With how the Chicago Bears' game went against the Minnesota Vikings and the rash of injuries, specifically at the quarterback position, it does not seem like there is a lot to be optimistic about headed into their Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, Philadelphia’s wins were both by the skin of their teeth with a two-point victory against the Washington Commanders and four-point win against the Tennessee Titans. Chicago’s worst case scenario at quarterback right now is Case Keenum starting the game and he has plenty of experience playing in prime-time games. The Bears also have a solid run game and can exploit the Eagles’ greatest weakness of defense.
As the Bears look to get back in the winning column and get to 2-1 against
Philadelphia, here are three reasons for optimism.
The Eagles run defense is one of the worst in the league
Through the first two games, Philadelphia’s defense has given up an average of 127 rushing yards a game and three total rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Chicago’s run game showed what they are capable of in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers with nearly 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns. While I doubt the Bears will have almost 300 rushing yards against the Eagles, I do believe D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai can carry this run game. This would mirror the strategy they used against the Eagles last season. While quarterback Caleb Williams was available for that game, he only had 144 passing yards. With Williams most likely not playing in this game and Tyson Bagent potentially not in the game either, the offensive line and run game will put it on themselves to ensure the Bears win this game.
Jalen Hurts struggles in primetime
If you look at Jalen Hurts last season, he tended to struggle in primetime games. His worst game of the season was easily against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football when he had five turnovers including two turnovers on the same play. In his 11 appearances on Monday Night Football, Hurts has thrown a total of 15 interceptions. Chicago can capitalize on Hurts’ tendency to turn the ball during primetime games. Especially with the uncertainty at quarterback for the Bears, they need all the help they can get from their defense who actually had a good performance in Week 2 despite the final outcome.
Philadelphia has not played cohesively through the first two weeks
The Bears did not play cohesively against the Vikings either. But, the Eagles have not been consistent in the first two games either. They barely survived against the Commanders and if Stefon Diggs had not jumped on the goal post, that game would have been a lot different. Their game against the Titans was not the prettiest either. Hurts’ first interception is what allowed Tennessee to get on the board first. His second interception set up the Titans’ field goal in the fourth quarter to take the lead. Philadelphia seems to always have some level of dysfunction about them which makes them a vulnerable team and the Bears can exploit those vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as the Bears face the Eagles in Week 3
