2011 NFL Playoffs: Matchups By Position for Seahawks vs. Bears
This weekend, the NFL playoffs continue with four more games on the slate. We will learn the final four teams that will have a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6.
One game features two teams that very few people saw making it to this point. That would be the NFC North champion Chicago Bears hosting the NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks.
It wasn't necessarily surprising that the Bears made the playoffs, but few people saw them being the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Seattle has been defying the odds all season long. They won a miserable division with a losing record.
They beat the defending Super Bowl champions in the wild-card round, and now they have a chance to advance to the NFC championship game.
So who has the advantage on offense?
Who will dominate on defense?
Here is a position-by-position matchup breakdown for the Seahawks-Bears playoff game this Sunday.
Chicago's Offensive Line Vs. Seattle's Defensive Line
1 of 10
For all the good that Seattle did against New Orleans, one thing they didn’t do was get pressure on Drew Brees.
That’s a little surprising, because the one thing that the Seahawks did consistently on defense this season was get sacks and create pressure.
Chicago’s offensive line has been porous this season. They have struggled to give Jay Cutler time to throw the ball and he has taken a beating.
They don’t open up holes for Matt Forte to run through. This has caused the offense to have to rely on short, quick passes more often.
In the game that these two teams played in Week 6, Seattle sacked Jay Cutler six times. If that happens again, the Bears will be in trouble.
Advantage: Seattle
Seattle's Offensive Line Vs. Chicago's Defensive Line
2 of 10
One reason Matt Hasselbeck was so successful against New Orleans was because the offensive line did a great job in giving him the time to throw the ball. The Saints couldn’t get through a Seattle line that has had issues blocking and creating holes all year long.
The strength of the Bears is in their defensive line. Led by Julius Peppers, the Bears were second in the NFL in rush yards allowed per game. They are big and they are fast.
Seattle contained them in Week 6. It would be a surprise if they did it again.
Advantage: Chicago
Chicago's Receivers/Tight Ends Vs. Seattle's Secondary
3 of 10
Chicago does have one big-play receiver, Johnny Knox, who averaged almost 19 yards per catch. Other than that, they have been trying to piece together a receiving unit for years. Greg Olsen has big-play ability at the tight end position but he hasn’t shown it this year.
Seattle’s secondary has been atrocious all year long. They ranked 27th in the regular season in pass yards per game allowed (249.6). Last week, Drew Brees carved the defense up, throwing for over 400 yards and two touchdowns.
Earl Thomas is a star in the making at the safety position. If he can play like he did at times against New Orleans, it would do wonders for the Seahawks' coverage.
Advantage: Chicago
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Seattle's Receivers/Tight Ends Vs. Chicago's Secondary
4 of 10
Former first-round pick Mike Williams was reunited with Pete Carroll, who resurrected Williams' career. He caught 65 passes to lead the Seahawks this year.
Brandon Stokley had a big game from the slot against New Orleans. If he does that again, Seattle can have a big day offensively.
The weakness of the Bears defense has been in their secondary. They rank 20th in opponents' pass yards per game (224.3). They have issues in coverage and that causes them to get burned by the big play.
The Bears will need to get pressure on the quarterback to mask their secondary inefficiencies.
Advantage: Seattle
Chicago's Running Backs Vs. Seattle's Linebackers
5 of 10
Matt Forte has had a terrific year for the Bears. He ran for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns (very impressive considering how bad their offensive line has been). He caught 51 passes and had three receiving touchdowns.
He is a big, powerful runner who can shake off defenders. He is probably the most dangerous threat the Bears have on offense.
Seattle’s linebacking group is a very mixed bag. Lofa Tatupu is a star at the position. Aaron Curry hasn’t been the player that people thought he would be when he was drafted in 2009, but he has been solid. Beyond that, the rest of the group is nothing special.
Tatupu or Curry will likely be covering Forte most of the game. That could be the matchup that decides the game.
Advantage: Chicago
Seattle's Running Backs Vs. Chicago's Linebackers
6 of 10
Seattle didn’t have any running back that had a 100-yard game in the regular season. Part of that was the running backs, part of it was the fact their offensive line was so bad.
In the first playoff game, Marshawn Lynch ran for 131 yards, including one of the most memorable runs in NFL history.
The Bears have a very good linebacking group, led by Brian Urlacher. Lance Briggs is very good, but has had a bit of a down year. The rest of the group is solid and they help the defensive line against the run.
Advantage: Chicago
Jay Cutler Vs. Seattle's Defense
7 of 10
Jay Cutler is the most hit-or-miss quarterback in football. He has games where he looks like he is a star at the position. He can show accuracy and a rocket arm when he wants to.
Trouble is, he is far too inconsistent. He will make at least two throws every game that leaves you shaking your head.
Fortunately, he is going against a bad Seattle defense. For all the good that Seattle did last week against New Orleans, the pass defense wasn’t one of them. They have struggled to find ways to stop the pass all year.
That could mean Cutler has a big day. Of course, Cutler could throw off his back foot six times and throw four interceptions.
You just never know with him.
Advantage: Cutler
Matt Hasselbeck Vs. Chicago's Defense
8 of 10
In the regular season, Matt Hasselbeck looked like he was finished. He had a few good games but he couldn’t stay healthy. Even when he was healthy, more often than not he wasn’t doing anything particularly well.
Things changed last week.
Hasselbeck looked like the player he was in 2005 when he led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. He threw four touchdowns and looked great.
That said, it was just one game for him. Chicago’s can create pressure on the quarterback with just the defensive line, something New Orleans couldn’t do.
If Hasselbeck has time he can keep Seattle in the game. If he doesn’t it will be a long day for the Seahawks.
Advantage: Chicago
Chicago's Special Teams Vs. Seattle's Special Teams
9 of 10
The Bears have the ultimate weapon on special teams, punt returner Devin Hester. He has returned more kicks for touchdowns than anyone in history and he has only been in the league for five years.
That is what gives the Bears the advantage in special teams. The kickers are basically even.
Chicago’s Robbie Gould was 25-for-30 in field goals this season. Olindo Mare was 25-for-30. Gould was 4-for-7 from 40-49 yards. Mare was 5-for-7.
The punters are basically a push, with maybe a slight edge to Seattle’s Jon Ryan since he has a stronger leg.
Advantage: Chicago
Lovie Smith Vs. Pete Carroll
10 of 10
Lovie Smith has been the Bears coach for seven years. He has led them to the playoffs three times, including this year.
He was on the hot seat before the season but has earned some time with a division title this year. He is not a great game manager, often playing way too conservatively.
Pete Carroll is in his first year with Seattle, He used to coach New England in the late 90’s. This is his third trip to the postseason as an NFL head coach.
He doesn’t seem to be a great X’s and O’s coach, but his players love him and he gets the most out of them.
Advantage: Push
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