Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears: Week 2 Preview
By Erik Lambert
This will be the first NFC matchup for both the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears in week two. So it holds a greater degree of significance than their openers.
The sense of urgency is definitely there for Chicago. Not only can they ill-afford an 0-2 start but they also have the stigma of going 1-7 at Soldier Field in 2015 fresh in their minds. This game holds special significance for them.
Background:
It’s amazing how much these two teams have changed in just the three years since they last met in 2013. Neither has the same head coach and most of those rosters have been overturned. Outside of one or two familiar faces, these are completely different football teams. The Eagles hope to keep their rookie quarterback Carson Wentz rolling while the Bears aim to rebound after a frustrating collapse in Houston.
Injury News:
Zach Ertz (ribs) – Attacking the middle of the field was a big reason why the Eagles took care of business against the Browns in week one. Tight end Zach Ertz was part of that success. Unfortunately he suffered a rib separation and is not expected to play in the game given its severity.
Kyle Fuller (knee) – The third-year cornerback tried to play in the opener but was deactivated by the team before the game. Fuller believes he’s close after undergoing minor knee surgery before the season. He was limited in the first practice of the week. Odds are he stands a good chance to play but the final decision lay with the coaches.
Key Matchups
Fletcher Cox vs. Cody Whitehair
No doubt the Eagles are going to try to get their star defensive tackle matched up on the Bears rookie center as much as possible. Whitehair never played the position in college and made the switch late in preseason. He’s still learning. After dealing with Vince Wilfork in week one, he must contend with Cox this time. Talk about a trial by fire.
Ryan Mathews and Kenjon Barner vs. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman
One of the big reasons the Eagles won their opener was they committed to the ground game. Ryan Mathews didn’t have a great average, but he put up 77 yards and scored a touchdown. Kenjon Barner meanwhile popped 42 yards on just four runs. The Bears signed inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman to shore up their run defense. If they want to stop Carson Wentz, those two will have to do that job.
Prediction: Bears win 21-20
One gets the feeling no game is going to be easy for the Chicago Bears this year. Their roster has undergone a lot of changes in the past few months. Even so they should have a lot of matchup advantages and will be at home. If they keep Jay Cutler upright most of the game, he should have a big day against a depleted secondary.