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Eagles at Bears: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Jeremy Klump

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) points to the Cleveland Browns defense in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) points to the Cleveland Browns defense in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

As we head into Week 2 of the 2016 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles roll into Chicago to play the Bears on Monday Night Football.

Related Story: 5 reasons the Eagles win the NFL East in 2016

The Bears lost their season opener to the Houston Texans 23-14, but quarterback Jay Cutler and company are looking to get back onto track against the Eagles. Cutler struggled in Week 1, but he has wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in his arsenal against some pretty poor cornerbacks in Philadelphia.

The Eagles and their 2016 first round pick, rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, are coming off of a Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. More importantly, they are coming off of Wentz’s impressive rookie debut (2 touchdowns and no turnovers). They are hoping he can continue his veteran-like play in Week 2.

Keys To Victory

Eagles:

  1. Start off strong: The rookie [Wentz] started 4-5, 57 yards and a touchdown in Week 1; he did not look back. The Eagles need to start off strong again in Week 2.
  2. Get after Jay Cutler: Cutler was sacked five times in Week 1. The Eagles need to continue that trend and get him to the ground four or more times because it will lead to turnovers
  3. Replace Zach Ertz: The tight end was poised for a huge season, but now the Eagles need players to fill his role since he is injured. Look for running back Darren Sproles and third string tight end Trey Burton to step up.

Bears:

  1. Confuse Carson Wentz: They need to make the rookie look like a rookie by mixing up their coverages and sending all of the blitz packages they have.
  2. Attack the secondary: The Eagles cornerbacks aren’t very good Cutler and company needs to highlight that on national television.
  3. Control the ball: The Eagles led the NFL for time of possession (39:20) in Week 1. The Bears need to make sure they are the team that ends the game with the ball longer.

Odds

Point Spread: Chicago Bears (-3)
Moneyline: Eagles (+130) Bears (-150)
Over/Under: 42

(via OddsShark)

must read: 5 players to watch in Week 2

Prediction

All eyes will once again be on Wentz, as he heads into the second career of his career. His first one was near-perfect, but do not expect that again in Week 2. There will be some growing pains against the Bears and Wentz will face some adversity. However, the Eagles just have a better team than the Bears, so they will rally behind their rookie’s mistakes and move to 2-0.

Pick: Chicago Bears: 20, Philadelphia Eagles: 34

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