Five Keys to Victory for Bears vs. Eagles

The Chicago Bears visit Philadelphia for a Monday Night Football showdown—a battle of two teams that need wins to stay in the NFC playoff hunt.  

Both teams have two-game winning streaks after disappointing starts. The Eagles started the season 1-4 while the beloved Bears started 2-3.

It appears on the surface that both teams have begun to figure things out. So this game should decide which team is for real and which will be watching come playoff time.  

The Bears have had great success against Michael Vick-led teams. In his career, Vick has a 76.2 passer rating against the Bears and has completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 807 yards, three TDs and three INTs; rushed for 187 yards on 31 attempts with no TDs; and the Bears have sacked Vick 15 times.

That leads me to the keys:


1. Contain Vick

Notice that I say contain and not stop. This is a key point if you look at the Bears' victory over the Eagles last year when Vick's numbers were not bad (29-of-44 for 333 yards with two TDs and an interception). Keep in mind a lot of those numbers where after the Bears where in control and cruising. What I mean by contain is keep him in the pocket. If you allow him to escape the pocket, make sure it is to his right—Vick has trouble throwing across his body and becomes ordinary when he does. Keep his rushing numbers pedestrian and you have a good shot at winning.

2. Don't let LeSean McCoy beat you

The rushing defense has been better in recent weeks and will be tested this week with LeSean McCoy. He has rushed for 754 yards with 8 TDs so far this year and has scored in every game, which ties an Eagles record for consecutive games with a TD. Don't let him break it this week. If the Bears can stop him, the outlook is good they win the game.

3. Matt Forte 

This is simple: make sure Forte gets at least 20 rushes and the Bears win. The Eagles have a tough front four that create pressure. Don't let them pin back their ears and come at Cutler all day. Keep them honest with Forte and success will follow. Forte's running will open up things for the passing game

4. Keep Cutler clean

Over the past two games, the line has done a better job of protecting Jay with only three sacks allowed. This trend needs to continue this week. Cutler is a much better quarterback when he has time to throw. Don't make him run for his life or rush into bad decisions. The Eagles secondary is stacked and if Cutler is under duress all day they will be licking their chops and could have a big day. Don't let this happen.

5. Keep it simple

This is where it gets tricky. Mike Martz needs can't afford to get too complicated. The Bears need to go to check downs when needed and go with more of a west coast style this week. Three step drops and short passing will beat the Eagles. When you get into plays that take longer to develop thats when you can get into trouble with the pass rush the Eagles bring. I am not saying do not take shots downfield but keep it to a minimum. 

If the Bears are able to do these things, they will walk out with a victory. If not, things could get ugly.  

My prediction: Bears 27, Eagles 13.  

What's your prediction for the game? Let me know what you think!

As always BEAR DOWN!