Bears vs. Eagles: Improving Bears Defense Will Cause Problems for Michael Vick

One of the main reasons the Chicago Bears have struggled to get above .500 has been a surprisingly porous defense.

It's a unit that has been the foundation of an entire franchise, so when it gives up points in bunches, there's reason to be worried.

During a four-week span starting in Week 2, the Bears allowed at least 24 points in every game and lost three times. Things are starting to show signs of improvement, though, and they should be well prepared for their Monday Night Football clash with Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In two games prior to their bye week, the Bears gave up just 28 points and 566 yards combined. That's more akin to what we're used to seeing from Brian Urlacher's defense.

Chicago has also had success slowing down Vick in the past.

The dynamic playmaker has a quarterback rating of 76.2 in five regular season starts against the Bears and has just three total touchdowns in those contests. He's also been sacked 15 times, has seven fumbles and thrown three interceptions.

Not many people, including the oddsmakers (Eagles -8), are giving Chicago much of a chance to pick up a key road win as the Philadelphia bandwagon begins to fill back up. But those stats show tonight's game is no slam dunk.

Also, Matt Forte is fifth in yards per game and should be able to control the clock against an Eagles run defense which is averaging 118 yards against on the ground.

If Jay Cutler can make some key throws on third down, a situation where he has completed just 53 percent of his throws in 2011, Chicago has a good chance to pull off the upset.

The Bears must continue to make progress on defense if they want to make a return trip to the playoffs.

Stopping Vick's high-flying offense would be another step in the right direction on Monday night.