The Philadelphia Eagles will try to extend their unbeaten start to 3-0 when they travel to face the Chicago Bears in Week 3’s Monday Night Football finale, with Chicago expected to turn to Case Keenum at quarterback.
Philadelphia escaped Tennessee with a 24-20 victory in Week 2, but the Eagles were unable to put the Titans away until late. Two interceptions and sustained disruption from a Tennessee defensive front led by Jeffery Simmons kept the game close despite Philadelphia controlling much of the action and producing more yardage.
The Eagles ultimately leaned on possession football, depth at running back and DeVonta Smith’s work in the passing game to secure the win. Philadelphia now heads to Chicago with a chance to remain perfect in prime time.
Eagles expected to test depleted Bears secondary
Philadelphia offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is expected to emphasize the rushing attack early, particularly against a Bears secondary dealing with injuries. The Eagles’ run game also bears watching after Saquon Barkley was seen wearing a cowboy collar.
Chicago’s offense, meanwhile, took a sharp step back in Week 2 after opening the season as the NFL’s highest-scoring unit in Week 1. The Bears struggled against Brian Flores’ Vikings defense in difficult conditions, committing eight penalties and losing two turnovers while failing to capitalize on several red-zone chances.
With Caleb Williams unavailable, Chicago is likely to place a heavier burden on its backs. D’Andre Swift accounted for 99 yards from scrimmage last week, while Kyle Monangai averaged 4.7 yards across 10 rushing attempts.
The Eagles are likely to anticipate that approach and commit extra defenders near the line of scrimmage, challenging Keenum to create plays downfield. Keenum’s status as the projected starter could make short and intermediate throws especially important for Chicago.
Raymond has become a key outlet
Kalif Raymond has been Chicago’s most productive receiver through two games, leading the group with 14 targets, 13 receptions and 124 receiving yards. He has topped 40 receiving yards in each of the first two weeks.
Much of Raymond’s production has come on underneath routes, reflected in his 5.0 average depth of target. That role could become even more valuable with Keenum expected to operate as a distributor rather than rely on deep throws.
Slow starts add intrigue to Monday matchup
Philadelphia is 2-0 but has not yet covered the spread in either game, with the Eagles failing to build early momentum before the fourth quarter in consecutive weeks. Chicago will need a cleaner showing after its penalty- and turnover-filled loss to Minnesota if it is to keep pace at home.
The weather forecast calls for only a slight chance of rain. For the Bears, a disciplined ground attack, improved ball security and timely throws from their replacement quarterback will be central to their hopes of upsetting an unbeaten Eagles team on Monday night.
