Cutler Set for Playoff Debut as Bears Battle Seahawks

By Angie Wiatrowski in News on Jan 16, 2011 5:40PM

While their last meeting didn’t fair so well when the Bears met the Seahawks, an improved offensive line could be the deciding factor of today’s matchup. Last the time the two met in October, Chicago gave Matt Forte and Chester Taylor a combined 12 carries, which in turn forced Jay Cutler to drop back 47 times two weeks after suffering a concussion. Cutler was sacked six times in the 23-20 loss in Seattle and was hit officially an additional 10 times.

However the O-Line has been revamped as Forte is averaging 5.8 yards per carry in his last six games and his rushing average has risen from below 4 yards per carry at the break to a career-best 4.5 per carry for the season.

The Bears were pretty shaky against the Packers but despite October’s loss in Seattle they seem to be improving. The return of WR Earl Bennett will help and so will a solid Johnny Knox. Knox had 5 catches for 12 yards vs. Seattle at Solider Field but did not catch a pass against Green Bay and hasn’t done so well in the cold. He should be use to it by now, this is Chicago after all.

The two clubs have split their last four meetings, with all games decided by seven points or less. The Seahawks will attempt to become the seventh team since 1970 to beat the same non-division opponent on the road in both the regular season and the postseason.

Cutler will be making his playoff debut in his fifth NFL season as the Bears will make their first playoff appearance in four seasons, when they last had a first-round bye after the 2006 season. With 3,274 passing yards this season and 3,666 yards in 2009, Cutler became the first Bears’ quarterback to have back-to-back 3000-yard campaigns. He also threw 23 touchdown passes.

Seattle has lost all seven of its road playoff games since winning its first one over Miami Dec. 31, 1983. This is anyone’s game, and it’ll definitely be a typical Bears’ too close for comfort matchup.

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupa is active for today’s game and Pisa Tinoisamoa is in the lineup for the Bears, starting as a strong-side linebacker for the first time since having his right knee scoped Dec. 3.