Thursday, September 16 Baxter Bits: Seahawks vs. Bears By Russell S. Baxter Special to ESPN.com |
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The Seahawks make their first appearance in Chicago since 1990 as the Bears and the Seahawks collide for just the second time this decade. While the Seahawks have prevailed in 4 of the previous 6 meetings in this infrequent series, Bears posted a 17-0 whitewash in 1990 at Chicago in the most recent meeting between the clubs. Despite that loss, the Seahawks are 2-1 lifetime at Soldier Field. Numbers: Since 1996, the Seahawks have allowed 140 or more yards rushing in 20-of-49 games, 180-plus yards rushing in eight of those contests. Including playoffs (82 games), the Bears have allowed 488 points in 35 wins (13.9 PPG), 1,352 points in 48 losses (28.2 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99). The Bears have committed two or more turnovers in 24 of their last 33 contests dating back to '97--committing 50 turnovers in their last 20 games dating back to '97. Things To Look For: Perhaps Mike Holmgren's club read a few too many preseason publications that touted the Seahawks as the up-and-comer in the AFC, because they certainly didn't look like they were prepared for what the supposedly-undermanned Lions threw at them last week. Dick Jauron's Bears look faster on both sides of the ball, and RB Curtis Enis could present some problems for that inconsistent Seattle defense. Etc.: The Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren owns a 12-2 mark vs. the Bears (all with the Packers). Holmgren is 20-9 in interconference games dating back to 1992. The Seahawks are 16-40 vs. divisional competition since 1992 (3-5 in '98). The Seahawks are 12-8 vs. NFC teams dating back to 1994 (0-1 in '99). Bears are 34-22 in September since 1985, but are just 10-20 in their last 30 September outings dating back to '92...Bears PK Jeff Jaeger (995) needs 5 points to become the 26th player in NFL history to score 1,000 points. |
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