Philadelphia Eagles: One Bears expert reveals their most glaring weaknesses
ITI: Everyone knows who Khalil Mack is, but who are the guys who may not get the national attention on this defense that Eagles fans should worry about? Who are the unknowns on offense?
Burzawa:
Khalil Mack has been a game changer for the Bears not only for his stats, but for creating opportunities for his teammates. Akiem Hicks, who got snubbed for the Pro Bowl last season, has had another breakthrough campaign that earned him a Pro Bowl nod this year. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman has been doing quiet work inside, eating up blockers to create opportunities for his teammates.
At the linebacker level, former first-round pick Leonard Floyd has shown steady improvement and been really solid setting the edge and playing the run while increasing his quarterback pressures and hits. Danny Trevathan is another under the radar guy while rookie Roquan Smith has been gaining confidence week after week.
In the secondary, the Bears cornerbacks are pretty good. Kyle Fuller just got a first-team All-Pro nod while Prince Amukamara is solid on the other side. Free safety Eddie Jackson is a ball-hawking playmaker, so as long as his ankle holds up, he will present challenges for the Eagles passing game.
On offense, Jordan Howard has had a down year, but the Bears running game has started to click in recent weeks. Tarik Cohen will play the Darren Sproles role in this offense, so watch for him running some wheel routes and screen passes to slow down the Eagles pass rush and take some pressure off Trubisky. As far as pass catching weapons, look for Taylor Gabriel to try to stretch the field and Anthony Miller and tight end Adam Shaheen in the red zone.