The Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears have made headlines this season for many reasons, from new offensive schemes to more quarterback debates than the entire league normally sees. Today the two 8-6 teams face off in a game with huge NFC playoff implications, and one of those quarterback storylines could play a big role in the outcome. The teams’ defenses, or lack thereof, could also play a big role, as NFL and ESPN analysts alike are prepared for tonight’s Sunday Night Football game to be a shootout. With the playoff futures of both teams on the line, you can watch Sunday Night Football Bears vs Eagles online free using one of several different tools.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to the starting lineup last week after missing the previous four games with a sprained left ankle. After shaking off some early rust and the effects of two interceptions, Cutler threw three touchdowns against the Browns, his final toss being the difference in Chicago’s 38-31 win. The win over the Browns vaulted the Bears into the NFC North lead. They now control their playoff fate going into today’s Eagles game. The Eagles having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, allowing 291.6 yards passing per game, and Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery averages 14.3 yards per touch this season, most in the NFL. Cutler has to like his odds tonight on Sunday Night Football.
The thing is, so does Eagles quarterback Nick Foles. Since taking over for Michael Vick, Foles has 23 touchdown passes and two interceptions, and he’s racked up 2,398 passing yards in a relatively short amount of time. Foles has thrived in coach Kelly’s system, which focuses on quick action. The problem is when the Eagles have a couple of three-and-outs in a row, as they did last week against the Vikings, their defense returns to the field before they get sufficient rest. Kelly’s University of Oregon teams had the same Achilles heel, though they seldom had a non-scoring drive. With Foles going up against a porous Bears defense, that may not be an issue today.
Yet the Eagles passing game may not get much attention when you watch Sunday Night Football Bears vs Eagles online free tonight. Chicago’s defense, ranked 27th in the league, has had trouble all season stopping the run. Eagles running back LeSean McCoy had just eight carries last week against the Vikings, but he’s poised for a big game today if coach Chip Kelly calls his number. McCoy had 217 yards two weeks ago in Eagles’s comeback win over the Detroit Lions, who have a much better defense than the Bears. With thunderstorms predicted for tonight’s Sunday Night Football game, and with the Bears sieve-like rushing defense, coach Kelly will surely stay away from the air and grind it out behind the capable legs of McCoy.
The Bears have a great back of their own, though, who will surely get a lot of touches in today’s Eagles game. Chicago running back Matt Forte has 324 carries this season, the most touches in the NFL and 10 more than the Eagles’ McCoy. Between Forte’s ground game and Cutler starting his second game while trying to earn a new contract, the Bears could present too many matchup problems for an Eagles defense that’s been on the field for 1,023 plays this season.
Today’s Eagles game promises to be a shootout against the Bears, with 40-point games possible for both teams. You can watch Sunday Night Football Bears vs Eagles tonight on DirecTV’s website if you subscribe to their NFL Sunday Ticket with MAX. The MAX broadcast package requires an additional subscription fee, but if you pay it you’ll be able to watch the live streaming version free of any NFL game, including today’s Sunday Night Football broadcast at 8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.
