Eagles-Bears scouting report

November 20, 2009|by Paul Domowitch

Recent history: The Eagles lost to the Bears, 24-20, on Sept. 28, 2008. Chicago lead the series, 28-11-1.

 

OFFENSE

 

Eagles: 352.2 yards per game (12th)

Bears: 334.3 yards per game (18th)

 

Quarterback

 

Eagles: Donovan McNabb's 95.1 passer rating is the third highest of his career. He's had just two clunker games this season – v. Dallas (16-for-30, 2 INTs) and Oakland (22-for-46, 0 TDs, 6 sacks). Completed 9 of 11 passes on third down last week, including his two TD throws to Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek

Bears: Jay Cutler has one of the strongest arms in the league, but too often makes poor decisions because of the confidence he has in his arm. He has a league-high 17 interceptions, 15 of which have come in his team's 5 losses. He's thrown 99 passes in the last 2 games.

PICK: EAGLES

 

Running back

 

Eagles: With Brian Westbrook out, rookie LeSean McCoy will get his fourth start of the season. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his previous 3 starts. The biggest concern with him right now is blitz recognition. He failed to pick up one last week and got McNabb sacked.

Bears: Matt Forte has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry behind the Bears' rebuilt line. The 6-2, 217-pounder is a hard-charging, one-cut runner with sub-4.5 speed. More productive this season as a receiver than runner. He had eight receptions for 120 yards in last week's loss to the 49ers.

PICK: BEARS

 

Receiver

 

Eagles: The Eagles' big-play perimeter tandem, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, have combined for 65 receptions and eight touchdown catches. Slot receiver Jason Avant had eight catches for 156 yards vs. the Chargers last week. Sixteen of his 23 receptions this season have been for first downs.

Bears: WRs Devin Hester and rookie Johnny Knox both are burners, but neither is averaging more than 12.4 yards per catch. Hester, a converted DB, still is learning the finer points of playing the position. Jay Cutler relies heavily on TE Greg Olsen (34 catches, six TDs) and RB Matt Forte (38 catches) in the passing game.

PICK: EAGLES

 

Offensive line

 

Eagles: This unit already has given up 22 sacks, which is just one fewer than they allowed all last season. Their run-blocking problems were underscored last week when they couldn't punch the ball into the end zone from the 1-yard line.

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