After captivating the league’s attention (if they weren’t already on notice), the Chicago Bears once again have an elite Primetime matchup with another Super Bowl contender – if not outright favorite – in the current defending champion Seattle Seahawks. Chicago will not only have to tighten up some mental mistakes that have led to 21 penalties over the last two weeks, but also deal with arguably the most talented roster in the league at the most difficult stadium in the league.
Ben Johnson and Co.
have their work cut out for them in what many are saying may be a preview of the NFC Championship game. Let’s get to which players from Seattle will have my attention on both sides of the ball.
Offense: Quenton Nelson, #53 – G
Anytime you add an All-Pro talent mid-week, he is going to get quite a bit of attention. Fortunately for Chicago, they, too, added an All-Pro talent in the form of Jeffery Simmons – the former Tennessee Titan who played against Nelson’s Colts twice a year. All in all, these two have played each other 13 times over the course of their careers but never surrounded by the talent these two have around them this time. Nelson being added to the Super Bowl champs is the definition of the rich getting richer. Considered by many as the best Guard in the league, Nelson is and has been a dominating force in the middle and figures to provide a jolt to the struggling Seahawks run game while assisting in keeping Sam Darnold clean in the pocket. Considering the offensive line is the one position group in the game of football that relies more on cohesiveness than any other, I am expecting a few hiccups in his first game action, especially within his first 7 days as a Seahawk, but Nelson still has the ability coupled with opportunity to make quite an impact Monday night.
If Dennis Allen and his shiny new toy can cause some confusion up front and get after Sam Darnold, Chicago’s secondary will have a chance to create some critical turnovers and give Chicago a chance. If Nelson fortifies the Seahawks OL and helps keep Darnold clean whilst simultaneously opening holes in the run game – it will be a humbling experience for Chicago this week.
Defense: Nick Emmanwori, #3 – S
When it comes to the former 2nd-round pick out of South Carolina, his impact simply cannot be measured in the box score. And yet, out of all the bona fide ballers on the Seahawks’ vaunted defense, #3 is the one player who keeps opposing offenses up at night more than anyone else. Think of Kyler Gordon but 3 inches taller, 20lb heavier, and runs a 4.3 forty instead of a 4.5. And like Spidey, Emmanwori is deployed all over the defense, presenting unique challenges for any offense. According to Sumer Sports’ Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes), Emmanwori has been deployed in the slot 36% of his snaps, at Linebacker 34%, and 27% at Edge.
How Chicago manages this demon will be crucial. And like I said, they have multiple difference makers on that side of the ball that are capable in wrecking games. From Devon Witherspoon (arguably my FAVORITE Corner in the league) to Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy Jr. (best DT duo in the league) to pass rushers Derrick Hall and Uchenna Nwosu, these Seahawks likely have more than 11 defenders who would start on most teams. That’s not even taking into account dependable veteran difference makers like Safety Julian Love, LB Earnest Jones IV, and DT Jarran Reed. And yet – Emmanwori is more worrisome than them all. If Caleb Williams can avoid Emmanwori and the Bears offense can get a body on him in the run game – Chicago has enough talent on offense to put up points against anyone – Seattle included. But if Emmanwori can confuse the offense, make Bears TE Sam Roush look like the rookie he is, and nullify the impact of Colston Loveland, then Chicago is in trouble.
