Bears 'have work cut out' for them with RB Lynch

The key to the Seahawks' offense is “The Beast,” otherwise known as Marshawn Lynch, the Skittles-eating monster whose tackle-breaking runs have become YouTube sensations.

Lynch is averaging 117.7 rushing yards over the last six games. Not coincidentally, the Seahawks (6-7) have won four of their last five games to provide them with faint playoff hopes.

“He is tough. He is physical,” Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “He's a one-cut guy, a downhill guy. He's got good vision, he's got great balance, and he is tough. We played him last year, and he was tough. We have our work cut out with this guy.”

The Bears' run defense has been one of the league's best in recent weeks, allowing an average of just 80.5 yards per game.

Still not enough:

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was asked if the defense, which has allowed just 23 points in the past two games, has done enough during the past three games.

“Obviously not,” Urlacher said. “We've lost all three games. We haven't gotten takeaways like we've wanted to do. We talk about putting our offense in good field position. We haven't done that.”

The defense has forced just 3 turnovers in the past three games after getting 15 in the previous four games.

“We haven't played well enough to win, and that's all that matters,” Urlacher said. “It doesn't matter what happens on the other side of the ball for us. We need to do more to make sure we win those games.”

Injury report:

Quarterback Jay Cutler (right thumb), running back Matt Forte (knee), wide receiver Sam Hurd (not injury related), defensive tackle Henry Melton (shin) and cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Guard Edwin Williams (calf) and safety Major Wright (shoulder) were limited.

For the Seahawks, two starters, guard Robert Gallery (hip) and cornerback Richard Sherman (knee), did not practice.