Bears vs. Eagles: 5 Keys to a Chicago Victory on Monday Night

Monday night's game ends the two week drought for Bears fans as the Navy and Orange travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

Curiously, the Bears enter this game as seven-point underdogs even with a better record and coming off of a bye week after a quality win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London.  And the Bears have faced one of the toughest schedules in the league, if not the toughest.

Recent history suggests that this game will be close, with the last four meeting decided by four points or less and both teams have scored and allowed a similar number of points.

Add to that the fact hat Michael Vick has never beaten the Bears in any of his starts against them and you have to wonder what the seven point spread is based off of.  

This should be one heck of a game to watch for fans.  

It's a winnable game for Chicago, but the Bears are going to need solid strategy from the coaches and consistent production from the players.

So today we're going to take a look at five keys to Chicago winning in Lincoln Financial Field.

Trust in Matt Forte and the Running Game

The Bears need to reign in Mike Martz and his passing tendencies against the Eagles.  Even if the Eagles get out in front early.

It seems difficult for NFL offensive coordinators to exercise the discipline to stick with the running game when their opponents possess an explosive offense.  But that is exactly what the Bears need to do.

The Eagles run defense is among the worst in the league.  Football Outsiders has Philadelphia ranked 30th in the league in run defense and Pro Football Focus has them at 27th in their rankings.

The Bears need to take advantage of that fact early and often.  Riding arguable league MVP candidate Matt Forte isn't just a good idea, it's essential to a Bears victory.

Speaking of the Run...Stop It

That whole running thing goes both ways.  The Bears run defense isn't the bottom dwelling mess that the Eagles suffer, but it has been a roller coaster ride.

The success of the Eagles is largely driven by the success of their top ranked running game.

LeSean McCoy is a smaller version of Matt Forte.  The back can rush and receiver with equal prowess.  Add to his ability those of quarterback Michael Vick, who is the best rushing quarterback of the modern era and who might be faster than McCoy, and you get a dangerous rushing attack that can come from any formation and any play called.

In the past, the Bears have done a good job of bottling up Vick and his running game, frequently using Urlacher as a spy.  This has forced Vick and his offense into a one dimensional role that has led to the much reported winless record Vick has as a starting quarterback against the Bears.

If Chicago cannot control Vick and McCoy, the Bears will be in for a long and pouty-lipped journey home from Philly.

The Matadors of the Midway Must Stop the Eagles Raging Bulls

The Bears offensive line isn't as bad as it was last year, when it was the worst in the league.  But this isn't the '90s Cowboys dynasty line, either.  

Entering Week 9, the Bears offensive line is ranked 25th by Football Outsiders and 28th by Pro Football Focus in pass protection.

Meanwhile, the Philly defensive end tandem of Jason Babin and Trent Cole are absolute pass rushing nightmares.  The duo has combine for more sacks than the entire starting defensive line and just two fewer sacks than the entire Bears defensive roster. Philadelphia's pass rush is ranked second by Pro Football Focus. 

If the Truly Offensive Line, specifically J'Marcus Webb and Lance Louis cannot contain these two defensive whirlwinds and their second ranked pass rush, Jay Cutler might be in for one painful day on the way to a loss.

When Called Upon, Jay Cutler Must Deliver

We discussed earlier that the Bears need to ride Forte and the ground game to victory.  But the Bears will have to pass.

To ignore the pass would be just as detrimental as forgetting that the Bears get off the bus running was earlier this year.

If the Bears are forced by the Eagles—or Mad Mike Martz—to run a one-dimensional offense, the chances of the Bears winning will lie somewhere between slim and a snowballs chance in Hades.

In order for it to matter, though, Jay Cutler will have to perform the was he did against Detroit rather than the way he did in London against the Bucs.

Here's a remind, Mr Cutler.  Fundamentals are your friend.  Good decision-making skills are an even closer ally.

Cutler has to be accurate and quick enough so as to contribute and the formidable Eagles away from cheating into the box.

Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers

The Bears have to win the turnover battle.  It's that simple.

The Bears enter Monday Night's game ranked the fourth best team in the league in turnovers lost while the Eagles have coughed up the ball more than any team in the NFL.

Vick has put the ball on the ground eight time, and while McCoy hasn't fumbled yet, he likes to carry the ball away from himself until the hits start to come, which leaves perfect opportunities available for Charles Tillman, Brian Urlacher and the gang.

This is Bears football and they hold a distinct advantage in turnover ratio, as the Eagles have recorded a minus-seven ratio while the Bears have a plus-four ratio.

Opportunities are going to be there for the Bears take the ball away.  If they can capitalize, a Bears win gets much more likely with every turnover.

And now it's your turn ladies and gentlemen.  Step up to the soapbox below and let your voice be heard.