Although it may not have been considered one when the NFL schedule was first released, the Chicago Bears have an incredibly pivotal matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The standalone game for Black Friday, the Bears and Eagles will be competing as two teams atop their respective divisions, and both teams are in the race for the top seed in the NFC playoff race.
Both teams have plenty of playmakers on both sides of the football, and Chicago’s have gotten better as the season has progressed, especially quarterback Caleb Williams and the defense as a whole. On paper, the Eagles may have the more well-known playmakers, but the Bears will certainly have the potential to match up on the field, and the matchups between both teams are going to be plenty of fun to watch.
Here’s a look at the key matchups between the Bears and Eagles on Friday:
Nahshon Wright vs. AJ Brown
Last week, Nahshon Wright was featured in key matchups against DK Metcalf, and grabbed an interception on the first defensive drive of the game. No matter if Jaylon Johnson and/or Kyler Gordon return on Friday, Wright is still going to be underrated, overlooked, and that could mean the Eagles attempt to pick on him in the passing game. He’s become a true ballhawk and a game-changer in every possible way as a cornerback. AJ Brown has been openly frustrated most of the season, and on paper, he should have the advantage over Wright, but he’ll have to prove it on the field.
Eagles O-line vs. Bears D-line
The tush push, enough said. The Eagles offensive line will be hard to compete against no matter what, but as defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said this week, the best defense of the tush push is not allow the opportunity for it. Chicago spent a ton of money on both sides of the trenches this offseason and the true test will come against the team notorious for exploiting the trenches.
Bears RBs vs. Eagles defense
Philadelphia has given up over 115 rushing yards per game and the Bears have the second best overall rushing offense in the NFL. Kyle Monangai will be looking for his fourth straight game with a touchdown on Friday, while D’Andre Swift will face his former team looking to showcase what he’s fully capable of in Ben Johnson’s offense. The Bears may have to lean into their running game in this game, which will call for Swift and Monangai to be at their absolute best.
Bears DBs vs. Jalen Hurts
This is not just about the passing game matchup for each Bears defensive back and who they’ll be covering, but it’s about how they’ll play with their eyes on their player matchup and Hurts at the same time. Chicago can not afford to get caught up in trying to lock down AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, only to leave the field wide open for Hurts to use his legs to create plays that could break the defense. More than the cornerbacks, safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are in the spotlight as they play with their eyes fully locked on Hurts throughout the game, needing to keep him contained and not let him create open space.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 key matchups to watch as Bears battle Eagles in Week 13
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
