The Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears are the last team to kickoff on Wildcard weekend and this is expected to be a highly competitive game. These are both defenses that are going to need to be good to come out with a victory so let’s break down the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears Defense/SpecialTeams Analysis.
Eagles Defense
The Eagles defense hasn’t been talked about a ton this year but they are actually a pretty good squad, especially against the run. On the season they are giving up 21.8 points per game which is 12th in football. Against the run they are strong giving up 96.9 points per game which is 7th in football.
They really struggle to stop the pass giving up 269.2 points per game and a big reason is all the injuries they have suffered in the secondary.
The good news for the Eagles is the Bears love to run the ball so this is actually a better matchup than the Rams probably would have been.
Special Teams
Jake Elliott is the kicker for the Eagles and he has been pretty good. He is 26 for 31 on field goals and 33 for 35 on extra points.
Cameron Johnston is the punter and he has also been solid averaging 48.1 yards per punt.
Bears defense
For the Chicago Bears it’s all about the defense and they are statistically the best defense in football. They are giving up 17.1 points and 80 rushing yards per game which is both first in football. The pass defense isn’t that bad either giving up 219.7 yards per game. Overall they are giving up 299.7 points per game which is 3rd in football.
The Bears defense is led by Khalil Mack who they got from the Raiders. The Bears defense was good before they got Khalil Mack but now with him, most offensive lines have trouble stopping him.
The one weakness for this team at times has been the pass defense and they at times have had big plays get by them but a lot of the time the defensive line isn’t giving the quarterback much time to throw.
Special Teams
The kicking game for the Bears has been a real issue at times and they are hoping it doesn’t come back to bite them during the playoffs.
Cody Parkey is the place kicker for this team and there were times where it looked like he might be cut midseason. He is currently 23-30 on field goals and 42-45 on extra points.
Pat O’Donnell has been a solid punter for this team averaging 45 yards per punt.
Advantage
There is no question who has the advantage in this game on defense, it’s the Chicago Bears. It doesn’t matter who the Bears would face this postseason they are going to have the advantage besides maybe against the Baltimore Ravens.
On special teams there is also a clear cut advantage, that is with the Eagles. Parkey has been shaky at best this year, and if someones special teams is going to cost them, it’s going to be the Bears.
