Eagles Week 7 Preview
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by Falcon02520, Eagles' Beat Writer
Lets preview this week's match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) and the Chicago Bears (2-4). Kick-off is 4:15pm (est) at The Linc in Philly.
The Offensive End
Philly's offense (ranked 9th in the NFL for yds/game) will once again be fueled by Brian Westbrook. Anybody who watches this offense knows that it only goes as Westbrook goes. He is not only the source of the running game (when the Eagles actually do run the ball), Brian is a huge contributor in the passing game with the screen plays and dump-offs that he recieves. The offense blew up in week three versus the Lions, but other than that week they average a mere eleven points per game. Not at all impressive. Also, the offensive line has looked horrible this year (good luck vs Adewale Ogunleye and company).
Chicago averages only 287.7 yds/game (28 in the NFL). Brian Griese has taken over the reigns at quarterback, but the team is 1-2 since then with the losses to Detriot and Minnesota and win against Green Bay who more or less gave the Bears the game. As for the running game... wait, what running game? They are 27th in the league in rushing yards per game with a mere 82.7. Cedric Benson only has 370 yds through six games and gets only 3.1 yds per pop (slightly worse than the team average of 3.2 yds/carry). On a good note, a game-breaker appeared on offense last week catching a touchdown pass. We could see more of Hester this week as he is coming along learning the offense end of the game.
The Defensive End
Luckily for Philly, Chicago is having problems on the defensive end this year; nagged by injuries and apparent lack of preperation. As a unit the defense has allowed 361.3 yds/game; ranking them 27th in the league. The Bears are also have not shown good disipline this year; they lead the NFL in penalties (4th in penalty yardage).
The Eagles don't have anything to brag about on the defensive side either. True, they rank 7th with 292.6 yds/game against, but last week Thomas Jones rushed for 130 yards. This defense has problems covering all the gaps and not making tackles (not just in the open field but every where).
Injury Report
As of noon Saturday...
Chicago-
CB - Nathan Vasher - Doubtful
DT - Tommie Harris - Questionable
DT - Darwin Walker - Questionable
Philadelphia-
TE - L.J. Smith - Doubtful
S - Brian Dawkins - Doubtful
T - Tra Thomas - Questionable
T - Jon Runyan - Probable
G - Shawn Andrews - Probable
G - Todd Herremans - Probable
WR - Reggie Brown - Probable
TE - Brent Clark - Probable
CB - Lito Sheppard - Probable
DT - Kimo Von Oelhoffen - Probable
Prediction
Neither team is living up to lofty expectations from the begining of the season. The numbers are in Philly's favor, but Chicago's offense hasn't looked so bad since Griese took over and the defense should come to life any week now. Don't forget about Hester and the Special Teams where Chicago has a clear advantage. It should be a close game which each team is capable of winning. But, if one team shows up and the other doesn't, we are looking at a blow-out game.
It should be interesting at the least...
Prediction: Eagles 27-24
