The Keys To Victory For The Eagles Monday Night

Coming off an opening week victory, the Philadelphia Eagles look to stay  unbeaten against the Chicago Bears Monday night. The road to victory will face more potholes than Lower Wacker Drive.

The Eagles did a lot of things right in their victory over the Cleveland Browns. As good as the performance was, it was far from perfect. Carson Wentz had a phenomenal NFL debut. He also was subjected to quite a few hits that he had the ability to avoid. The oft-criticized secondary held it’s own against the Browns, however a couple deep pass completions were poorly covered. Injuries to Leodis McKelvin and Zach Ertz are going to challenge the depth chart against the Bears. While the Eagles were not perfect in every aspect of the game, they are still perfect in the standings. You cannot be 2-0 without winning your first game.

A contributing factor to the Eagles’ victory was field position. The Browns started only drive past the 25 yard line. Against the Houston Texans, the Bears started only three drives past the 25 yard line. Sustaining drives might have been a problem for the Bears and Browns, but it wasn’t for the Eagles. The Eagles had numerous successful drives, all while commanding the clock. The Eagles had the ball for 39:20, nearly doubling the time of possession for the Browns. A repeat performance in that category would be very encouraging. So long Chip Kelly huh?

Next: Eagles Players Will Protest The National Anthem

In order for Wentz to replicate his Week 1 performance, he will need to do so without the services of Ertz (displaced rib). Ertz was on the field for 60 offensive snaps (78%), so Brent Celek will have his work cut out for him. Trey Burton‘s availability could also alleviate the problem at tight end, however the tight end position wasn’t overly utilized against the Browns. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich used 11 personnel with an empty backfield on nearly 25% of their plays.

The Eagles receivers will have their opportunity against the Bears’ secondary that will potentially have a limited Kyle Fuller. I would love to see Wentz take a few deep shots early in the game. According to Pro Football Focus Will Fuller was targeted on six passes of 20 or more yards against the Bears. Fuller had 246 “air yards” throughout the game.

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Protecting the deep ball will be critical against the Bears. Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White are big-bodied receivers that can high point a football. If someone like Terrelle Pryor can catch a jump ball while being triple teamed, Jeffery or White could embarrass the Eagles secondary on national television. In order to limit those shots, the defensive line needs to get more pressure in the backfield on Jay Cutler than it did on Robert Griffin III.

Lastly, the Eagles need to remain poised when facing adversity. The praise that has been heaped upon Wentz early on has created a buzz surrounding the team. A different kind of buzz is emerging as a result of Malcolm Jenkins hinting towards the Eagles players protesting the national anthem. While each and every player is entitled to demonstrate peacefully, it’s also important that in doing so the unity of the team isn’t sacrificed.

That’s precisely why Jenkins made sure to point out that the coaching staff is aware and on the same page. The team is in this together, and it’s important they openly address any potentially divisive actions. Chicago is sure to be an already hostile environment for the road team, but this Eagles team, particularly the defense, is too talented to struggle to the Bears. Look for the birds to win their second game with a defensive performance that will put the Eagles on the national radar.