Bears Blitz

Published by Aliko Carter on November 7, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears and Eagles are both separated from division titles by less than a year.  They have each had their difficulties through the beginning of the season, but have steadied their respective ships as the NFC playoff race begins to take shape. They’re both showing why they were playoff teams last year.

Here are five adjustments Chicago must make to nab this crucial road game against Philly:

1. Bother Mike Vick

Despite a slow start, Michael Vick has been chilling in the pocket with ample time to make plays. The Bears’ offensive line needs to pressure him a little and get him running so their bruising linebackers can do what they do best.

2. Push Matt Forte

Forte was quite simply a beast in the opening drive. The Bears are going to need him to be just as good, if not better, in the second half. That means their offensive line has to keep punching those holes for Forte to bust through. They slowed down a little after that excellent first drive, and Forte was tackled-for-loss more than once. He had an uncharacteristic fumble near the end of the half, as well.

3. Kickoffs

Robbie Gould had a kickoff sail out of bounds in the first quarter. He made a 51-yard field goal in the second, so I guess he redeemed himself somewhat, but giving the Eagles prime field position at their own 40 cannot happen again.

4. More Earl Bennett

Bennett and Cutler have had a pretty good connection tonight. Knox and Williams have had a couple nice catches, as well. If they can keep that up through the second half, the Bears’ air game should have no trouble keeping up with Matt Forte and Marion Barber in the backfield.

5. Devin Hester

Can we get one of those patented touchdown returns for good measure? Hester has had trouble getting past the Eagles’ special teams unit tonight. Hopefully he can shake it off and come through for them in the second half.

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