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Philadelphia Eagles: Wild Card Round preview against Chicago Bears

By Jake Starr

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a pass against the Chicago Bears in the second half during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a pass against the Chicago Bears in the second half during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Force Trubisky to beat you

Trubisky has come a long way since looking completely overwhelmed in his rookie year. In his second season, the Bears quarterback went 11-3, threw for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Trubisky’s development has been a huge reason why the Bears have taken a huge step forward.

While the North Carolina product has looked impressive, he is still fairly inexperienced and is playing in his first career postseason game. There is no doubt that Matt Nagy will put Trubisky in positions to succeed, but the Eagles have the ability to make life tough for him.

If the Eagles can shut down the Bears running game and force Turbusky to beat them with his arm, then they can pressure him and force some mistakes. Also, if the Eagles’ offense can put up some points, then Trubisky will feel pressured to keep up.

Win the turnover battle

This one is going to be tough. Chicago is a team that forced 36 turnovers this season, while the Eagles only forced 17 turnovers. The Eagles’ offense will try to do its job to be safe with the football, so the defense needs to find a way to get some sudden possession changes.

Chicago turned the ball over 22 times this season, with 12 of those coming on Trubisky tossing interceptions. So the Bears will turn it over at times, but it is up to the Eagles to try and force the issue. If they can force Trubisky into some mistakes and put the Eagles’ offense in good field position, then the Eagles should be in very good shape.

Limit big plays

The Bears do have some playmakers who can make big plays. Allen Robinson is a legit number one receiver and Taylor Gabriel is always a threat to make a big play down the field. Former Eagle Trey Burton has also turned in a good season.

On defense, the Eagles must prevent Chicago’s playmakers from beating them over the top, something the Eagles’ defense has been very good at as of late. Forcing Chicago to sustain long drives could be key into forcing the Bears into making some mistakes.

If Trubisky is able to hit on some big plays throughout the game, or the Bears hit on some big run plays, then the Eagles’ defense could be in for a long day. Philadelphia’s defense has improved as of late, especially after giving up zero points last week.

Against the Bears, the Eagles will need to be at the top of their game on the defensive side of the football.

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