Kyle Monangai delivered a standout performance, rushing for 130 yards and securing a touchdown, while D’Andre Swift contributed with 125 yards on the ground and his own score. The Chicago Bears amassed an impressive 281 rushing yards to clinch their fifth consecutive victory, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-15 on Friday evening.
Under the guidance of rookie coach Ben Johnson, the Bears (9-3) have claimed the top spot in the NFC North. They now set their sights on a critical matchup against Green Bay scheduled for December 7.
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Reflecting on last season, the Bears’ Thanksgiving defeat to Detroit resulted in the dismissal of coach Matt Eberflus and was part of a disheartening 10-game losing streak. Fast forward a year, and the Bears dominated Philadelphia’s defensive line to secure a comfortable win on the turf of the reigning Super Bowl champions.
The Eagles (8-4), who appeared to have the NFC East title within their grasp just two weeks ago, are now reeling from back-to-back losses, casting doubt on their Super Bowl aspirations. Their recent collapse, including squandering a 21-point lead against Dallas to lose 24-21, left the offense struggling for answers. Frustrated Philadelphia fans expressed their displeasure, urging for the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
The Eagles’ season woes continued as even their trusted “tush push” play failed them in this matchup.
With Philadelphia trailing 10-9 late in the third quarter, Jalen Hurts fumbled the “tush push” within Chicago’s territory, leading to a Bears recovery.
The Bears – who have a knack for winning one-score games – turned the turnover into the drive of the day. Monangai ripped off a 31-yard run on the first play and Caleb Williams – who was 17 of 36 for 154 yards and a touchdown – completed a 7-yard pass to Colston Loveland on fourth down that extended the drive.
Monangai ran for a 4-yard TD that made it 17-9 early in the fourth, and Williams added the insurance score with a 28-yard TD pass to Cole Kmet for a 24-9 lead.
Fans who had been chanting “Fire Kevin!” began flocking toward the exits – and the Eagles will face even more questions about the sorry state of their offense.
The Bears don’t care. Even with three linebackers out with injuries, Chicago socked the Eagles from the jump.
Philly’s Jalen Hurts threw for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns to disgruntled receiver A.J. Brown, who had 10 catches for 132 yards. Saquon Barkley couldn’t break free against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL and finished with 56 yards rushing.
The Eagles ran just 17 plays and had two first downs (with 83 total yards and 26 rushing) in the first half. The Bears totaled 142 rushing yards in the half.
Swift, who became the first running back to top 100 yards rushing against the Eagles this season, scored against his former team on a 3-yard run a 7-0 lead. The Bears lead 10-3 when Hurts hit Brown in the third quarter for a 33-yard TD that made it 10-9.
Jake Elliott missed the extra point, adding to the list of ugly plays that sunk the Super Bowl champs.
Hurts and Brown connected on late 4-yard TD late in the fourth, but the Eagles missed the 2-point conversion attempt to keep it a two-score game.
Injuries
Bears defensive lineman Andrew Billings was evaluated for a concussion.
Up next
Bears. Play at NFC North rival Green Bay (8-3-1) on Dec. 7 with the division lead on the line.
Eagles: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, Dec. 8.
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