teams. The Seahawks' Leon Washington and Golden Tate are tops in the NFC in kickoff and punt returns, respectively.

Three Bears: Idonije hot; Hester cold; Forte right

By Brad Biggs

Too hot: Israel Idonije

For his entire seven-year career up to this season, Idonije's greatest asset was his versatility. He served as a jack-of-all-trades on the defensive line, lining up at all four positions, and established himself as a core special teams player. Last Sunday, he made you wonder why the coaches meddled around with Mark Anderson for as long as they did. Idonije showed he has settled in at left end, notching three sacks for the first time since his college days in Canada. It was the kind of dominant performance the Bears have been counting on opposite Julius Peppers with opponents relying on solo blocks.

Too cold: Devin Hester

Hester has been in vintage form as a punt returner recently with a 50-yard return last week and a 62-yard touchdown against the Packers, but he has cooled off as a wide receiver. He has only six catches for 32 yards in the last three games and is on pace for only 35 receptions. He said last Sunday he'll be rested a little more on offense to keep him fresh for the return game. Certainly the positive field position has helped. It will take only one reception in the open field for him to deliver a spark again.

Just right: Matt Forte

Three of Forte's five previous 100-yard games had come against the Lions, so it was nice to see him break loose against someone else for a change. He rushed for a career-high 166 yards at Carolina, the first time he has carried the ball for more than 50 yards this season. The key for the offense is balance. Like Lovie Smith said, the Bears aren't going to get off the bus running any longer, but they do need to be multidimensional with Jay Cutler back in the lineup.

Bears-Seahawks five key matchups

Five key matchups that will be pivotal in today’s Bears game against the Seahawks:


1. Bears kick returner Danieal Manning vs. Seahawks kick returner Leon Washington
If you’re a fan of special teams, you’re in for a treat. Washington is a flat-out playmaker who leads the NFC with 40.4 yards a kickoff return, while Manning is No. 2 in the conference with 29.8 yards a return. A big play from either side could swing momentum.

2. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler vs. Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons
Clemons earns the spotlight because he leads the Seahawks with four sacks in four games, but a more appropriate matchup might be Cutler against the entire Seahawks defense. Will Cutler stand tough in the pocket after suffering a concussion in Week 4?

3. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher vs. Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch
The Bears could be without linebacker Lance Briggs because of an ankle injury, so the onus will be on Urlacher to produce even more than usual without his partner in crime. Lynch will make his Seahawks debut after spending three-plus seasons in Buffalo.

4. Bears punt returner Devin Hester vs. Seahawks punt returner Golden Tate
Hey, we told you this was a good game for special teams. Tate, a rookie from Notre Dame, has averaged 18 yards a punt return and reeled off a 63-yard return for the Seahawks. Hester has a 62-yard punt return touchdown and averages 12.8 yards a return.

5. Bears defensive end Julius Peppers vs. Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung
What sort of magic will Peppers deliver today? The Bears’ $91 million man added another career highlight last week with a deflection-turned-interception against Carolina, and he has a chance to notch a few more big plays against an untested rookie lineman.

– Tom Musick, tmusick@nwherald.com