Muckslinger --- Sunday (10*)

Muckslinger · #1 11-28-2010, 10:20 AM

10* --- Eagles -3

((BLOWOUT))

1. Extend the pocket: Even though QB Michael Vick has become a much more efficient pocket passer, the Eagles will want him to extend the pocket and make plays on the perimeter against Chicago. The Bears have an excellent pressure package on defense, and a good way to slow down the pass rush and give your quarterback more time to survey the field is to keep the pocket moving from side to side.

2. Get the ball to McCoy out in space: While RB LeSean McCoy has been a quality ball carrier and is leading the team in rushing yards, it is his work in the passing game that is starting to stand out. Besides being a quality blocker when he stays in for blitz pickup, he also has become an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He leads the team in receptions with 51 and has caught 40 passes in the past seven games. Look for a lot of screen passes to McCoy to help slow down the Chicago pass rush.

3. Max protect: The Eagles have been using maximum protection -- keeping tight end Brent Celek in to help pass block -- more than ever this year. While it has hurt his production, the effect has been very positive: after giving up 14 sacks in their first three games, the Eagles have given up 14 in the past seven. Look for more max protection in this game.

4. Don't get greedy: The Eagles have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL but it will be difficult to hit on many deep plays against Chicago's two-deep scheme. The Bears love to keep everything in front of both safeties as they force opponents to earn every yard. Their two safeties, Danieal Manning and Chris Harris, can make you pay for trying to go deep too often.

5. Matchup to watch: Philadelphia DE Trent Cole versus Chicago LT Frank Omiyale: The Bears would love to run the ball, but it would go against offensive coordinator Mike Martz's nature not to throw the ball vertically, so you know the ball will be thrown. Cole is Philadelphia's most effective pass-rusher and should spend a lot of time in Chicago's backfield. Omiyale is massive and has been steadily improving but will have his hands full in this contest.

6. Keep the ball out of Vick's hands: Few teams are looking as explosive as the Eagles are right now and that is primarily because of Vick's ability to make plays with both his arm and his feet. The Bears need to control the clock with a strong ground game and a controlled passing attack in order to give Vick fewer opportunities to move the chains.

7. Spring Hester loose: Few return specialists strike fear in the hearts of opponents like Devin Hester. He is leading the NFL in punt returns (24), punt return yards (361) and punt return average (15 yards per return). He also returned kickoffs for 68 and 32 yards against the Vikings in Minnesota and could give the Bears a big boost if he could come through Sunday.

8. Flood the zones: Few teams are more difficult to run on than the Bears, who are limiting opponents to 78 yards a game on the ground. Chicago wants to contain the Eagles' ground game with its base front, which would allow it to use a lot of combinations of nickel and dime coverage packages.

9. Protect the football: The Eagles are leading the NFL in turnover net difference, and while the Bears are at plus-three and lead the league in takeaways, they need to do a better job protecting the ball on offense if they hope to keep this game close.

10. Matchup to watch: Chicago TE Greg Olsen versus Philadelphia LB Stewart Bradley: Olsen is tied for third on the Bears in receptions with 28 but leads the team in touchdown catches with four. He can catch the ball over the middle and in traffic and stretch the secondary down the middle. Bradley is a presence in the middle thanks to his combination of size and athleticism.

3* -- Minnesota -1

1* -- Pitt -6.5