3 Keys to an Eagles Win Over the Bears

Halfway through the season we still don't know what Eagles team we can expect from week-to-week. Fortunately for them, they get to play host to the 3-4 Bears in the middle of a Mitch Trubisky mess since his return from injury.

Even though the defending NFC North champion Bears have underperformed this season, it’s impossible to deny the talent of the roster; they can find a way to win on any given Sunday, especially with the talent they have on the defensive side of the ball.

Do the Bears stand a chance with Trubisky and what does Philly need to do to keep the momentum from their win in Buffalo?

Which Trubisky?

The greatest determining factor for the Bears on Sunday is how well Trubisky plays.

Does he look more like the guy who had 3,223-yards and 24 touchdowns last season, leading the Bears to the playoffs? Or does he look more like the guy who is on pace for 2,730 yards and just 12 touchdowns this season?

If he’s closer to the latter, this Eagles defense, which played well for the most part last week in Buffalo, will have some fun on Sunday.

One major way for the Bears to win this game is if Trubisky plays well above expectations, against an Eagles defense that has holes.

Which Trubisky we see on Sunday will be a big factor in who wins the game.

Mack vs. Dillard

Rookie Andre Dillard is facing his toughest test to date, making just his third NFL start at left tackle in place of Jason Peters.

After a so-so debut against the Cowboys, Dillard played much better in his second start in Buffalo last week.

Now, Dillard will be tasked with his toughest matchup of the season, facing Khalil Mack. Mack is one of the game’s elite pass rushers, expect him to try and bull-rush his way through Dillard.  He has 5.5 sacks so far this season and will be looking for more on Sunday.

With the Eagles hoping to get DeSean Jackson back on their offense, giving Carson Wentz the time to deliver him the deep-ball will be key, and Dillard's ability to handle Mack will go a long way to make that happen.

Eagles secondary vs. Bears’ weapons

The Eagles finally have their opening day corners back out on the the field, after being down their top three guys for most of the year.  With Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills back last week in Buffalo, Josh Allen found it much more difficult to throw the ball against the Eagles struggling secondary.

So was it the return for Darby and Mills, or the ineptitude of the Bills passing game?

That unit will have its work cut out for them though as they go up against the Bears’ talented offensive weapons. Allen Robinson is a deep threat, Taylor Gabriel is a speed guy, Tarik Cohen is effective catching the ball out of the backfield, and Trey Burton is an athletic tight end, all present a threat to the Eagles secondary.

Will it be enough?

The Pick: Eagles 30, Bears 17