LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WBBM) -- The Chicago Bears have had some extra time to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles and lets hope it pays off in a prime time win.
Checking the Eagles elaborate blitz package requires study and understanding. In the last two losses, Philadelphia blitzed Tony Romo, but not as much with Phillip Rivers.
How will rookie coordinator Sean McDermott attack Jay Cutler?
“A lot of secondary pressure, really active front four, linebackers are buzzing around, Assante Samuel is one of the best corners in the game,” said Cutler, "They have a really good defense.”
One that ranks second in sacks with 29 provided by 14 different defenders topped by end Trent Cole with 7 ½.
Blitz pickup by running back Matt Forte is significantly important.
“You have to know who’s coming and who to pick up,” Forte said, "If their blitzing a lot somebody’s got to be open so we have to protect and give him time to throw the ball.”
One of the ideal blitz beaters is a well-timed and properly executed screen pass.
It is one significant weapon in the Bears still developing offense.
“That goes to show you that we’re working on the passing game as well as the running game,” Forte said, “Screens get people out in space.”
And Forte out in space like Thursday in San Francisco results in 37 and 31-yard chain moving gains. The Bears running back is 11th in the NFL in yards from scrimmage.
Forte joins Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers as the only Bears with 2500 scrimmage yards in their first 25 NFL games.
Separated by just 111 total yards, Sayers and Forte are just ahead of Thomas Jones(26), Walter Payton(28) and Rick Casares(29) in games to reach the plateau.
PRACTICE UPDATE: EAGLES WEEK
Olin Kreutz(rib), Desmond Clark(neck), and Kevin Payne(shoulder) were held out of practice indoors at the Walter Payton Center. Safety Al Afalava(shoulder), and defensive tackle Tommie Harris(knee) were limited.
Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid has already ruled out running back Brian Westbrook(concussion), and receiver Kevin Curtis(knee) for Sunday’s game. Safeties Quintin Demps(ankle) and Macho Harris(eye) along with linebacker Akeem Jordan(knee) did not participate. Cornerback Sheldon Brown(hamstring) was limited.
Bears rookie cornerback DeAngelo Smith was signed off the practice squad by Detroit. Defensive end Joe Clermond rejoins the practice squad.
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