Chicago Bears Vs. the Philadelphia Eagles: 10 Things We Learned

The Chicago Bears have reeled off four straight wins and their last victory, coming this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, showed us a lot about the Bears.  Not only did they win with defense, which has been their strong suit throughout this season, but they also further established themselves on offense and had a strong game on that side of the ball.  Special teams came through for the Bears once again and this team is on fire heading into the final month of the season.

There are several things that the Bears did very well in this game and a few things that they need to improve on but overall this was a great effort by the Bears.

Let’s take a look at ten things that we learned about the Bears in their game against the Eagles this past Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. 

The Bears Return Units Are Special

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Danieal Manning #38 of the Chicago Bears runs after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

The Bears have used the return game much to their favor and are getting a lot of production out of it.  No matter who is back there returning kicks (Devin Hester or Daniel Manning) the Bears are consistently getting good returns and good field position.  They did the same thing in 2006 and are doing it again in 2010.  Is this the formula for success in Chicago?

The Bears Coverage Units Are a Little Scary

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Receiver Davone Bess #15 of the Miami Dolphinsis tackled by Corey Graham #21 and Garrett Wolfe #25 of the Chicago Bears at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Bears coverage units allowed the Eagles some nice returns especially during the start of the game and they are lucky that these returns didn’t result in a lot of points for Philadelphia.  Couple that with the “bonehead” play that Corey Graham had (coming back in bounds to make the play and costing the Bears a 15 yard penalty) and the coverage units really played a less than stellar game.

The Front Four Continues to Get a Lot of Pressure

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears hits Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Just like they have in the three games prior to this Sunday’s contest, the Bears front defensive four managed to get plenty of pressure on Vick and collected a total of four sacks which really helped the team out as a whole.  The Bears did blitz a few times to supplement the rush but overall, Chicago did its damage with just the front four rushing the passer.

The Secondary Was Tested and It Passed

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs as safety Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears defends at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Vick’s racked up a lot yards passing but most of that came because the Eagles were behind for a majority of the game.  The secondary made a clear and successful effort not to let the Eagles receivers get behind them and get some big plays.  There were a few breakdowns but overall, the secondary, discussed as being the weakest link on the defense before the season started, has really shown that it’s a strong unit and one that can help them win games.

Matt Forte Is Looking Great!

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Earl Bennett #80 of the Chicago Bears hands off to teammate Matt Forte #22 from the 'wildcat' formation against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26.

Running back Matt Forte rushed for over 100 yards in this game and is looking very good both catching and running the ball.  He’s just one of many weapons that the Bears have on the team (on offense) but he has been their biggest and their brightest throughout this winning streak.  If he can stay healthy, the Bears offense will continue to click and play well.

Cutler Has Finally Arrived

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears congratulates teammates (L-R) Chris Williams #74, Roberto Garza #63 and Frank Omiyale #68 after a touchdown throw against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, I

Cutler’s downfall last season was his inability to make good decisions.  Some of his decisions this season cost his team a win (see the Washington game) but ever since the Bear’s bye week, Cutler has been on target and is making excellent decisions.  If he can continue limiting the mistakes and making good decisions, the Bear’s offense will go far.

Briggs and Urlacher Are Pro Bowl Bound

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Both linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher had great games this Sunday and both made plays all over the field.  Whether it was against the run or against the pass, both came in and provided the defense with solid effort and one that is worthy of Pro Bowl consideration.  They may be the best linebacker tandem in the NFL.

Earl Bennett Is Back!

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Earl Bennett #80 of the Chicago Bears celebrates an offensive play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

Remember when Bennett was in the doghouse during training camp this year?  Remember when he was injured and couldn’t see the field during camp?  Remember when he was on the verge of being cut before the season started?  All of those memories seem like they were a lifetime ago and the once maligned wide receiver is having a great year.  Look for him to get more looks and more passes thrown his way as the season goes on.

Will Special Teams Coach Dave Toub Get a Head Coaching Job?

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears (C) watches along with defensive coorindator Rod Marinelli (L) and special teams coordinator Dave Toub (R) as their team takes on the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Fie

It appears as if Bear’s special teams coach Dave Toub is quite possibly having his best season as a special teams coordinator.  This means that he should get some looks when it comes to some of the NFL head coaching jobs or even some college head coaching jobs.  It’s too bad too because the Bears will definitely miss him.

The Chicago Bears Playoff Bound?

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears fields a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Is it too early to think that the Bears might be able to make the playoffs?  If they can beat the teams that they should beat (the Lions and the Vikings) giving them, at the least, ten wins, then they should be sitting in pretty good shape.  Could they upset the Patriots and the Jets and beat the Packers another time this season?  We will soon find out!