The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Chicago Bears in a Week 3 battle to close out the slate of games on Monday Night Football.
This game features plenty of intriguing battles that will interest Eagles fans—from Vic Fangio and Ben Johnson squaring off to the quarterback situation in Chicago.
Inside the Iggles had a chance to sit down with Bear Goggles On Bears expert Ryan Heckman to discuss what Eagles fans need to watch out for from their perspective. Here is the conversation I had with Heckman on Friday.
Full interview with Ryan Heckman on Eagles-Bears game
Q: What can Eagles fans expect to see with Case Keenum if he ends up playing for Caleb Williams & Tyson Bagent?
A: I would assume Ben Johnson takes a lot of the big throws off the table, first and foremost. He’s obviously 38 years old and doesn’t have the same arm strength. I’d expect to see a lot of Colston Loveland worked into the game plan, giving Keenum plenty of “easy button” type of throws.
Above all else, expect a heavy dose of the run game to help support Keenum.
*Editor's Note: This interview took place before the Tyson Bagent news that he was able to practice and is questionable for the game, giving him a shot to start against the Eagles.
Q: How can the Eagles slow down this Bears rushing attack and avoid what happened last year?
A: The Bears’ biggest strength, up front, has been right guard Jonah Jackson and right tackle Darnell Wright. The two of them have been in sync through two games and have been winning almost every battle, pushing the right side of the line forward.
Joe Thuney is on the left, but as good as he is, he can’t account for either Braxton Jones or Theo Benedet and their inevitable mistakes. Garrett Bradbury, at center, has also been a weak point, not getting nearly the push he needs thus far.
Knowing the Bears like to run to the strong side, Philadelphia can load up and make sure they have enough to win against Jackson and Wright.
Q: What differences could Eagles fans see in this Bears offense compared to last year?
A: That’s a tough question to answer. If Caleb Williams were playing, the Eagles defense would have their hands full with a quarterback who is much more comfortable within this system.
However, with Keenum likely playing (or even Bagent), Philadelphia can expect some shorter-area throws and working the middle of the field quite often. Eagles linebackers will be busy trying to keep up with Loveland and Burden.
Q: Where can Dennis Allen really take advantage of a first-year play caller in Sean Mannion?
A: While Brian Flores is famous for his blitzes, Dennis Allen loves to bring his nickel on blitzes often. In this case, it’ll either be Malik Muhammad or Cam Lewis. I think his creativity with using the nickel could be a concern for Mannion, especially if Dallas Goedert doesn’t play. I would imagine Zach Ertz isn’t an ideal blocker, especially at this age.
Other than getting creative with his nickel, putting rookie safety Dillon Thieneman in different disguises and moving him all over the field could give Mannion fits. Thieneman has truly been a ball magnet, getting in on several plays each game and leading the team in tackles.
Q: How can Vic Fangio win the battle of minds with Ben Johnson?
A: This might be pretty easy. I think if Fangio can get quick pressure on either Bagent or Keenum, his defense is bound to come away with turnovers. Caleb Williams is much more agile and careful with the football. But, Bagent has a history of giving it away at times and of course, Keenum hasn’t played in three years.
Get pressure on either one of them, and Johnson will be searching for answers.
Q: What is the biggest weakness to this Bears defense that the Eagles can take advantage of?
A: The Bears have not been good at stopping the run, so you’ll essentially have a less-than-stellar defensive line going up against a questionable Eagles offensive line. The stronger weakness will win, if that makes sense.
I think, if the Eagles’ offensive line can come together this week, Philadelphia’s rushing attack will be able to rip off some chunk runs on a regular basis.
Read more: 6 Bears players the Eagles can't afford to overlook in Week 3 showdown
Q: What’s your final prediction to the Eagles-Bears game?
A: I think the Eagles end up winning 27-20.
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