Blondie Posted December 18, 2003 Share Posted December 18, 2003 http://ultimate.sportingnews.com/nfl/matchups/week16/redskins-bears/ Why To Watch Bears rookie quarterback Rex Grossman will make his second NFL start against his former college coach, Steve Spurrier. This reunion has no meaning in terms of postseason play, but the pupil vs. teacher scenario makes for an intriguing storyline. . . . Spurrier's "Fun & Gun" was reduced to the "Fun & None" last week as Washington lost to Dallas 27-0. The defeat eliminated the Redskins from playoff contention and guaranteed them of a second consecutive losing season. . . . On the other hand, Chicago comes into this game after knocking off division rival Minnesota 13-10 last weekend. If the Bears can win their final two games, they will finish the season at .500, 3-0 with Grossman at the helm, and would have won five of their final six games. Coach Dick Jauron still is likely on his way out, but that result would provide terrific momentum for the Bears organization heading into the offseason. Redskins Keys For Success 1. To run or not to run? Tim Hasselbeck was intercepted four times and completed 6-of-26 pass attempts for 56 yards in Washington's shutout loss to Dallas. The Redskins' offense was held to 161 total yards, had eight first downs and didn't put together a drive of longer than 31 yards against the Cowboys' stout defense. It's been back and forth with Spurrier this season; one week he rededicates himself to running the ball, the next week he opens up the offense again. His play selection has been confusing to say the least and reaffirms the concerns about his system working in the NFL. After last weekend's offensive disaster and considering the fact that the Redskins must protect Hasselbeck, it seems that the logical choice would be to come out running against the Bears, but Spurrier has shocked us before. 2. Use three-step drops and change blocking schemes to negate the Bears' pass rush. With Hasselbeck coming off a confidence-shattering performance, it will be important for Spurrier to protect him by going to more three-step drops and using screens and flare passes. By doing so, Hasselbeck will have easier reads and a better chance of avoiding mistakes. Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache won't often leave his cornerbacks in single coverage, but he likely will send his linebackers on blitzes at times in an effort to take advantage of Hasselbeck's struggles. Spurrier can also help Hasselbeck and his offensive line by changing the blocking schemes up front. Using several different protections will prevent Blache from focusing on any weaknesses he may recognize and, in turn, help keep the pressure from reaching Hasselbeck. 3. Get a spark from the return game. In a game that features two struggling offenses, special teams may be the deciding factor. To beat the Bears, the Redskins must jump on them early and make Grossman throw often. The best chance they may have of doing that is to get a big kickoff or punt return early from either Patrick Johnson or Chad Morton. Both players have the speed to break one and change the face of this game and that could help lift a Redskins team that needs a jolt of confidence. Bears Keys For Success 1. Ride the "A-Train" to take pressure off Grossman. Grossman was effective against the Vikings and guarded against making the costly mistakes associated with rookie quarterbacks. He finished the day a respectable 13-of-30 passing for 157 yards, but threw no interceptions and was sacked once. He remains very inexperienced, however, and may come out overeager against his former coach. The Bears must dedicate themselves to running the ball to help Grossman be successful as Washington has two cover cornerbacks capable of making big plays off any bad throws. In addition, the Redskins are on average allowing 138.8 rushing yards per game and lack the size across their defensive line to consistently stop running back Anthony Thomas. 2. Stay with the cover-2 and don't give up vertical pass plays. Hasselbeck had a zero pass rating against the Cowboys in Week 15. If the Bears come out in their cover-2 and avoid giving up big plays, they will make Hasselbeck be consistent and efficient to move the ball downfield. With his confidence shaken, this approach could result in a couple of errant throws that could wind up as interceptions. Cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Jerry Azumah are improving with each week and if given the opportunity, they can come up with a momentum-changing pick. 3. Win the field-position battle. Punter Brad Maynard was fantastic against Minnesota last weekend. Maynard had the Vikings setting up shop at their own 11 twice, at their 14 once and his deepest punt was downed at the 8, resulting in a 13-yard disadvantage for Minnesota in average starting field position. The four punts Maynard pinned inside the 20 represent his new single-game high. Maynard must be just as effective this week with Morton receiving his punts. Although Morton has struggled and muffed a punt against the Cowboys last weekend, he is very elusive in the open field, so Maynard must get enough hang time to help his coverage avoid giving up the long return. Injury Update Redskins WR Laveranues Coles: Foot (12/17). Coles revealed Wednesday that he has been playing most of the season despite a stress fracture in his foot. Coles said he will play the team's final two games and worry about dealing with the injury in the offseason. He will need to wear a cast for a month or two. If that does not fix the problem, Coles will need surgery. RB Ladell Betts: Forearm (12/16). Betts likely will not practice this week, the Washington Post reported. RB Trung Canidate: Ankle (12/16). Canidate likely will not practice this week, making it unlikely that he'll play vs. the Bears, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. QB Patrick Ramsey: Foot (12/16). Ramsey will begin rehab in about 3-4 weeks, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. RB Chad Morton: Flu (12/13). Morton was downgraded to questionable on the injury report. He is battling the flu. Official league injury report: DOUBTFUL: RB Ladell Betts (arm); S David Terrell (knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Trung Canidate (ankle); WR Taylor Jacobs (foot); OT Chris Samuels (knee); OT Brandon Winey (knee). PROBABLE: LB LaVar Arrington (knee); S Matt Bowen (knee); WR Laveranues Coles (toe); TE Zeron Flemister (neck); WR Rod Gardner (knee); S Andre Lott (ankle); RB Chad Morton (ankle); DE Bruce Smith (knee); LB Jeremiah Trotter (knee). Bears TE Desmond Clark: Turf toe (12/18). The Chicago Sun-Times reports Clark did not practice Wednesday because of his turf toe. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Fellow tight end John Gilmore is suffering from back spasms, meaning rookie Gabe Reid could see some action. Official league injury report: QUESTIONABLE: QB Chris Chandler (shoulder); TE Desmond Clark (toe); OT Mike Gandy (shoulder); S Mike Green (groin); DT Keith Traylor (knee). PROBABLE: G Chris Villarrial (side). The Bottom Line There are two big reasons why the Bears will win. First, the Redskins are coming off their worst performance of the season and, as a result, Hasselbeck's confidence is shaken. Second, the Redskins don't have a consistent ground game, and running is the key to this matchup. Granted, Grossman is making his second start, but he'll have more help from Thomas than Hasselbeck will receive from Rock Cartwright. In addition, the Bears are 5-1 at home, where they play with confidence. Conversely, the Redskins are 2-4 on the road and are starting to resemble a team that has quit on its coach. We like Grossman to start 2-0 and show up his former coach. Pick: Bears 20, Redskins 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted December 19, 2003 Share Posted December 19, 2003 We like Grossman to start 2-0 and show up his former coach. Pick: Bears 20, Redskins 17 :cuss: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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