Bears vs. Eagles: 5 Reasons Philadelphia Needs to Win on Monday Night

The Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) stomped the Dallas Cowboys (4-4) 34-7 last Sunday night in a primetime matchup.

Well this week, the Eagles return to primetime to take on the Chicago Bears (4-3).

Last weekend, the Eagles saw a return of defensive end Trent Cole, right tackle Jason Peters, and the high-powered offense last seen in 2010.

Philadelphia will need those components to come together yet again in tonight's must-win matchup.

The playoffs are still in Philly's sights but they need this win tonight. Here's why.

The Nation Will Be Watching

It's Monday.

And that can only mean one thing.

Monday Night Football.

The only game going on will be the Eagles versus the Bears and the whole nation will be watching.

Philadelphia needs to take advantage of that exposure and make a statement that resonates throughout the league with a win over Chicago.

Must Defend Home Field

The Eagles are 1-2 at home and have five remaining games in Philadelphia.

If they want to prove that they are legitimate contenders this season, they need to make their home field a destination feared by other teams—especially when teams like the New England Patriots and New York Jets will come to town later in the season.

Philadelphia has to start that tonight by taking down the Bears, a team that is also fighting to get into the playoff picture.

Quest Towards 10 Wins

Ten wins in a season is the usual measuring stick for a playoff team.

With the exception of four teams in the past five years, every team that has had at least 10 wins has made it to the playoffs. The Eagles need to make that their goal, in addition to going undefeated within the conference the rest of the way.

Tonight can't be one of the two losses the Eagles can afford the rest of the year.

Keep Positive Momentum

The Eagles have now won two games in a row, both over NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.

Last week against the Cowboys, quarterback Michael Vick threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns. But the real star of the night was running back LeSean McCoy (pictured) who ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns.

Philly has to keep that offensive production going against the 12th ranked defense in the league.

After starting off the season so badly, the Eagles can't afford to lose that type of momentum as they head into the second half of the 2011 season. 

Stay on Pace with Division Rivals

Because the Eagles are playing in the final game of Week 9, they have the advantage of knowing how every other game finished, long before they step on the field.

Both teams ahead of the Eagles in the NFC East standings, the Giants and Cowboys, won on Sunday. The Cowboys were expected to win over a lifeless Seattle Seahawks team but the Giants stunned the New England Patriots with a game-winning touchdown in the final 15 seconds of the game.

Philadelphia has to prove that they can keep up with the teams ahead of them. A division title or wild-card playoff spot could be won or lost based on conference record and the Eagles need to stay on track in the NFC East.

The Eagles are clinging onto hope for a playoff spot and can hardly afford any mistakes for the rest of the season. A loss to the Bears can't be one of those mistakes.