Bears Blitz

Published by Jake Perper on November 5, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The return of wide receiver Earl Bennett and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina this Monday night will help the Chicago Bears out tremendously.

The Bears faced the Eagles last season in Week 12 at Soldier Field, when both teams were 7-3.

The Eagles were the road favorites by over 3.5 points, but this Monday night, they’re 9-point favorites at home.

Lincoln Financial Field is a tough place to play, plus the Eagles have won their last two games.

The Bears have won two straight, but in both games took early leads, so the teams they beat (Minnesota and Tampa Bay) were forced to pass.

This Monday night, the Bears will be asked to stop Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy, who has eight rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns so far this season.

With the return of Toeaina (knee), the Bears could be better at stopping the Eagles’ No. 1-ranked rushing offense. Toeaina had arguably his best game last year against the Eagles, when he recorded one sack.

He helped the defense hold Michael Vick and McCoy to 105 yards.

Toeaina won’t get the start with Anthony Adams playing nose tackle and Henry Melton and Amobi Okoye getting the bulk of the snaps. Also, rookie Stephen Paea will be called upon in certain situations as well.

Having five healthy defensive tackles will only help the Bears in their quest to stop both McCoy and Vick. Stopping them is a huge key to victory on Monday night.

For the Bears on offense, they will see a familiar face returning to the receiving core in Bennett. Bennett had the best game of his three-year career last season against the Eagles.

Bennett reeled in four passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Jay Cutler only needed to complete 14 passes in order to beat the Eagles.

Of those 14 passes, four were touchdowns with three coming in the first half.

The Bears need a fast start like that on Monday night, but they know it’s going to be tough with a loud environment in Philadelphia.

Bennett is returning from a chest injury that he suffered in Week 2 against New Orleans. He has been Cutler’s most reliable target for a while, especially on third downs.

With veteran Roy Williams getting in rhythm with Cutler, and Devin Hester and Johnny Knox always being speedy weapons, this offense could come out fast.

Bennett will be expected to make those catches, while rookie Dane Sanzenbacher will see time in four-receiver sets as the “X” receiver.

Having both Bennett and Toeaina will be big for both sides of the ball for the Bears on Monday night against the Eagles.

Who will make a bigger impact on Monday night, Bennett or Toeaina?

Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. He is also the Chicago Bears writer for NFLTouchdown.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker for up to the minute news about the Bears.

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