Chicago Bears: Predicting an undefeated September in 2018

Week 2: Home against Seattle Seahawks

Keys to the game

Establish the pass rush

For the last several years, the Seahawks have had arguably the worst offensive line in football. This year should be a bit better with the addition of D.J. Fluker, but he alone will not make up for the mishaps of the group as a whole. The Bears’ biggest weakness at this point on defense is their pass rush. If they can find it, and find it early, the Seahawks’ offense should struggle to put up points outside of some plays by Russell Wilson.

Obviously, Wilson is a guy you try to limit, not shut down entirely. He will make some plays, but like the other guys in this league (Rodgers, Tom Brady, etc.) if your defense can limit the offense to a handful of plays made by their quarterback, you’ve got a much higher chance of a win.

Take advantage of “Legion of Whom?”

The Seahawks ranked a very respectable sixth overall in pass defense in 2017, giving up just 209.2 yards per game through the air. With no more Kam Chancellor, though, and Earl Thomas likely on his way out as his holdout rages on, that secondary is completely depleted. Especially with Richard Sherman moving on, they will struggle to defend the pass.

This pass defense may go from top-10 to bottom-10 in a hurry. If the Bears can establish a run, therefore giving Mitch Trubisky an opportunity to find a rhythm much easier, it will be a long day for the Seahawks’ defense.

Seattle has the chance to take an even more major step back in 2018, and I see the Bears pulling this one off. They will come in with a stronger defense and could have a more potent offense as well. Count the Bears at 2-0 now.