I want to thank my man Dan from Bleeding Eagle Green for doing this week’s Q & A. Dan’s as passionate about his Eagles as I am about the Bears. For some really good chatter on Twitter, follow him on Twitter at WeBleedingGreen…Away we go!!!
CBJ: What is the perception of the Bears in Birdland? Are they getting much respect in your neck of the woods?
Dan: Both, Eagles fans are very aware of the fact that Chicago has had the Eagles number in the last two contests. They understand that the Bears defense is capable of ruining their day. However, Jay Cutler and the Bears offensive line isn’t very respected in terms of being a threat, in fact, Eagles fans are drewling at the opportunity to see what the Birds defensive line that has 22 sacks on the year can do against an O-line that has given up 21 QB sacks.
CBJ: It seems to me that every year Andy Reid becomes a worse coach. Do you agree or disagree with that statement and why?
Dan: I wouldn’t say worse, however, definitely more predictable. But that might be changing because I don’t think anyone saw LeSean McCoy getting 30 carries last week against the Cowboys!
CBJ: I cannot stand Michael Vick. I do not care about how changed of a person he claims to be, I see him as a guy that changed for $100 million. Am I wrong? Can the Eagles ever win with Vick?
Dan: Well what I can say is everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Regardless of what an individual’s personal feeling towards Vick is, one thing remains true; Philadelphia is a better team with him than without him. Can they win with him, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I’d like to believe so but until he “shows me the trophy”, I can only remain hopeful.
CBJ: Who on the Chicago Bears scares you and why?
Dan: On offense I have to pay respect to running back Matt Forte. He’s a tough, physical runner who is just as potent coming out of the backfield on screen plays.
On defense, my choice would clearly have to go to defensive end Julius Peppers. He’s a maniac at the end position who plays on Vick’s blindside. He’ll be facing Todd Herremans at right tackle but the Eagles offensive line in general makes me worried.
That is no disrespect to linebackers Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs. But Peppers charging Vick’s blindside should make every Eagles fan concerned.
CBJ: What do the Eagles have to do to make the playoffs? I thought this team was overrated entering the season, and until last Sunday night, I was looking like a football genius. Convince me why I’m right or wrong…
Dan: YES, and I’m adding an explanation point to that as well, here’s why, other than being 2-1 in the NFC East.
If you look at the Redskins, they’re beginning to implode as they traditionally do around this time of year and will struggle with John Beck under center, by the time he’s caught up, it’ll already be too late.
The New York Giants have been off to a good start even with all their injuries, but have you seen the rest of their schedule, it’s going to be a tough, long road ahead of them.
And the Dallas Cowboys, after the way the Eagles man-handled every aspect of the game last Sunday, I don’t see them making a push towards anything–America’s team? Says who?
IF, and this is a big if because the Eagles need to win every game from here on out, but it looks as though the Birds are starting to form some chemistry and sparking at the most perfect time. Last Sunday’s win over Dallas was a huge step in the right direction; it’s just a matter of the Eagles carrying that momentum over from week-to-week.
CBJ: How do you feel about Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler?
Dan: Cutler has a cannon arm but makes a ton of bad decisions when under pressure. And him getting sacked means he’s been under a ton of pressure, although Da’ Bears offensive line is to blame for that.
If he gets time he’s an average QB with a big arm.
CBJ: What do the Eagles have to do to win this game?
Dan: Play mistake-free football. If you look at their four losses the Eagles beat themselves, the other team didn’t win. If they can keep the mental errors to a minimum than this should be a “W” for the Eagles.
CBJ: What do the Bears have to do to win this game?
Dan: That’s tough because the Eagles offense is jam packed with talent, so who do you cover? But if they can keep the Eagles offense off the field, and force turnovers when they are, then this game could easily go to the Bears…as we’ve witnessed the past two times these two teams faced each other.
CBJ: Giants, Cowboys or Redskins…which team do you hate the most?
Dan: Easy, I despise the Cowboys and dislike the Giants and Redskins equally!
CBJ: Prediction
Dan: I hate doing predictions because I’m superstitious, However, to play along, I’m going with 31-23 Eagles!
I want to thank Dan for his time but not his prediction. I also answered some of his questions. The link can be found here. Follow me on Twitter at ChicagoBearJew.
Buy Chicago Bears Tickets | Buy Chicago Bears Apparel[...] Michael Vick Could Come Full Circle Against BearsPhilly Sports ReportESPN (blog) -Rant Sportsall 260 news [...]
SB: He definitely has the potential to have a tremendous impact on MNF. There are two key aspects that need to occur for that to happen. The Birds O-line standing tall for 60 minutes and Vick makes smart decisions and plays safe football–both physically and with the pigskin!