Bears vs Seahawks Matchup by Russell Fluech
Updated: Sep 29, 2018
Week one is done. It was a heart-breaker for all of us Bears fans. Now, we have to look forward to week 2 and the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are led by Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson. Today we are going to jump into some of the key matchups for Monday night’s showdown on ESPN.
Chicago Secondary Vs Depleted WR Corps
The Chicago secondary played very well during the first half of the game against Green Bay. Both Fuller and Amukamara, along with Callahan, shut down the passing game for the Packers. It definitely helped that Rodgers was injured and they were going against DeShone Kizer. Unfortunately, they imploded in the second half, giving up three touchdowns through the air. The coverage on Cobb during the 75-yard touchdown was reminiscent of the coverage from Chris Conte on the big 4th down play years ago. What secondary will we see against the Seahawks, first half or second?
One good thing for the Bears is they won’t have to cover Doug Baldwin. The former undrafted free agent is out currently nursing a knee injury. The speedy Tyler Lockett, who just signed an extension this off-season, figures to be a big factor in the passing game for Seattle. The Bears will see a familiar face in Brandon Marshall. Marshall, the former Bear will be a big red zone target for Russell Wilson. He poses a match-up threat against almost anyone. He has the ability to go get a 50/50 ball. Maybe that’s why he did so well with Jay Cutler. Will the Seahawks be able to get their passing game going without Doug Baldwin?
Khalil Mack/Leonard Floyd Vs Russell Wilson
It’s no secret that Khalil Mack had a monster debut in Navy and Orange. Mack racked up an interception, returned for a touchdown, forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a sack. Leonard Floyd was not as disruptive but was putting pressure on the Green Bay QBs. With Mack projected to play almost all of the snaps this week, and Floyd getting comfortable with the club on, the Bears should be able to keep the pressure on Wilson come Monday. Will the Bears OLB be able to keep Wilson in the pocket and make him get rid of it quickly?
Russell Wilson has the ability to keep defenses guessing. He can throw the ball and run it. He is the definition of a mobile QB. The way that he can extend plays is unparalleled in the modern NFL. When you look up Wilson highlight film, you can see the way he just dances around pass rushers. Wilson makes broken plays look easy. However, look for him to get the ball out of his hands quickly this week and not hold onto the ball long. Will Russell Wilson be able to get away from Mack and Floyd all game long?
Roquan Smith Vs Nick Kwiatkoski
This matchup may surprise you. Kwiatkoski has been a fan favorite since he joined the team 4th round pick. His hard nose, downhill play style made fans remember the Bears linebackers of the past. However, in the modern NFL linebackers are asked to cover tight ends, receivers, and running backs. To do that it requires a great deal of speed, something that Nick lacks at times. This was evident multiple times throughout the Green Bay game. Does Nick’s lack of speed cost him the starting job?
Roquan Smith. The number 8 overall selection in this year’s draft was the last player to sign his rookie deal. During his holdout, he missed valuable reps with the starting defense. That, plus a minor hamstring injury, caused Roquan the starting job that many fans were ready to just give to him. Roquan has the speed to cover running backs and tight ends in today’s NFL. Roquan is a play-maker
It was evident on his first NFL play, which resulted in the first Sack of his career. How much more work does Smith have to put in to be on the field for the whole game?
