The Chicago Bears are desperate to end their three-game losing streak, with their next opponent being the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will face one another in Week 9 in a game that could have playoff implications.
There's no doubt that Matt Nagy never envisioned his team being 3-4 in the first eight weeks of the season. Just last year, Chicago was atop the NFC North with a 12-4 record in Nagy's first year as the head coach.
Unlike last year, the offense has had little to no success and Mitchell Trubisky is at the center of their struggles. The third-year quarterback has shown no improvement from previous seasons and the offense is suffering because of it.
Currently, Chicago is in last place in the division and their hopes of making the postseason are evaporating. Nevertheless, the Bears would love to avenge their loss against the Eagles in last year's NFC Wild Card Game.
The Eagles are 4-4 and are still very much in the race for the NFC East crown. Even though, they have shown that they have plenty of weaknesses this season.
Considering that, here are four reasons why the Bears will defeat the Eagles in Week 9.
4. The Bears can make the Eagles one-dimensional
As the season has progressed, Philadelphia has shown that they are willing to pound the ball with their running backs. Even with DeSean Jackson possibly making his return, Doug Pederson is still going to want to run the ball to help the offense get into a groove.
At the same time, the Bears have a stout run defense that can force Philadelphia to put the ball into Carson Wentz's hands. Without a doubt, Chicago wants Wentz to have the ball as often as possible so their pass rushers can begin to wreak havoc.
When facing a defense as talented as Chicago's, the last thing you want to do is be one-dimensional. The Eagles may be inclined to be one-dimensional on Sunday despite wanting to run it.
3. Khalil Mack is due for a big-time performance
In the Bears' past three contests, Khalil Mack has combined for just 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. In light of that, Mack is poised to have one of his game-wrecking performances in Week 9.
Just two weeks ago, the Eagles' offensive line was unable to keep Wentz upright versus the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, Wentz was sacked three times and he fumbled the ball twice.
This Sunday, Philadelphia's offensive line will have their hands full with the best edge rusher in the NFL.
2. The Bears can finally run the ball
After running it just seven times in Week 7, Nagy made a concerted effort to run the ball in Week 8. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago was able to run it 37 times for 162 yards.
Above all, rookie David Montgomery was finally given a chance to flourish in the offense. As the team's starting running back, Montgomery gashed the Chargers for 135 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown.
The Eagles' run defense has been formidable but they've allowed 100 rushing yards in two out of their past three games. Look for Nagy to continue utilizing his newfound rushing attack on Sunday.
1. The Eagles secondary is abysmal
Throughout the entire season, the play of the Eagles' secondary has been less-than-ideal. So far, Philadelphia is allowing 256.1 passing yards per game (21st in the NFL) and have given up 16 passing touchdowns (27th in the NFL).
As the NFL trade deadline approached on Tuesday, everyone expected the Eagles to acquire a cornerback to bolster their secondary. Instead, they decided to stay with their current group of defensive backs.
Last week, the Eagles only allowed 155 passing yards to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. As impressive as that might seem, the Bills aren't a pass-oriented team. Before Week 8, Philadelphia had allowed four quarterbacks to throw for over 300 yards.
The struggles of Trubisky are well-documented this season but this is a perfect game for him to get back on track. Trubisky doesn't need to throw for over 400 yards to win this game. However, Trubisky having some success through the air will lead Chicago to a victory.
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