Week 9 Picks: 5 Reasons the Bears Will Devour Andy Reid and the Eagles

When thinking about this week 9 matchup, I come to the conclusion that the Bears will devour the Eagles. 

Although the game is in Philadelphia, don't expect this veteran Bears team to wither under the bright lights of Monday night.

Both teams are in desperate need of a win. Chicago is three games back of the Packers in the NFC North, and the Eagles are two games behind the New York Giants in the NFC East.

A loss for either team could prove to be the proverbial nail in the coffin for this year's playoff hopes.

Both teams feature respected, veteran coaches that might find themselves on the hot seat if their team doesn't find success this season.

Here are five reasons that the Bears will devour the Eagles.

Mike Martz vs Juan Castillo

In the battle of the minds, Mike Martz wins, hands down. Martz is the offensive coordinator who engineered the "greatest show on turf" in St. Louis. 

His vast knowledge of the game of football from an offensive perspective is unquestionable.

Castillo, on the other hand, should still be coaching the Eagles' offensive line instead of masquerading as a defensive coordinator.

Martz has forgotten more about offensive production than Castillo has ever known about coordinating a defense.

Mike Martz must be salivating at the thought of throwing the playbook at the Eagles' porous defense. 

Julius Peppers Is Still a Top Flight Defender

Despite having a long-tooth problem, Julius Peppers is still one of the most talented and gifted pass rushers in the game.

At age 31, Peppers' numbers are a bit down at four sacks. But, as usual, Peppers' value to team defense isn't properly gauged by looking at the stat sheet.

When you add up all the false starts and holding penalties, you realize that Peppers is a huge force in the battle of field position. 

He also routinely draws double teams and forces teams to chip him with a tight end or running back in an effort to hamper his pursuit to the quarterback.

This allows for the rest of the men on the defensive line to operate one-on-one, and gives them a chance to win their individual battles.

Against Michael Vick and the Eagles, the Bears will need Peppers to dominate if they expect to win.

Speed Kills: Johnny Knox and Devin Hester Can Get Behind the Eagles Secondary

Despite fielding a secondary that features Asante Samuel, Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie the Eagles have given up some big plays through the air this season.

Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are some of the fastest guys in the league. Provided the offensive line can protect for a few seconds, Jay Cutler will have some chances to hit them deep.

I expect Martz to take his shots over the top of the Eagles defense multiple times. I have a hunch that the Bears will hit on a few of them, and that could be the difference in the game.

Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs: Heart and Soul

LeSean McCoy can beat you so many different ways. The lucky thing for Bears fans is that Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs have seen it all before.

They won't get fooled very often as a result. 

Andy Reid has made a star out of LeSean McCoy. McCoy is one of the shiftiest, most elusive backs in the league. The Eagles use him effectively by utilizing a dazzling array of misdirection plays. 

Once he has you fooled, it's usually too late to stop a big play.

Briggs and Urlacher are the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears defense. They will keep the defense playing disciplined to their assignments. 

They won't be fooled.

Matt Forte: 'Nuff Said

Matt Forte is the Bears offense. 

He accounts for 46.2% of the Bears offensive production. 

He is the leading rusher, with 672 yards and two touchdowns.

He is the leading receiver, with 38 catches for 419 yards and one touchdown.

He is the Offensive Player of the Year, without a doubt.

Then...

You remember the Eagles have been atrocious against the run. 

This is a bad combination for Andy Reid and the Eagles.