Lovie Smith, in his usual calm tone, wouldn’t allow himself to panic about Sunday’s game with the Eagles.
“Is this a do-or-die game? I don’t know if it’s do-or-die,” the Bears’ coach said. “I just know this is a game that we need to get.” Translation: This is a do-or-die game.
At 2-4, the Bears can ill afford another loss. The Eagles (2-3) haven’t exactly lit up the NFC, either, but they’re a lot healthier now. They have Donovan McNabb, still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. They have Brian Westbrook, who rushed for 115 yards when the teams last met in 2004. And the Eagles have history on their side, having won the last five meetings. Plus the Eagles catch the banged-up Bears at a low point, following last week’s defensive collapse against the Vikings.
“I’m not sure there’s ever a good time to catch the Bears, man,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “They have good players, play solid defense. Their offense is on a roll, [and] their special teams is second to none.”
The Bears need to put those components together quickly to save their season.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Terry Bannon
This may be the Bears’ last chance to start a playoff run, but it won’t be easy. The Eagles have Brian Westbrook back in good health, and he could be in for a big day. Donovan McNabb is always a problem. And although Brian Griese has helped the passing game, the Bears still need more production from the receivers and Cedric Benson.
Eagles 30, Bears 21
Mike Downey
I’m sure Philadelphia’s fans are busy watching the Mark Wahlberg movie “Invincible” for the 1,000th time. They also can’t wait to see Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook carve up the once-invincible Bears. Adewale Ogunleye says Westbrook could be even better than Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson “…. and that’s scary.” It sure is.
Eagles 21, Bears 9
David Haugh
As one NFL executive put it, the Bears’ team chemistry “is shot.” Defensive linemen admitted a Super Bowl hangover coaches deny. Defensive backs lobbied subtly for changes in the secondary. One wide receiver is more worried about his next contract than fulfilling this one. The other wonders why the offensive coordinator can’t isolate more mismatches. It adds up to one logical conclusion: Sunday makes the Eagles’ season and breaks the Bears’.
Eagles 27, Bears 20
Melissa Isaacson
OK, let’s see. The Eagles have a running back just as good as Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. The Bears have yet to get their own running game fully untracked. The Bears’ best players on defense look like they have too much starch in their uniforms. The Bears are still bummed about last year’s Super Bowl.
Eagles 27, Bears 20
Vaughn McClure
Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook present another big challenge for a struggling Bears’ defense. That puts the onus on the offense to score some points, but that won’t be easy against the league’s seventh-ranked scoring defense.
Eagles 21, Bears 14
Fred Mitchell
Finding a way to win in Philly won’t be easy, but the Bears have been known to pull off the improbable. The Bears’ defense has much to atone for after last Sunday’s embarrassment at home against the Vikings. The Eagles also are in desperation mode but not to the same extent as the Bears.
Bears 27, Eagles 23
Rick Morrissey
Flip a coin in this battle of last-place teams. Until the Bears prove they can stop somebody, it’s really hard to pick them to beat a Donovan McNabb-led team. The Bears’ defense a sieve? How in the heck did it come to this?
Eagles 21, Bears 20
John Mullin
An Eagles’ defense allowing 16.4 points per game is not what the Bears’ offense needs to see at a time when it needs to carry a reeling defense. The Eagles average 131 rushing yards per game and have had a 100-yard rusher each of the last three games. That doesn’t bode well for a Bears’ defense that misses Mike Brown and Nathan Vasher terribly. Donovan McNabb is not what he once was, but neither are the Bears.
Eagles 27, Bears 17
Dan Pompei
What happened to the Bears’ run defense a week ago looks like an aberration. But the Bears have to want it more this week–and they have plenty of motivation. Of course, the Eagles also are a desperate team. Should make for high drama.
Bears 23, Eagles 20
———–
vxmcclure@tribune.com
