Section 215
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Nick Foles

All eyes will once again be on Foles, especially considering he is dealing with bruised ribs heading into the game. Foles says he is fine, and hopefully, he is able to stay on the field for the duration of this game since he will be key to Eagles success on offense.

Foles obviously has playoff experience and has been on this stage before. The Eagles quarterback is 3-1 in four career postseason games and has a Super Bowl MVP under his belt. But, this will be Foles’ first career postseason game on the road and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

The Bears sport one of the best defenses in the league and Foles is going to need to be on the top of his game if the Eagles want to move on in the playoffs. Foles has been at his best when the stage is the biggest, and on Sunday in Chicago, the stage will most certainly be huge.

Malcolm Jenkins

Over his time in Philadelphia, Jenkins has established himself as a do it all player on the Eagles defense. He has played free safety, strong safety, outside corner, slot corner, and linebacker. Jenkins is, without a doubt, the most versatile player on the Eagles’ defense.

Jenkins will have many tasks on Sunday, with the biggest one likely being in coverage of Cohen. If the Eagles can take Cohen out of the game, then they can stifle the Bears’ offense. If that happens, then Jenkins will be a big reason why.

As the undisputed leader of the Eagles’ defense, Jenkins is going to need to step up. There is no doubt, he will have this team ready on the emotional side, and if he can bring it on the field as well, then the Eagles’ defense will be in for a very good day.

Cameron Johnston

So many postseason games come down to special teams or field position. In this game, those two aspects will be huge. On a cold night against a strong defensive team, the Eagles are going to need the edge in the field position battle.

That is where Cameron Johnston comes in. The Ohio State product has exceeded expectations in his rookie year. Johnston averaged 48.1 yards per punt with a long 68-yards. Obviously, Eagles fans hope he is not on the field a ton, but when he is, Johnston will be very important.

Being able to flip the field and pin the Bears deep could be a huge key to an Eagles win on Sunday. If Johnston is able to do that, then the Eagles’ defense should be better and it could give the Eagles an edge in this game.

Home/Philadelphia Eagles