Seahawks to provide special challenge for Bears
Devin Hester is second in the NFC with a punt-return average of 12.8 yards, but Seattle's Golden Tate is first with an 18.0-yard average.
Danieal Manning is second in the NFC in kickoff returns with a 29.8-yard average, but Seattle's Leon Washington is first with a whopping 40.4-yard average, including 2 touchdowns.
“It will be a big test, coach Lovie Smith said of the Bears' special-teams coverage units. “Guys know that. It'll be a challenge for us to contain both of their return games. We have two pretty good return guys that we like, too. It'll be a good part of the game to watch and see how that goes.
The Bears' coverage teams are 16th in punt-return average and 18th in kickoff-return average, while the Seahawks are 13th and eighth, respectively.
“It's definitely a challenge, said cornerback Corey Graham, who leads the Bears with 11 special-teams tackles. “These guys have got great returners. But that's what we gear up for. We've just got to show what we are capable of.
As a team, the Seahawks are No. 1 in kickoff-return average and No. 3 in punt-return average. The Bears are No. 5 and No. 4, respectively.
Something's missing:
Coach Lovie Smith is satisfied with the performance the Bears have gotten from strong safety Danieal Manning, but ...
“But as Danieal will say, Danieal is capable of having a huge game like he did against Cleveland last year, Smith said. “Interception-wise we're still waiting for him to make a couple plays like that. But I've been very pleased with everything he's done from the off-season all the way. He's one of the guys now and he's ready to take that next step.
The interception Manning had last Nov. 1 has become a bit of a milestone for Bears safeties. It's the only interception by a Bears safety in the last 23 games. Five different safeties started at least two games for the Bears last season Al Afalava, Manning, Kevin Payne, Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz but they combined for just the 1 pick. And there have been none last year. The last pick prior to Manning's was by Mike Brown on Dec. 11, 2008.
In his fifth season, Manning has 6 career picks, while free safety Chris Harris, a six-year veteran, has 10.
Injury update:
Quarterback Jay Cutler has no restrictions after completing a full week of practice following his Oct. 3 concussion.
“No setbacks at all, coach Lovie Smith said. “He had a great week of practice. He feels good. He's ready to go. We're not monitoring him anymore. He's not going to see anyone else before he plays. He's good to go just like everyone else.
Linebacker Lance Briggs did not practice at all this week and is listed as “questionable on the injury report, but that seems like wishful thinking.
“He's making progress (but) not quite there yet, Smith said. “But we have a little bit of time before the game still. We haven't ruled him out.
Guard Roberto Garza had successful arthroscopic knee surgery Friday and could be back in two weeks.
Aiming higher:
The Bears are tied for the NFL lead with 14 takeaways, but according to middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who has intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and recovered 2 of them, they haven't finished the job.
“We haven't scored yet on defense, which is surprising to me, Urlacher said. “As many takeaways as we've gotten, we haven't scored. I think those will come as well. There have been a lot of tipped balls, which is good for us. It means we get a chance to catch them. We want to get every tipped ball.
Since Lovie Smith became the Bears' head coach in 2004, they have 214 takeaways, the most in the NFL.
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