Event of the Day: Chicago Bears versus Seattle Seahawks
Our event of the day is the NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Both teams come into this exciting week 2 match-up with a losing record from week 1. The Bears fell to the Green Packers by a single point, while the Seahawks were outplayed in a close game against the Denver Broncos. However, with both teams striving for playoff contention this season, this is sure to be an action-packed game. Chicago boasts a reinvigorated defence this season. Four of their seven 2018 draft picks went on defensive players, including 1st round draft pick, Roquan Smith. Smith was a hard-hitting linebacker for the University of Georgia. He recorded 252 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and forced 3 fumbles in 3 seasons with the Bulldogs. In week 1, he showed that this translated to the NFL as he sacked DeShone Kizer on his first play on the Bears’ defence. However, the big name of the Bears defence is outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Mack was traded to the Bears by the Oakland Raiders in early September after holding out on his contract in Oakland. A four-year veteran of the NFL, Mack is known as an explosive hit machine that effectively shuts down offenses. In the loss against the Packers, Mack shone with a red zone strip fumble and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Seattle is looking to prove their critics wrong after an off-season that saw some big names leave the team. However, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson looks to lead his team back to the playoffs after a lacklustre 2017 season. The highlight of the offense in the week 1 game against the Broncos was rookie tight end Will Dissly. Dissly, a 4th round pick from this year’s draft, tallied 105 yards on 3 receptions, with one touchdown. Seattle also have some exciting new defensive prospects. Shaquem Griffin, a 5th round pick out of UCF, is a fast linebacker who excels at shutting down the run game. Griffin is also the first ever one-handed player in the NFL, having had his left hand amputated after being born with amniotic band syndrome. All this sets up a powerful defence against a promising offense, and a game you won’t want to miss.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League, where Southampton faces Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary’s Stadium. This mid-table match sees two teams with a 1 win, 1 draw, 2 loss record looking to get their season into gear. Southampton recently beat Brighton in the second round of the EFL Cup so Brighton will be keen to get revenge. Southampton may be without both starting forwards Shane Long and Charlie Austin due to injury. Meanwhile, Brighton may debut summer signing Florin Andone, who returns from injury. Southampton are the slight favourites, but it is sure to be an eventful match. Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Brewers are continuing their playoff hunt in the MLB as they host the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. In the WTA, the Korea Open begins at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NFL