Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

The Battle @ Soldier Field

I'm excited about the NFC favorites set to clash this weekend- The Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. We've talked about how the first meeting in week 4 would provide a preview of the playoffs. Now we are in the playoffs!

I'm hoping Bears home field advantage will play out, and Rex will fight through adversity and go from goat to hero during this game.

I'm hoping that Ron Turner will open up the play book and establish the run then pick apart Seattle’s secondary.

I'm hoping the defense will play up to its ability and shut down Seattle’s offense.

Some key stats that might impact the game:

* Seahawks averaged just 4.8 yards per play this season

* Hasselbeck was sacked 8% of the time he dropped back to pass this year compared to just 5% last year

* Alexander averaged just 3.6 ypr after averaging 5.1 ypr last season

* Bears' defense yielded 4.7 yppl for the season (to teams that would combine to average 5.1 yppl

* Chicago's offense is averaging just 5.1 yppl this season vs. team that would allow 5.3 yppl

* Rex Grossman has thrown 20 interceptions on 480 passes

If Grossman can dispel the doubt and plays the way he has shown, the Bears - with a tremendous running game and a strong defense - Bear's won't repeat last season's one-and-done and on our way to NFC Champs!


* * * GO BEARS * * *