With major playoff implications on the line, the Eagles’ face what many consider to be a must-win situation against the Bears on Monday Night Football. With quarterback Michael Vick appearing to hit a midseason groove and running back LeSean McCoy putting together a career year, the Eagles offense may finally be in the process of living up to their true potential.
Standing in the way of this NFC East team that is trying to claw their way back to the conference’s elite are the Monsters of the Midway, the Chicago Bears. The Bears’ defense is not as talented as it has been in years past but it still poses as a formidable opponent.
In order to win this game on the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles must focus on a few key match-ups.
Andy Reid vs. Andy Reid
It is no fluke that the Eagles currently have the number one rushing offense in the league. They boast the NFL’s best running quarterback (by a wide margin) and an up-and-coming running back who is emerging as one of the elite players in the National Football League. With this valuable weapon in their back pocket, it would make a lot of sense for the Eagles to run the ball early and often.
But let’s get real here: Andy Reid coaches the Eagles. And because of this, we are once again faced with worrying whether this team will continue to balance its offense with an equal run to pass ratio. On Monday night, Reid must commit to the run.
In last year’s loss to the Bears, the Eagles handed the ball off just twelve times, but threw the pigskin on forty-four occasions. Despite controlling the time of possession and gaining more yards from scrimmage than their opponent, the offense was extremely predictable, which allowed the Bears defense to establish a solid pass rush and key in on certain match-ups.
In their prior matchup in 2009, the Eagles handed the ball off twenty-four times and threw the ball thirty-three times; a far more balanced approach that was one of the keys to victory. This approach held off a talented Bear’s defense while showcasing a young LeSean McCoy and helping Donovan McNabb finish with a solid 101.6 passer rating.
This year’s matchup will challenge Reid to stick with his best offensive weapon (McCoy) more than any game thus far. The Bear’s starting secondary has recorded just one interception and will start two very young safeties, including rookie Chris Conte, who has played in just four professional games. The Bear’s defense has allowed over 271 passing yards per game in 2011.These statistics will likely tempt Andy to throw the ball, but I implore him to resist the urge and establish the running game. Once that has been accomplished, the Eagle’s talented offense should easily do the rest of the work.
LeSean McCoy vs. Brian Urlacher
Over the last decade Brian Urlacher has arguably been the best middle linebacker in the game. But at age thirty-three he is far removed from his prime and now relies more than ever on his smarts and instincts than his physical ability.
This should play into the hands of the decade-younger LeSean McCoy. Shady won’t necessarily outsmart the middle linebacker, who started his career when Shady was in middle school, but he can and certainly should out run him.
McCoy must take advantage of his quickness and elusiveness to help his team win. The Bears give up 107 yards per game on the ground and over five yards per carry. McCoy must be patient, protect the ball and take the positive yardage available. The big plays will come easily if McCoy can wear down Urlacher and the Bears’ defense.
Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije vs. Eagles Offensive Line
It seems like an over-simplification to say that if the Eagles’ offensive line can stop the two Bear ends, they will likely win. However, it may actually be this straightforward.
In the last two match-ups against the Eagles, both Idonije and Peppers have given the Birds’ offensive line fits. Just over a year ago, each recorded a sack and seemed to disrupt the Eagles’ offensive rhythm on nearly every possession.
Idonije virtually set up camp in the Eagles’ backfield, recording five tackles, three of them for loss, and one sack. The University of Manitoba graduate also recorded three of the Bears’ eight quarterback hits that night.
Peppers too showed up in a big way, recording four tackles, including a sack, despite the attention he was given by the Eagles’ offensive line.
Thus far this season Idonije and Peppers have recorded three and four sacks, respectively. Although this is not near the top of the league rankings, these two players have had past success against the Eagles, and they will certainly be out to continue that trend. Not to mention that they’ll be extra amped-up playing under the primetime lights.
The Eagles’ offensive line has certainly improved from the start of the season, particularly as their young rookies have acclimated to the strong, faster, more relentless opponents they face in the pros. That being said, the unit still remains one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. As a result, their matchup with the Bears front four will play an enormous role in this game, and if they can open up holes for Shady and provide ample protection for Michael Vick, than they will position this team for a victory.
Follow Keith on Twitter @kzubrow
The Real Key is the Eagles Slot WR’s & TE’s versus the Bears LB’s and Urlacher and Briggs in particular.. The Eagles OL will hold their own versus Pepper and Idonjie who I am sure will some make plays over th ecourse of the game.. Peppers is hot and cold, If Peters slaps him around a little right out of the gate, he can be an non-factor.. Idonjie brings it every play
I expect the Bears Safeties to be lined up very deep most of the time so I think the Key area to attack is the middle of the field again (similar to what the EAgles did versus the Cowboys)..Use Avant,Smith,Cooper and the TE’s & RB’s in the middle of the field, and by doing this their LB’s will be deeper and more off the line of scrimmage, more which in turn allows more running room for McCoy.. Soften that middle, mix in the run,screens, and then attack over the top… Paulman’s game plan.. EAgles 27 – Bears 16