Writer: Kevin Durso
Eagles struggle in preseason opener, fall to Bears
I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.
All posts by Kevin DursoPublished09 Aug 2014
The first preseason game of the season provides a first look at what is to come in the future season.
Friday night wasn't the shining moment many had envisioned.
The Eagles struggled on both sides of the ball in a 34-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on Friday at Soldier Field.
Chicago struck first on a 10-yard touchdown from Jay Cutler to Zach Miller for the only score of the first quarter.
The Eagles scored 21 points in the second quarter, with Matthew Tucker rushing for two touchdowns and Josh Huff returned a 102-yard kickoff for a touchdown.
Miller also caught his second touchdown for the Bears to keep the Eagles lead to seven.
The Eagles added another touchdown in the third as David Fluellen received a screen pass from Matt Barkley for a 14-yard score.
The Bears scored two touchdowns late in the third, with Jimmy Clausen leading both drives, to give the Bears the lead.
The only score of the fourth quarter was a 25-yard field goal by Robbie Gould, who had two successful attempts on the day.
The Eagles had four turnovers, including two interceptions by Nick Foles. Barkley fired one interception as well. The Eagles also lost a fumble.
The Eagles also managed just 359 offensive yards. With the starters limited, G.J. Kinne led the team with an 8-for-10 night for 88 yards. Tucker led in rushing with 40 yards on eight carries.
Zach Ertz was strongest in the field, making four catches for 60 yards. Jordan Matthews also had four catches, but dropped several passes as well, diminishing what could have been an excellent debut.
Defensively, there were several defensive lapses late in the third that allowed the Bears to gain the lead, particularly among the secondary.
Special teams had a strong game. In addition to Huff's kickoff return for touchdown, they blocked a field goal attempt and forced a fumble and recovered on a Chicago return.
The Eagles next preseason game is next Friday in New England against the Patriots.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
