Game Analysis: Chicago Bears (8-3) 31 Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) 26

2nd December 2010

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Game Analysis: Chicago Bears (8-3) 31 Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) 26 | read this item

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matt-forte-kyle-orton-chicago-bears_1266033 Michael Vick was finally made to look human on Sunday as he surrendered his first interception and suffered his first loss as a starter this season. On the other side, the much maligned Jay Cutler delivered his finest performance of the campaign thus far, taking advantage of the depleted Eagles’ secondary to throw for four scores. In a battle of two 7-3 teams on the NFL schedule to settle who was a true contender in the NFC, the Chicago Bears prevailed 31-26, earning respect and casting some of the doubt that they once faced onto the Philadelphia Eagles, who were considered the league’s hottest team heading in to the game.

Chicago got started early, busting the Eagles’ defense open for a 61-yard run by Matt Forte to set up a touchdown. Forte finished with 117 yards on the ground, becoming the first back to go over 100 yards against the Eagles this season. The strong rushing performance gave the Bears offense a balance it had lacked in past weeks and allowed Cutler to pick his spots. With the Eagles missing All-pro cornerback Asante Samuel and fellow defensive back Ellis Hobbs due to injury, the Bears’ receivers had a field day running intermediate routes against backups on a slippery field. Cutler fired bullets to Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett after they had dusted the third and fourth string players, earning first downs and scores. The Bears’defense, the true strength of the team, was able to disrupt the Eagles’ offense unlike any unit before them. This was due to the athleticism of their defensive line and the play calling of Coach Lovie Smith. End Julius Peppers is one of the few, if not the only, defensive lineman who can keep up with Vick when he decides to scramble. Peppers chased after the speedy Vick while the rest of the line stayed disciplined in holding their position and closing down the scrambling lanes. Smith called several stunts to confuse the Eagles’ offensive line and used his standard cover 2 scheme to force Vick into making precise intermediate throws. The big play for the defense was when defensive tackle Tommie Harris tipped a ball at the line when the Eagles were in the red zone, down by 1, allowing defensive back Chris Harris to pick off Vick for the first time this season and halt Philly’s momentum.

Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid was upset with the team’s casual attitude following the game, especially the demeanor of receiver DeSean Jackson. That displeasure is natural after a tough loss, but the Eagles should not be too disturbed with this defeat. Philadelphia played terribly and still only lost by 5 points. Also, they were without one of their best players in Samuel who is huge difference maker in the passing game. The Bears saw that Samuel was out and they were well aware of the Soldier field conditions so they attacked the Eagles early for big plays. Vick and the offense were not great, but in a game in which they “struggled”, the quarterback still passed for 333 yards. Still, any time a team loses a game against a fellow playoff contender, it is disheartening. The Eagles rendered their conquest of the divisional rival New York Giants a week ago irrelevant and pulled themselves back into the pack of the NFL standings when they had a chance to separate from it. Philly will have a quick turnaround as they are set to face the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football this week. The Texans’ have one of the league’s worst passing defenses so expect Vick, Jackson and the rest of the “Superfly” offense to have a field day.

Topics: Chicago Bears, Lovie Smith, Michael Vick, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles