Bears vs. Eagles: What To Expect and Who Will Win When Vick Comes to Chicago?
Coming off a decisive victory against the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, the Chicago Bears face their biggest challenge of the season this Sunday as they host the surging Philadelphia Eagles led by their dynamic quarterback, Michael Vick. At 7-3, Chicago is riding a three-game winning streak sustained by an excellent defense and an improving offense. Meanwhile, the Eagles are simply dominating opposing defenses behind the incredible play of Michael Vick.
This showdown between NFC powerhouses could have important playoff implications for Chicago, as it maintains a tenuous half-game lead over the Green Bay Packers. While the Eagles, after vanquishing the Giants on Sunday night, hope to solidify their control of the NFC East.
What should fans expect from this game and who will win? To answer these questions, let’s examine the strengths, weaknesses and likely courses of action for each team.
Chicago Bears' Strengths
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Run Defense
Chicago’s run defense has been dominant all season. Bears defenders have displayed an uncanny ability to flow to the runner and prevent positive yardage. Since the bye week, Chicago has contained the running game of the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins. Against the Eagles, they face another big test, as they confront RB LeSean McCoy and QB Michael Vick, both of whom are averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.
Turnovers
A central tenet of Lovie Smith’s defensive philosophy is the importance of turnovers. And, thus far, the Bears rank second in the NFL with 25 takeaways. Players like CB Charles Tillman have made successful careers from forcing fumbles in Smith's system. On Sunday, the Bears will need to maintain this trend to neutralize Vick, who is susceptible to fumbles.
Kick and Punt Return
Devin Hester is enjoying another great year of production on kick and punt returns. His ability to score anytime he gets the ball has secured the Bears good starting field position all season.
Chicago Bears' Weaknesses
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Right Tackle
RT J’Marcus Webb has performed admirably for a seventh-round rookie. However, in recent weeks, he has struggled to contain speed rushes from players like Miami’s Cameron Wake. Poor protection on the right side helped prevent the Bears from running up the score against Miami on Thursday, despite their total domination in time of possession.
Safeties
Safeties Chris Harris and Danieal Manning are questionable in pass coverage. At times, in 2010, both safeties been exposed by opposing QBs in the deep passing game. For example, in their matchup with the Vikings, QB Brett Favre managed to exploit poor safety play to find WR Percy Harvin on two deep passes that helped give life to Minnesota’s sputtering offense. Harris and Manning can’t afford similar miscues against Eagles WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson.
Chicago Bears' Likely Courses of Action
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Against Philadelphia’s mediocre run defense, Chicago may implement a run-centric plan of attack. Moreover, Chicago will want to dominate time of possession to limit the opportunities Vick has the ball. Look for Matt Forte and Chester Taylor to get plenty of carries. In the passing game, Cutler may frequently target TE Greg Olsen, given the Eagles have struggled to counter opposing TEs this season.
Defensively, Chicago must pressure Vick and play disciplined bend-but-do-not-break defense. To keep pressure on Vick, Chicago will likely rely mostly on just its front four—a tactic the New York Giants used with some success on Monday night. Expect DT Tommie Harris and Henry Melton to see more playing time, as they can offer better speed to keep contain on Vick.
Rod Marinelli will likely rely on the Cover 2 and Cover 3 packages to prevent the deep pass to speedsters Maclin and Jackson. Nevertheless, Vick will score points. The challenge for Chicago is to minimize these scoring drives.
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Philadelphia Eagles' Strengths
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QB Michael Vick
If the season were to end today, Michael Vick would garner serious consideration for league MVP. In 2010, Vick has passed for 1,608 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions in just seven games. At the same time, he has rushed for 375 yards and five TDs. At times, Vick has looked unstoppable, as was the case against the Redskins two weeks ago.
RB LeSean McCoy
The second year running back is having an excellent season, compiling 726 yards on the ground at five yards per carry. McCoy has also been a reliable target in the short passing game, as he’s gained 381 receiving yards.
WR Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson
The speedy receiving tandem stretches opposing defenses, while providing Vick with reliable deep threats. Secondaries are often at loss on how to contain these two receivers.
Philadelphia Eagles' Weaknesses
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Offensive Line
Like the Bears, the Eagles offensive line struggled in the early half of the season, giving up 19 sacks in five games. However, over the past three weeks, the unit has coalesced and enjoyed better success, as it has often utilized heavy protection packages. The Bears’ pass rushers, who dominated the Dolphins last week, will present the Eagles with one of their biggest challenges of the season.
Linebackers
The play of the Eagles linebackers has been mostly average. This unit have failed to produce many turnovers or dominate opposing rushers.
Philadelphia Eagles Likely Courses of Action
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Offensively, the Eagles will face stiff resistance in the running game. Therefore, their passing game will have to pick up the slack. To attack the Bears defense, expect the Eagles to use the screen game to neutralize the rush of Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije. Working on the short passing game may also force the Bears to bring their safeties into the box, which will open deep routes for Maclin and Jackson.
Defensively, the Eagles will attack the Bears offensive line on the edges, where RT J’Marcus Webb has struggled in recent weeks. At the same time, Philadelphia will need to keep its safeties deep to prevent the deep pass to WR Devin Hester and Johnny Knox.
Prediction
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Assuming both sides stay healthy, Chicago should be able to contain Michael Vick. Throughout his career, Lovie Smith has demonstrated an ability to design plans to thwart Vick. When Vick was a Falcon, Smith’s Bears were 3-0 against the mobile quarterback. And the Bears defense of 2010 is arguably the best unit Smith has ever fielded.
Meanwhile, on offense, Chicago’s offense should enjoy some success against an average Philadelphia defense. Look for the Bears to have a solid day running the ball, while QB Jay Cutler plays a less prominent role in this week’s offensive game plan.
With home field advantage and the additional three days of rest, the Bears will likely upset the Eagles 20-17 on Sunday afternoon.
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