The Chicago Bears are going into their primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles without their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, who is out with a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol, but multiple reports say Case Keenum will still start.
That means the Bears will need their run game to show up against the Eagles’ defense. Head coach Ben Johnson’s offense will have its hands full tonight, but Chicago’s defense must play a complete game if the Bears want to improve to 2-1 this year.
Bears need to watch out for Jalen Hurts and Eagles offense
According to radar360, the Eagles’ passing offense has registered seven passing plays of 20 or more yards this season, tied for the sixth-most in the NFL through the first two weeks. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has hurt opposing defenses with his ability to extend plays. Philadelphia’s offense has a 3.41 time to throw, which was the most among teams through the first two games.
Go back to the Eagles’ 24-20 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Hurts initially stayed in the pocket on this second-and-19 play, but felt pressure and moved to his right. That movement outside of the pocket caused the secondary to react, and Hurts threw a touchdown to an open DeVonta Smith, the Eagles' leading receiver this season.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennins Allen highlighted Hurts’ ability to “create with his feet,” which makes him “really, really challenging.” The Bears’ defense understands that Hurts can extend plays and has made smart decisions with the football once those scramble drills begin.
If the Bears want to get off the field and prevent explosive plays, the unit will have to contain Hurts and keep him in the pocket. Of course, that also means the Bears’ rush and cover needs to perform at the same time forcoverage need the unit to succeed.
During the Bears' Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson didn’t maintain consistent eye discipline, allowing quarterback Bryce Young to generate big plays through the air.
With the Bears starting Keenum in this Week 3 primetime matchup, the defense must step up. That will require the defense's top playmakers to perform under the lights. How the Bears' defensive ends Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker contain the edges will prove critical in this game.
Read more: Bears' Week 3 NFC North roundup: Packers embarrassed, Lions and Vikings survived
The Bears did sack Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz three times in the 9-3 loss. Chicago’s defensive line will need a big night, starting with keeping Hurts in the pocket and finishing the play when given the opportunity.
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