Monday Night Preview: Eagles at Bears

The Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) are set to do battle with the Chicago Bears (1-1) on Monday Night Football. Here are a few key storylines that I will be focused on from an Eagles perspective:

Can the Eagles generate a pass rush?

Philadelphia has registered just three sacks through the first two games. Edge rusher Johnathan Greenard is expected to make his season debut after a nagging pec injury has delayed the start to his season. Will the presence of Greenard give an instant boost to the defense, or will it take him some time to get his legs underneath him?

No takeaways for the Eagles defense

In addition to struggling to get to the quarterback, the Eagles defense has also failed to register a single turnover through the first two games. This is especially surprising since the defense was supposed to be the strength of the team coming into the year. With no Caleb Williams to contend with, is this the week the Eagles defense finally lives up to expectations?

Offensive line play needs improvement

All eyes will be on Cam Jurgens after a dreadful debut at left guard last week in Tennessee. Center Drew Kendall is ranked 30th out of 32 eligible centers by Pro Football Focus after his first NFL start. It will be the first prime time test for these two and an opportunity to prove their early season struggles to just be aberrations.

Ground and pound

Coming into the matchup, the Chicago Bears boast the league’s best rushing attack at 212.5 yards per game. Without starting passer Caleb Williams, it is likely the Bears will try and lean on the rushing game. By comparison, the Eagles bring the 13th best running game in the contest at 112.5 yards per game. However, all three of Philadelphia’s running backs bring injury concerns into the game. Will Shipley has a foot injury, Tank Bigsby has an abdominal injury, and Saquon Barkley is dealing with a stinger in his arm.

Heroics of Jalen Hurts

The Eagles may need a great performance from quarterback Jalen Hurts to overcome a deficient offensive line, a banged up running back room, and a defense that has struggled to make plays. Last week, Hurts took the team on a 65-yard touchdown drive in the finals seconds to secure a 24-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. What magic does Hurts have in store for us on Monday night?