NFL Preview: Can The Eagles Stay Away From Chicago’s Bear-Hug Defense on Sunday?
Next Sunday, one of the many games featured will have the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears, both 7-3, looking to add an eighth win.
So who has the upper hand in the game?
The statistics suggest that the Eagles are favourites with a 67.7 percent chance of winning, against the Bears’ 31.9 percent. While the Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, the Bears are no longer in hibernation and will put up a strong performance.
The Bears have a great defence that can restrict even the most potent of attacking sides. Devin Hester has also proven his worth for the Bears by becoming a dynamic returner. While QB Jay Cutler has improved his game, and is making better decisions with
the ball. The fact that the Bears are playing at home also makes a big difference. The Bears are used to the frigid atmosphere of Chicago, while the Eagles will have to adjust after coming from Philadelphia.
The Bears have one of the best defences in the National Football League (NFL), having conceded the fewest points in the season so far. However they are 3-2 at home, compared to the Eagles who are 4-1 away. The Eagles play with a lot of energy, and have a
certain Michael Vick in their ranks. The quarter-back is such an explosive player that Philadelphia can score on virtually any given play.
As stiff as their defence is, the Bears are seriously lacking in offence. They rack up about 294 yards per game offensively. The main problem for the Eagles will be how to deal with the Bears’ defence. The Eagles have a great rushing game, with Vick and
LeSean McCoy, but they will have to try and focus more on passing than rushing. The Bears are second in the league in terms of allowing the lowest number of rushing yards per game, at 78, while the Eagles are eighth with 99.7.
The Bears and Eagles have a similar passing yards allowed, ranking 13th and 14th respectively. The Bears allow
an average of 212.4 passing yards per game, while the Eagles allow less than two more yards, at 213.6.
The game will likely be full of passing, and maybe even some rushing from the Bears, who usually rush for about 99 yards per game compared to the Eagles’ 150.8 yards.
However, it could also turn out to be a one-sided contest with the Eagles becoming the latest team to pick apart the Bears’ defence, especially with Vick.
Despite missing 4½ games due to a rib injury, Vick is still on the candidate list for season MVP. Unlike all other Quarter Backs who have started in a game, Vick has yet to throw an interception this season.
The Bears, on the other hand, focus more on keeping the opposition quiet, rather than scoring themselves. They are ranked number one in the NFL in terms of lowest number of points allowed per game with 14.6, about half as many points as the Eagles score
in an average game.
Since 2001, the Eagles and Bears have played a total of six games against each other. So far, the Eagles are leading with four wins, but they could suffer another loss against the new and improved Bears on Sunday.
ESPN’s AccuScore prediction shows that the Eagles should win with a score of around 26-19.
FOX’s WhatIfSports predicts that the Eagles will win 23-17.
However these stats and predictions don't mean a lot if the Eagles have a bad day and the Bears have a good one. But one thing is certain. The extravagant Eagles will have their work cut out against the brawny Bears.
Tags: