LeSean McCoy faces the NFL's worst rush defense one week after getting just 13 touches in the Eagles loss at Minnesota as the Eagles host the Bears. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
The Philadelphia Eagles fate in this Sunday night game won’t be known until later this afternoon. It doesn’t take away the magnitude of this Week 16 game against the Chicago Bears.
The Eagles certainly have something to prove after a frustrating and embarrassing loss to the Vikings last Sunday. The Bears are leading the NFC North, so it should be impossible for the Eagles to overlook this game.
Regardless of the result of the Cowboys game against the Redskins, there is plenty within this game that sets the stage for what is to come.
Here are six things to watch in tonight’s game.
Give the Ball to Shady – The Eagles limited LeSean McCoy to 13 touches in last Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. McCoy has made it known he wants to carry his team this week. He wants to help them win by being involved. He should be more involved this week. If he can take over the game, it could mean big things for the Eagles. Oh yeah, and the Bears have the NFL’s worst rush defense.
Eagles secondary vs. Bears receivers – Chicago has many threats in the passing game. Not only is first-string quarterback Jay Cutler back in the fold, he has many weapons around the field – Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett and Earl Bennett – as well as all-purpose running back Matt Forte. The Eagles have the league’s 31st ranked pass defense, which will likely mean a successful game for the Bears receivers. But after allowed 21 points or less to opponents for eight straight games, the Eagles Week 15 performance against the Vikings certainly creates worry about the Eagles chances against the Bears.
Special Teams – The big key to special teams play is Devin Hester. The Bears return man may be even better than Cordarrelle Patterson. The Eagles refused to kick the ball to Patterson last week. Yes, there will be outdoor elements to deal with for the Bears, but Hester is always dangerous. The Eagles let special teams play a role for two straight weeks. They don’t want to let that happen again.
DeSean Goes for the Record – DeSean Jackson enters Week 16 needing just 135 receiving yards to set a new team record. After finishing with 193 last week, breaking the record in Week 16 certainly is a possibility, especially since the Eagles will be relying on him heavily as the leading receiver.
Under the Lights at the Linc – This marks the Eagles first night game since Week 3 as part of Thursday Night Football against the Chiefs. Obviously, the gap between weeks is noticeable. This is the true spotlight game. While many will be paying attention to the Eagles in a Week 17 game against the Cowboys – should it still matter by the end of the week – this is just as much of a game where the Eagles can turn heads. Additionally, if the Cowboys game has significance, it will likely be played in prime time as well. This could be a good preview for the Eagles.
Response from Loss – There were a lot of people at fault for the Eagles loss to the Vikings. But the two most important were the defense that allowed 48 points and the coach who made some costly and questionable decisions. The Eagles and Chip Kelly are looking for redemption. What better way to do it than by clinching a winning season in your first year at the helm.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his Monday Review the morning after every Eagles game. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
