The Tribune`s Analyst of the Week for Sunday`s Bears-Saints playoff game is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Floyd Peters. Having coached against both teams, here is his analysis:
– Offensive line: Advantage Bears. It`s a solid group that has played together while the Saints` line will be playing in its first playoff game together.
– Receivers: Even. Good receivers on both sides, the Saints` Eric Martin is a player to watch. They`ll only be as good as the quarterback who gets them the ball.
– Running back: Advantage Bears. When Neal Anderson is totally healthy, he`s awesome. Brad Muster is a solid player, and New Orleans` ”Ironhead” Heyward is a bruiser.
– Quarterback: Advantage Bears. Mike Tomczak has been in the playoffs before and has that edge over the younger Steve Walsh.
– Defensive line: Advantage Bears. Richard Dent can be a premier sacker, William Perry can put the pressure on, Steve McMichael still can wreck plays and Trace Armstrong has blossomed into a fine defensive end.
– Linebackers: Advantage Saints. They have two Pro Bowl players in Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson, and Rickey Jackson teams with them to stuff the run.
– Secondary: Advantage Bears. They`re part of one of the top defensive teams that led the league in interceptions (31).
– Special teams: Even. Morten Andersen is a Pro Bowl kicker and Kevin Butler is right there. Special teams could be the difference Sunday.
– Prediction: Bears, 17-14.
