Then and Now: Briggs Could Be the Difference

When the Bears take on the Seahawks this Sunday in the NFC Divisional playoffs, Chicago will have a weapon they did not have in the October loss to Seattle: Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs.

Briggs was nursing an injury on October 17 and did not play against Seattle. Brian Iwuh filled in, and though he led the team in tackles, it wasn't enough. The Bears gave up 353 yards and had the ball for less than 25 minutes.

Seattle scored twice from the red zone, an area where Briggs usually shines.

Briggs is expected to play this Sunday, and Seattle shouldn't underestimate his importance. Not only is he one of the Bears go-to tacklers and a huge reason that the Bears have a fearsome run defense, but he can break up plays.

He has seven pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and two sacks. He also is one of the leaders on defense. During his two weeks out, against the Seahawks and Redskins, Chicago's D looked lost on the field. It's also worth noting that of the Bears five losses, Briggs was out for two of them.

Chicago is a vastly different team than they were in October, and one of the main reasons is that they have Briggs on the field.

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