Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Eagles

After resting on their collective butts during a much-needed bye week, the Chicago Bears head out to the City of Brotherly Love to take on Michael Vick and the surging Philadelphia Eagles. Can Lovie Smith’s defense repeat last year’s impressive performance against Vick and take their winning streak to a whopping three games? Let’s break this one down.

(4-3) Chicago Bears at
(3-4) Philadelphia Eagles

In a season where Jay Cutler has avoided making bad decisions and kept his interception total down (6), he gets to match skills with the vaunted Eagles secondary at a time when they seem to be hitting their stride. He can’t tempt fate against Nmandi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, all of whom can shut down any Bear receiver they choose. Don’t be surprised if Andy Reid doesn’t stick with the same match-ups all game in order to give Cutler several looks. Missing Gabe Carimi could hurt the offensive line week, as Trent Cole will play havoc on the outside edge against whatever tackle he’s facing. J’Marcus Webb will have his hands full, so expect a tight end or back to chip and help out whenever possible.

Mike Martz really needs to avoid is getting pass-happy against Philly. The Eagles are notoriously weak against the run thanks to a soft line-backing unit that features no one you’ve ever heard of. This is a Matt Forte game if I’ve ever seen one. Martz just take advantage of Juan Castillo’s blitzes with draw plays and the occasional screen pass. This way the Bears avoid getting Cutler killed or put in nasty down-and-distances, instead wearing the Eagles out early. If Forte doesn’t run for 100 and catch 4-6 passes, I’m not sure Chicago can win. There’s simply not enough help on the offense.

As well as the Bears have played against Vick in the past (especially last year), he’s always dangerous. Luckily Chicago’s cover-two scheme is actually a useful weapon against Vick, as it prevents deep throws and keeps defenders in zones to protect against any unnecessary scrambling. Lovie Smith’s speedy linebackers are useful in keeping quarterbacks in check. Having Julius Peppers doesn’t hurt either. Peppers will likely gravitate towards the left end spot, where he can match up against right tackle Todd Herremans. Left tackle Jason Peters has come back from injury and is playing at an extremely high level, giving Vick time to find his receivers downfield. It’s all about containment with Vick. Force him to be a pocket-passer and you have a chance, especially seeing some of the less-than-accurate games he’s had in 2011. He’ll give you chances if you wait him out.

Chicago’s secondary is going to be busy chasing receivers all over with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson on the edges. I’m not sure it matters who is covering them, they’ll get open if there isn’t safety help over the top. Vick’s also getting friendlier with tight end Brent Celek, especially in the red zone. Let me be perfectly clear about this though: the Bear safeties will get beat deep at some point during the night. How many times is up to Lovie Smith and company. Pulling those safeties back might leave too many gaps for LeSean McCoy to run through.

Philadelphia is an eight point road favorite.

It won’t be a blow-out, but at Lincoln Financial field, I’d lean towards the Eagles. 27-23?

With Vick, Jackson, and McCoy on offense I could need quadruple-bypass by halftime.

Show up in primetime and stake your claim in the NFC. Losing this game makes any playoff hopes that much bleaker.

Hold onto your butts everyone! Monday Night Football is a’coming!