The Philadelphia Eagles have done enough when needed to win their first two games, but neither performance was flawless. That's often the reality early in the season, and sometimes all season. Teams are still finding their identity, ironing out mistakes, and learning how to win in different ways.
Monday night's matchup with the Chicago Bears presents another unique challenge. Chicago has built its offense around a productive running game, while the Eagles continue searching for more consistency on both sides of the ball. Here are four factors that may ultimately decide the outcome at Soldier Field.
Can the Eagles solve the Bears' rushing attack?
This is probably the biggest concern entering the game. Chicago averaged an NFL-best 212.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks, and the Bears
had plenty of success on the ground against Philadelphia last season at Lincoln Financial Field.
D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have helped fuel an offense that wants to stay ahead of the chains and keep opposing defenses off balance. If the Eagles can slow the rushing attack early, they'll force Chicago into more obvious passing situations. If they can't, it could be a long evening for Vic Fangio's defense.
Can Chicago stretch the field without Caleb Williams?
Caleb Williams has been ruled out, which means the Bears' offense could look significantly different. Neither Tyson Bagent nor Case Keenum can consistently push the ball downfield like Williams. That could lead to a game plan built around shorter throws, quick decisions, and getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands before Philadelphia's pass rush arrives.
The challenge for the Eagles will be avoiding frustration. Defensive backs and linebackers must tackle well, rally to the football, and avoid giving up easy yards after the catch.
Eagles can't miss tackles.
Speaking of tackling, this remains one of Philadelphia's biggest areas for improvement. Vic Fangio recently stated, while speaking with the media, that the Eagles missed five tackles against the Tennessee Titans. NBC Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frankcharted the number closer to 12. Whatever the exact total, everyone agrees it was too high.
Missed tackles turn manageable gains into explosive plays. Against a Bears offense that thrives on the running game and could lean heavily on short passes, Philadelphia must finish plays when opportunities present themselves.
Eagles must remain balanced on offense.
The Eagles are at their best when defenses have to respect both the run and the pass. That becomes much easier if Philadelphia avoids falling behind early.
A close game lets Sean Mannion maintain balance, keep feeding Saquon Barkley, and keep Chicago's defense guessing. If the Eagles chase points, that balance could disappear quickly.
Wild card: Will Chicago beat itself?
Sometimes the biggest factor isn't what one team does but what the other team fails to do. The Bears have committed 20 penalties for 115 yards through two games. Those mistakes have stalled drives, extended opponents' possessions, and created avoidable problems.
If that trend continues Monday night, it could give Philadelphia the extra opportunities it needs to improve to 3-0. The matchup itself is fairly straightforward. Chicago wants to run the football, stay on schedule, and avoid putting its quarterback in difficult situations.
Philadelphia wants to establish balance on offense, clean up its tackling issues, and force the Bears into obvious passing downs. Whichever team accomplishes those goals most consistently will likely control the game. If the Eagles tackle better, stay balanced on offense, and make Chicago earn every yard, they'll be in a strong position to leave Soldier Field with another victory.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Bears’ rushing attack puts Eagles’ tackling under Monday night test
