Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears: 5 Key Matchups To Watch
This Sunday, the Washington Redskins, coming off of a tough loss against Indianapolis, will travel to Soldier Field to face the struggling Chicago Bears. The Bears continued to have problems with a porous offensive line and fell to the Seattle Seahawks at home last week.
Both the Redskins and the Bears are in the thick of the race for their respective divisions and need rebound victories to try to build some momentum heading into the heart of their schedules.
Washington and Chicago both have talented playmakers from Devin Hester to Santana Moss who will create matchup nightmares. Several weaknesses have also emerged through six games as well. Washington will attempt to put together creative blitz packages to frustrate an unimpressive Bears offensive line. The Bears defense, on the other hand, will target the weak Redskins running game with one of the top run-stopping units in the NFL.
With so many key matchups, here are the five to watch for this Sunday:
Redskins Pass Rush vs. Bears Offensive Line
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Jay Cutler and Todd Collins have been sacked 27 times this season including 19 times in the past three weeks. Cutler has already missed some time for his fifth concussion after the Giants defense chewed him up two weeks ago.
Despite a 4-2 record, the Bears have actually struggled offensively this season ranking 22nd in the passing game and 26th on the ground. While Cutler has been able to limit interceptions this year and the passing ranking is skewed by two poor games of 51 and 29 yards, the running game has been miserable with Matt Forte running more than 50 yards just once and Chester Taylor averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Consequently, the Redskins will be throwing several different blitz packages at the Chicago offensive line. If Cutler can remain upright, he should be able to pick apart a Washington secondary that has allowed the second most passing yards in the league to date.
The Bears will have to specifically focus on Brian Orakpo. The former Texas Longhorn has recorded a sack in four of the last five games and is on pace to eclipse the 11 sacks he recorded last season as a rookie.
Redskins Wideouts vs. Bears Secondary
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While Santana Moss will most likely face a skilled cornerback in Charles Tillman, Anthony Armstrong and Joey Galloway will go to work against backup Tim Jennings who will step in for the injured Zack Bowman.
Washington has relied on its passing game this season for offense which ranks ninth in the NFL in the passing game versus just 25th on the ground.
Donovan McNabb has the arm strength and accuracy to pick on any weaknesses. With an injury to safety Danieal Manning and uninspiring play from Chris Harris, Washington will look to get the ball deep down field to Santana Moss and Joey Galloway. Specifically, Santana Moss has consistently filled up the stat sheet this year and will look to put up his third 100 yard game this season. Additionally, Chris Cooley should be able to find open spots in the middle of the field.
Julius Peppers vs. Jammal Brown
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Peppers has been facing constant double teams, but he has still displayed his talent consistently throughout the season. The former Tar Heel is an all-around playmaker who offensive coordinators have to plan around. With an interception, a safety, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections and a blocked kick, Peppers has dominated opposing tackles this season.
Brown, on the other hand, has been partly responsible for the weaknesses within the Redskins 25th ranked rushing attack. As a result, Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain will be responsible to stay in the pocket and chip block Peppers.
Peppers is the type of playmaker who can change the momentum of a game in a flash. In a game that is likely to be quite close, momentum-changing plays will have an enormous effect on the ultimate outcome.
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Devin Hester vs. Seahawks Special Teams
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Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, Hester returned an 89-yard punt for a touchdown for his second return touchdown of the season. While Hester may not be a big threat at wider receiver, he must always be accounted for in the return game.
The Redskins have generally been successful on special teams in limiting big returns; however, Washington did allow a 52-yard punt return earlier this season.
If Hester is able to get an opportunity in open space, he will surely take advantage of it and make the Redskins pay with an easy score. Washington will be sure to kick away from Hester in order to limit his amount of returns and chances to take the ball to the house.
Ryan Torrain vs. Bears Linebackers
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Ryan Torrain has reason to celebrate after recording the first 100-yard game of his career, although he will not have long to do so. Urlacher and the Bears defense has held opposing running backs to just 84 yards per game, good for third in the NFL thus far.
After 11 seasons, all with the Chicago Bears, Urlacher continues to strike fear into opponents while patrolling the running gaps. Urlacher will be charged with plugging the gaps to prevent the Ryan Torrain and the Redskins from keeping the ball on the ground, and putting together long drives.
Torrain has emerged as a solid alternative to Clinton Ports with Larry Johnson and Willie Parker failing to achieve any success with the Redskins. With Clinton Portis out for two to four more weeks with a groin sprain, Torrain has been counted on to produce as a featured running back.
Torrain will need to repeat or exceed his performance of last week because the Redskins will most likely again count on him to carry the ball another 20 times this week. If Torrain is unsuccessful, it will put even greater pressure on Donovan McNabb to put up big numbers through the air.
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