Jeff Joniak's Keys to the Game: Philadelphia at Bears

Jeff Joniak, WBBM Reporting

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-1) at CHICAGO BEARS(1-2)

HANDLE THE EAGLES BLITZ
Recognition and communication is vital in decoding Jim Johnson’s elaborate blitz package.

The Eagles veteran defensive coordinator is a master at disguising pressure. The challenge lies in determining where the pressure is ultimately coming from. It is a challenge in every conceivable down and distance situation. Johnson’s calls are risky, but the rewards are great for a defense that leads the NFL in sacks(13), nine of which came last Sunday against the Steelers.

OFFENSIVE PATIENCE
Playing a defense like the Eagles requires patience. Philadelphia has allowed only nine scoring drives in three games, the fifth fewest in the NFL.

Teams are averaging only 14 first downs per ballgame against the Eagles, the second fewest in the league.

Frankly, it has been easier to throw the ball on the Eagles on first down than it has been to run it on first down, and Bears quarterback Kyle Orton is 20-of-26 throwing the ball on first down this season.

However, staying out of second and third and long is critical against the Eagles lethal pass rush and blitz package.

The Bears will have to pick their spots to make the Eagles pay for their pressure.

TAKE IT AWAY
No team in the NFC through the first three weeks has scored more points off turnovers than the Bears (32).

Dating back to the last eight games of last season, the Bears have forced 15 interceptions and 11 fumbles producing 83 points. That is worth more than a touchdown a game.

he Eagles did turn it over three times against the Steelers last week. Take away the Eagles road confidence by getting on top of them quickly.

Philadelphia is 5-2 in its last seven road games and under head coach Andy Reid the Eagles are 44-29 on the road, including 4-and-0 against the Bears.

PRESSURE MCNABB
About two years removed from ACL surgery, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is moving much better than he did last season. He is moving to stay out of trouble and still make downfield completions.

A play in the Pittsburgh game provides a perfect example of McNabb’s effectiveness. His outlet receiver fell down and McNabb bought enough time under a rush to allow the back to get up, make the catch, and pick up eight important yards on a scoring drive. He is quite dangerous in that regard.

However, a year ago, the Giants sacked him 12 times. In addition, the Bears are overdue for a few clutch sacks after letting Brian Griese escape from Soldier Field last weekend.

TIGHTEN THE GRIP
The Bears are off to a great start defending the run this season, and they have to keep it that way against the Eagles.

Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook is dynamic. He is a two-pronged weapon averaging 4.7 yards per carry in his career and 25 receiving touchdowns on 355 receptions. A bad ankle hobbles Westbrook, but when right, he is a slippery, crafty, productive weapon.

The key for the Bears is to continue to tighten the running lanes and come at him in waves to put him down.

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