The Philadelphia Eagles are making the final touches on their game plan for the Chicago Bears in Week 3 action on Monday Night Football.
Philly has weapons on offense and defense that can make things tough for the Bears. That doesn't mean this Chicago team can't be overlooked, as they were a playoff team just a year ago.
Caleb Williams doesn't appear to be in line to play quarterback for the Bears, so who else should the Eagles worry about? Here's a look at six Chicago players to watch that people aren't talking about as much as they should.
Which Bears players do the Eagles need to make sure they don't overlook?
Kalif Raymond, WR
Raymond isn't the top receiver on the Bears, but he's been a reliable option for Chicago this season. He's caught 13 passes for 124 yards in two games, and he's been a solid third-down receiver. Cooper DeJean will face Raymond in the slot, so it'll be a good challenge for the 2025 All-Pro to get his groove back.
Kyle Monangai, RB
The Eagles know what Monangai can do to them after rushing for over 100 yards against them in last year's Black Friday game. This time, Philly needs to load up the box to stop the run, as Monangai and D'Andre Swift will try to run the ball all over them. It will fall on guys like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Zack Baun, and Jihaad Campbell to take Monangai down on first contact.
Malik Muhammad, DB
Muhammad might be a fourth-round pick, but he has already made his presence known on the Bears' defense with a sack and an interception in the first two games. He could be facing off against Makai Lemon in the slot, so two rookies battling it out will be fun to watch. Lemon hopes to get more targets than the million screen passes he's been getting.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DL
Odeyingbo was a disappointment in his first season with the Bears last year, but this year, he has racked up eight pressures and one sack from the edge and defensive tackle spots. Philly's offensive line will be tested, with Cam Jurgens and Drew Kendall needing to do the job on the interior. Chicago wants one of their top pass rushers to attack Jurgens and Kendall on the inside so they can do it over and over again.
Dillon Thieneman, DB
Thieneman is the Bears' versatile secondary weapon, drafted in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. He can play safety and nickel, so Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will move him around. Watch for Thieneman to cover either Lemon or Zach Ertz on passing downs, so the Eagles can still attack him, but they should watch where he is on the field. Thieneman will also support the running game and try to stop Saquon Barkley.
Read more: Predicting Eagles' next 3 games before their Week 3 Bears showdown
Case Keenum, QB
Keenum is an experienced quarterback this season, and despite being at the tail end of his career, he can use his game knowledge to his advantage. He won't kill Philly's secondary with his arm strength or mobility, but he can outwit them on the field. The Eagles need to get pressure from Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. early and often to make Keenum's life miserable.
Add us as a preferred source on Google