Prediction: Bears win this game in a convincing manner. They learn their lesson and make a statement on both sides of the ball.
Bears 28 – Seahawks 14
Details:
Mitch Trubisky throws for three touchdowns.
A week after looking for the walk-off home run on every play in the 4th quarter, Money Makin’ Mitch settles his feet down and delivers big. Expect him to find tight end Trey Burton and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel for their first touchdowns of the season on Matt Nagy’s creative play calling. His third touchdown shows that he’s locked in the timing with wide receiver Allen Robinson against one-on-one matchups in the red zone.
Trubisky throws for 300 yards in the air.
I’m doubling down on the kid here. The Seahawks are far removed from the L.O.B (Legion of Boom) personnel group that made them one of the most feared defenses in history. Safety Earl Thomas is the last standing member of that unit, and while the defense still has youthful promise, they’re going to be in for a battle against an offense that is much more creative and confusing than the one they saw last week. Remember those home runs I mentioned? Bet on Trubisky getting the chance to hit a grand slam or two.
Both Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen hurt Seahawks on the ground.
The Seahawks allowed 142 yards rushing against two rookies. What does that say to one of the best rushing teams in football? Surely, Howard and Cohen are licking their chops to get some big yardage. Contrastingly dynamic, both of them earned all of their yardage the hard way against a stingy and stout defensive line in Green Bay. It might be a little easier this week.
Roquan Smith, not Khalil Mack, is the X-Factor this week.
Smith looked exceptional in his debut. He was everything that was advertised. Quick, smart, instinctive and physical. All the signs point to him getting some extended play time on Monday Night at Soldier Field and you’re going to know when he’s in there.
Mack and Akiem Hicks both should dominate (as usual) a battered Seattle offensive line, but Smith makes his presence felt in more ways than one. This week is for Smith what last week was for Mack. Smith leads the team in tackles this week.
Wrapping Up
Everything is there for the Bears to win this game and they should. The offense still needs time to gel, and Trubisky still needs time to learn.
But I believe the team comes together and plays pissed off after letting one slip away on national television last week. Lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same spot. Nagy keeps it aggressive and cuts everyone loose for a much needed, morale-lifting win.
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