Week 9: Keys to success

With the Bears game against the Eagles just about 25 hours away, I think that is very important to look at the keys to success for the Bears if they are to win the game. As I just recently saw, the Bears are eight point favors which scares me just a bit, considering the game is in Philadelphia. However, the Bears have played well recently against the Eagles and have been able to contain Michael Vick. On the offensive side of the ball, the Bears are going to need to do a few things to make this a winnable game. The first thing that needs to happen in order for the Bears to come out victorious is another good game from the offensive linemen. The Eagles like to send a lot of pressure and it will be important for the offensive line to put together a solid game. They have been recently helped with the success and comfort of the running game along with keeping tight ends in to block or use the running backs to chip before going out into route. Another thing on offensive that will help the Bears be successful is their ability to run the game. Establishing Matt Forte in the running game will not only create some rhythm for the offense but also help out later in the game for the passing game. Establishing the running game will also allow the Bears to manage the clock and keep Michael Vick off the field. The last thing the Bears need to do on offense to succeed is to take its shots down field. The Bears have similar down field threats to the Eagles and have the ability to stretch the field. This will allow things to open up in the underneath game and will give the Eagles defense yet another aspect of the offense to worry about.
On the defensive side of the ball, there is also a few things the Bears need to do in order to win the game. The first thing the Bears need to do is make the Eagles one dimensional. This will allow the Bears to focus on that dimension and do everything they can to limit it. I personally believe the Bears should shut down the Eagles running game and make Michael Vick beat them. I know that is a bold statement, but the Bears defense has played very well against Michael Vick and has the athletes to keep him at bay. The second thing the Bears defense needs to do is get pressure on Michael Vick and force him into mistakes. It will be important for the Bears front four to not only get pressure on Vick, but also keep him contained. He is a much more controllable player when he is in the pocket and the Bears have the players on defense to control him and force him into mistakes. Overall, the Bears and Eagles match up very well and have very comparable pieces so I believe this game is going to come down to a few plays that will end up defining the game. Look for the Bears to come out on top and pull out a very momentous game heading into their battle with Detroit. So until next time, Bear Down Chicago!