Chicago Bears Week 16 Early Look: Philadelphia Eagles
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks down after failing a fourth down conversion during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The 8-6 Chicago Bears take a trip to the city of brotherly love this week to take on an 8-6 Philadelphia Eagles squad in a matchup of NFC division leaders that should feature a lot of scoring. Da Bears own the all-time record against the Eagles with a record of 30-11-1, including a 30-24 victory the last time the two teams met in 2011. Both offenses are firing on all cylinders right now and this game should be really fun to watch. Let’s get down to business with some phase by phase analysis to see how the Bears will fare this week:
Offense: Limiting turnovers will be paramount this week. Taking care of the football is always a priority, but when facing a high-powered Eagles offense that has been lighting up scoreboards all season, it becomes even more important than usual. Let’s face it, Chicago’s offense won’t be getting much help from a defense that hasn’t been able to stop anybody this year and an extra possession or two could easily be the difference in this one. That having been said, if the Bears can avoid turning the ball over, Chicago should have very little trouble moving the ball against an Eagles defense that has been lackluster this season to put it mildly. Philadelphia simply does not have the corners to cover Chicago’s wide receivers, and if they sell out to stop Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte will light them up.
Defense: Lesean McCoy is going to run all over the Bears this week. Chicago’s rush defense actually looked halfway respectable against the Browns last week, but Cleveland has struggled to run the ball all year and Shady McCoy might be the best running back in the game right now. The silver lining here is that the Eagles will also throw the ball and I think the Bears’ pass rush will be key. While the Bears have not been stellar at getting to the opposing quarterback this season, they have shown signs of life recently and this week would be a great time for them to pick it up. If Chicago can force Nick Foles to throw the ball before he wants to, they might be able to force a turnover or two and that could be the difference in the game. If not, It’ll be a long night and it’s likely that the last team to possess the ball will win this one.
Special Teams: Will Devin Hester break the all-time return touchdown record this week? probably not, but there’s always a chance. The Eagles are in the middle of the pack this year in kickoff and punt coverage so there’s a chance, but I haven’t seen enough from Devin this year to call it likely. What is likely is that the Bears will enjoy at least decent field position most of the night because he’s been pretty consistent in that area this year.
Will the Bears win this one? I have no idea. Is there a chance? absolutely. As I said earlier, there will be a lot of scoring in this one and it’s likely that the last team to possess the ball will win it, but anything can happen any given Sunday. What do you guys think? Are the Bears done for or will they pull out another dramatic victory? Will Devin Hester finally break the record. Sound off in the comment section and let me know.