ChicagoTrib: Bears-Redskins: Who has the edge?

[spanishomelette]

Bears-Redskins: Who has the edge?

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-050910bearsedge,1,2088183.story?coll=cs-bears-headlines

By John Mullin

Tribune staff reporter

September 10, 2005

The Bears are eager to see the Kyle Orton era begin with a flourish. The NFL schedule has done them no favors.

The Washington Redskins have won their last four home openers. The Bears have lost the last four times they have opened on the road. The Washington defense was third in yards allowed last season, fifth in fewest points.

But the Bears are less interested in any statistic than they are in changing the fabric of a team that has had only one winning season in the last nine.

"Early we want to get into a winning cycle, get on track and start winning games," defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said. "You want to make a statement, but it's really just about consistently playing good defense. That's a statement you want to make."

Neither team was particularly accomplished at throwing the ball in 2004, and the expectation is a very basic throwback NFL game. Both defenses want to keep the ball out of the hands of solid running backs and put it in those of undistinguished quarterbacks. The Bears have been destroyed by Clinton Portis' running twice in the last two seasons. They cannot afford a third.

"We need to go out and play, dominate a couple games," defensive end Alex Brown said. "We have to get to where we can take over a game, and we haven't done that. We haven't done anything. Yet."

Who has the edge?

QUARTERBACKS

Patrick Ramsey is mediocre, but Kyle Orton is making his first start against a blitzing NFL defense.

RUNNING BACKS

Clinton Portis ran for 171 and 165 yards against Bears the last two seasons.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Muhsin Muhammad upgrades the Bears' entire passing game, but Washington's addition of Santana Moss and David Patten increases its speed.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Redskins' "Dirtbags" are heirs to the "Hogs" legend, but the Bears have improved with Fred Miller and a healthy Ruben Brown.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A contrast in styles: The Bears average 281 pounds, the Redskins 300. Adewale Ogunleye's four sacks tied for the NFL's best in exhibitions.

LINEBACKERS

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are at an elite level. Middle linebacker Lemar Marshall went to the Pro Bowl, but Washington needs LaVar Arrington.

SECONDARY

Redskins start three first-round draft picks. Cornerback Shawn Springs led NFL defensive backs with six sacks plus five interceptions last year. Bears need safety Mike Brown to provide an impact in his return.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Doug Brien and Brad Maynard improve the Bears' kicking game, though the return game is still settling in.

COACHING

Joe Gibbs is still relearning the NFL, but few are better. Lovie Smith is looking for a breakout year.

Copyright © 2005, The Chicago Tribune

[jrockster21]

LINEBACKERS

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are at an elite level. Middle linebacker Lemar Marshall went to the Pro Bowl, but Washington needs LaVar Arrington.

How about doing a little research before writing the article??? Might be nice...

Although I will say it was pretty insightful and objective, being that it was in the Chicago Tribune. I guess they're just used to losing all the time!

[ntotoro]

LINEBACKERS

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are at an elite level. Middle linebacker Lemar Marshall went to the Pro Bowl, but Washington needs LaVar Arrington.

Errr... what?

[Truant]

That's such a huge mistake to make. If you're a sports writer, how can you confuse Marcus Washington with Lemar Marshall?

I haven't made a prediction about the game until now:

No one watching the game in Chicago will be clueless as to who Marcus Washington is.

[Kevin101]

Lemar Marshall and the Pro Bowl :laugh:

[JWB]

Muahahahahaha, Lemar needs to find this article in print and frame it!

[rhyno]

Springs had six picks as well.