Going after Grossman
CHICAGO – The salient issues facing Seattle in today’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field:
“Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman pretty much alternates between All-Pro and All-My Fault on a game-by-game basis. He was solid against the Seahawks in October, but he finished the regular season to a chorus of boos, going 2 of 12 against Green Bay.
“The Bears defense hasn’t been quite as dominating as it was in October when it swallowed up Seattle 37-6, but it’s still solid. Tackle Tommie Harris was in Seattle’s backfield all game, but he’s injured and won’t play. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Shaun Alexander and Jerramy Stevens, both absent in the first meeting against the Bears, are available.
“Seattle’s offense continues to search for high gear, in part because of Matt Hasselbeck’s inconsistency and the constant search for healthy receivers. Darrell Jackson (toe) and D.J. Hackett (ankle) will be game-time decisions.
“The Seahawks’ secondary is still banged up, but it managed to avoid big-play damage against Dallas last week. They face another challenge from receivers Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian and tight end Desmond Clark.
And just in case none of the above factors into the outcome … Chicago’s holder on field goals is veteran punter Brad Maynard. Sorry we failed to mention the holder prior to Seattle’s game with Dallas last Sunday.
The fourth-seeded Seahawks (10-7) are trying to win a road playoff game for the first time since 1983. The top-seeded Bears (13-3) are trying to avenge a playoff flop last year at home, falling to Carolina after handling the Panthers during the regular season.
“If you look at that (October) game we got down in the red zone a few times and we came away with field goals,” Hasselbeck said. “Normally that’s OK, but against this team, they are 13-3 for a reason. They’re playing at home and their defense is playing with a lot of confidence. They’re creating touchdowns on defense. They’re creating touchdowns on special teams. They’re doing some special things.”
But the angst among Bears faithful is palpable with Grossman’s erratic play. He’s thrown 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 13 wins. He has one TD pass and nine interceptions in three losses.
“I’ve tried to avoid listening to it,” Grossman said. “You can’t run away from it completely, but I don’t go out seeking abuse. If I happen to turn to a channel where they’re talking about me, I immediately keep turning.”
Grossman is candid about his rollercoaster season. “It’s been frustrating at times and really exciting at times,” he said. “My goal is to become a more consistent player in this league.”
Seattle likely will try to contain Chicago’s rushing attack and make Grossman deliver in the passing game.
“That’s fine if that’s where they want it,” Grossman said. “We’ll see what happens.”
The Bears’ defense was pedestrian down the stretch, allowing an average of 26 points in their last four games but Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher said some of that was the result of clinching the NFC North early.
“We wrapped up home-field three or four weeks ago, not that there’s nothing to play for, but it’s hard to stay focused when you know the games don’t mean as much in the bigger scheme of things,” Urlacher said. “We’re not worried. We’re going to get it straight.”
Chicago typically relies on its ground game, defense and quality special teams. Devin Hester has returned two kicks and three punts for touchdowns. Seattle yielded a kick return for a touchdown in last week’s 21-20 win over Dallas.
“If we play well, it’s going to be hard to beat us, I know that much,” Urlacher said. “We were our own worst enemy this whole season. When we’ve given up plays it’s because guys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Seattle counters with Hasselbeck, Alexander, receivers Bobby Engram, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, and Stevens, the mercurial tight end who caught two TDs a week ago. And they haven’t forgotten their October meltdown in the Windy City.
“Those are little things (a healthy Alexander and Stevens) that help, definitely, but at the same time it’s not like that game was close,” Hasselbeck said. “We have some work to do. In my opinion, we have to play a perfect game offensively just to combat how good they are on defense.”