Bears have a chance to silence the doubters

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - As the Chicago Bears look to improve on their surprising 7-3 record against the Eagles, they will attempt to do what few other teams have done so far in 2010: Stop - or at least slow - Michael Vick. If they are successful in doing that, they just may quiet the doubters inside and outside Chicago who believe their record is a fluke.

The leading question of the 41st meeting between the two venerable NFC franchises is whether the Eagles can continue their offensive success against one of the league's stingiest defenses, one which is tied for first in the league in points allowed (14.6), and ranks third overall.

As Vick brings his league-leading 108.7 passer rating into Soldier Field, the Bears acknowledge the daunting task of stopping the Eagles' quarterback, who will be starting his first game in Chicago in five years.

"You have to be relentless with your pass rush and the way you tackle him," said defensive lineman Israel Idonije, who leads the Bears with six sacks. "He's one of those guys who is going to make you pay if you aren't disciplined and you aren't playing fundamental football."

Chicago, which is allowing a mere 78 yards per game on the ground, is looking to continue that trend against Vick as well as LeSean McCoy and the rest of the Philadelphia running arsenal. They believe that if they do that, they will gain an upper hand.

"We have to eliminate the running game and get him in passing situations so we can sit back and play some zone so everyone will have their eye on the quarterback," said starting safety Chris Harris. "Then if he does scramble and break the line of scrimmage, everyone can come up and make a tackle."

At the same time, however, the Bears, who have allowed only six passing touchdowns, realize this is Michael Vick 2.0. The new version is just as dangerous in the air, as indicated by his 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. The Bears will have to stop Vick from getting the ball to wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

"He definitely possesses a dual threat," Harris said. "I think a lot of guys underrate his arm. He has a very strong arm and he has become a very efficient passer in the pocket."

Nose tackle Anthony Adams added: "He has a lot of weapons. They all work well together. When he gets out of the pocket, those guys run deep and he is able to throw the ball and get it to them."

The Bears also know a victory over the Eagles would demonstrate to cynics that their accomplishments are genuine. Many doubters remain because six of Chicago's seven wins have come against teams averaging 2.7 wins. Their sole victory against a team with at least seven wins - a 20-17 triumph over Green Bay in September - was gift- wrapped courtesy of 18 Packers penalties.

"You get up for every game, but this game in particular is a statement game," Idonije said. "It carries a lot of weight for us."