RENTON – One thing stood out when Tarvaris Jackson talked about his first game at Soldier Field during his rookie season in 2006: the biting cold.
“I was the third quarterback that day, and they took the first-string guy out and the second-string guy got hurt,” Jackson recalled. “I’m on the sideline with my little clipboard, and all you can see is my eyes because I’ve got a mask on and I’m all covered up with a big jacket.
“It was the coldest I’ve ever been.”
With the wind chill factor in the single digits, then-Minnesota coach Brad Childress replaced an ineffective Brad Johnson with Brooks Bollinger, who injured his shoulder in the third quarter. In came Jackson, who completed 3 of 4 passes for 75 yards in a 23-13 loss to Chicago on Dec. 3, 2006.
Jackson admitted to checking the weather forecast in the Windy City for Sunday’s game against the Bears – it’s expected to be clear and about 42 degrees.
As a member of the Vikings for five seasons, Jackson faced NFC North rival Chicago twice a year, so his knowledge of the Bears’ vaunted Tampa 2 defense and what they like to do should come in handy this weekend.
Jackson was 2-0 in two starts against the Bears in 2007. But he didn’t exactly play lights-out, completing 27 of 52 passes (52 percent) for 485 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions for a 66.58 passer rating.
“Whenever those guys are healthy, they’re a top-10 defense,” Jackson said. “So it helped me a lot being up there and preparing for them twice a year. Even during OTAs (organized team activities) and stuff, we used to always kind of add those guys in – our division opponents – so we’ve always got a little extra time in as far as studying.
“So the past five years I think it’s helped me tremendously as far as getting ready for this game.”
Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell also is very familiar with the Bears, having spent the past 11 seasons coaching in the NFC North with Minnesota and Green Bay before coming to Seattle.
“It helps a little bit in just the familiarity with them,” Bevell said. “I’m familiar with their players and some of their strengths and weaknesses of some of their guys on defense.”
From his experiences playing against Chicago, one thing that Bevell is preaching to his young players is ball security. The Bears are one of the best in the business in creating turnovers. Chicago has 27 takeaways, fourth-most in the league.
“That’s the first thing I told them,” Bevell said. “Luckily I’ve spent time watching that team, and there’s no better than (cornerback) Charles Tillman. He’s got 27 (28 actually) forced fumbles, and he does a great job.
“Every time somebody around him catches the ball he’s raking at it, punching at it and he’s doing everything he can to get it out. And I think they preach that as a whole on defense as well. So it’s important for us to really focus on the ball this week.”
INJURY UPDATE
Seattle coach Pete Carroll indicated after Friday’s practice that his team will be healthy for the most part for this week’s game.
Cornerback Richard Sherman (knee), defensive end Raheem Brock (calf) and offensive lineman Robert Gallery (hip) all returned to practice Friday and were full participants. They are probable for Sunday’s game.
Cornerback Kennard Cox (hamstring), linebacker Leroy Hill (neck), Jackson (pectoral), receiver Doug Baldwin (ankle) and linebacker David Hawthorne (knee) fully participated in practice and are probable.
Offensive tackle Jarriel King (hamstring) is the only Seattle player listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.
Gallery missed the first two days of practice this week, but appeared to be moving well during Seattle’s 90-minute walk-through and should play this weekend.
For Chicago, kick returner Devin Hester was a late addition to the injury report after tweaking his ankle during practice Thursday. He did not practice Friday but is expected to play Sunday.
Quarterback Jay Cutler (right thumb), running back Matt Forte (knee) are out. Defensive tackle Henry Melton (shin) did not practice and is listed as questionable. Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee), offensive lineman Edwin Williams (calf) and safety Major Wright (shoulder) all fully participated in practice and are probable.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 eric.wiliams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.