Here’s how the Bears will beat the Eagles

The Bears face another must win game against the Eagles on prime time. Lance Briggs put the onus on the players as the ones to blame for the 4-5 record this season. Early in the week, Tommie Harris told reporters that the players owe it to the coaches to perform. There is a sense of urgency because if they lose on Sunday, this could be the season.

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Here are the keys of the game:

1. Cutler CANNOT turn the ball over, especially in the red zone. At home, he’s thrown only 2 interceptions, but during night games, Cutler’s thrown 11 interceptions. Something’s got to give.

2. You run the risk of Cutler turning the ball over, but the offense has to start with him. The Bears need to drop the “”get off the bus running” philosophy and give Cutler the keys to the offense.

3. Pass protection will have to hold up for the Bears to do anything against an aggressive Eagle defense. If not, we might have to see Caleb Hanie run the offense.

4. Matt Forte needs to get involved with the offense, through the passing game. The offensive line has not opened the running lanes for him. I repeat… the Bears need to drop the “get off the bus running” philosophy.

5. The wide receivers need to show better awareness and aggressiveness. The Eagles have an experienced and accomplished group of defensive backs that will take advantage of their mistakes.

6. On defense, the Bears need to eliminate the big play ability of DeSean Jackson. Nearly all of his touchdowns this year have been of 50 yards or more.

7. The Eagles have a young group of wide receivers, just like the Bears. Our defensive backs are taught to strip the ball and cause turnovers. Expect our secondary to rip the ball away from their Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

8. Brian Westbrook is out to a potential career ending concussion so the Bears will get a look at LeSean McCoy. The Bears defense will shut him down so McNabb will drop back to pass often. The Bears need to get consistent pressure on McNabb.

9. Our defense needs their leaders to step up in a big way and follow up on their performance in San Francisco. Tommie Harris played his best game of the season last week. He is the single most important factor to the success of the Bears Cover 2.

10. The Bears need a special performance from their special teams. To ease the pressure on both the offense and defense, the Bears need to win the field position battle.

No surprise here. The Bears will win the game 31-27. Cutler and McNabb will combine for more than 600 passing yards and 80 passing attempts. The defense will come up with big plays, special teams will dominate and the Bears will win the turnover battle.

Remember to use #4thPhase in your tweets and I’ll use them in my blog. Go Bears!

Tags: Bears vs. Eagles