KEYS TO THE GAME
PHILADELHPIA EAGLES @ CHICAGO BEARS
Offense: Move in the right direction
There are many good things happening offensively, just not consistently. For example, the screen game is developing into a weapon. Receiver and running back screens are moving the chains. Jay Cutler has completed 36 pass plays of 20+ yards, trailing only Drew Brees of the Saints by one big play. Receivers share the league lead for fewest dropped passes. However, red zone failures, penalties, pass protection, and the anemic rushing attack has derailed the overall progress of the scheme. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bears have to pull together and play consistent offensive football and make plays to defeat the pressure the Eagles creatively bring potentially on every down.
Defense: Keep McNabb in the pocket
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb does not scramble around like he once did, but if given a window to escape the pocket up the middle or to the outside, he will step up and make something happen either with his feet or his arm. Keeping McNabb cornered with no avenues to eject the pocket, will take away some of his playmaking ability. He can threaten every area of the field with speed receivers on the perimeter, a developing tight end in Brent Celek to occupy the middle of the field, and backs that can catch the ball in the flat. The Eagles will throw a lot more than they will run, especially true without veteran star Brian Westbrook who is battling concussion issues.
Special Teams: High alert!
Much like they were against Cleveland and return star Joshua Cribbs, the Bears are on high alert against DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson is fourth in the NFL in punt return average(13.8) and has an 85-yard touchdown return against the Carolina Panthers. He is fast and dangerous. The Eagles have always had impressive special teams coverage units…and they are no different in 2009…ranking fourth in the NFL in punt coverage.
Intangibles: Backs against the wall
Emotionally, the Bears have gone through the ringer in the five weeks since the bye weekend. Outscored 123-to-81 during this stretch, they have lost four times. Getting a three day break last weekend, may serve them well. They now have a clear picture of the task before them. There really is no room for error. However, six of their final 7 games, are in the NFC. It means the Bears can make up a lot of ground in the conference, but only if they bring the fight to the Eagles. The outcome may set the stage for the rest of the season---in terms of how they respond to this enormous big picture challenge.
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