Legitimacy calls...Bears ready to answer?

It was a LOOONG two weeks.  I'm referring to the timeframe between October 24th and November 7th.  The Bears had just lost  their second game in a row, at home, to an inferior NFC opponent.  Things were looking bleak, as Jay Cutler had just had one of his worst games as a Bear (4 interceptions), Mike Martz seemed clueless in calling a largely disproportionate amount of passing plays, and the offensive line couldn't have blocked my high school defensive line.  The defense and special teams looked ok, but by no means dominant, and many were picking the Bears to lose to a winless (at the time) Buffalo Bills squad to drop all the way back to .500.  Again, it was a long two weeks.  Well, it's been a lot of fun since then, as the Bears have looked impressive in defeating the Bills, Vikings and Dolphins (2 of the three wins occurring on the road) by a combined score of 65-32.  Jay Cutler has been efficient, in part by finding a way to keep defenses honest through the use of the occasional scramble.  Mike Martz has found balance (if you've been a regular reader of this blog you know I've been saying all year that one of the most critical learning curves for this team will be Martz's, and he has responded like a man who is interested in continuing a career in coaching), and the defense and special teams have been amongst the best in the league.  The Offensive line has even improved, with much attributable to a healthy Roberto Garza.

Now the Philadelphia Eagles come to town.  Much like when the Green Bay Packers came to town in Week 3, this game is being described as the measuring stick.  Win and the Bears are for real.  Lose, and the media and fans will still have their doubts.  This game also has big-time wild-card ramifications, as the Bears all ready have 3 conference losses and may not be able to afford a fourth (especially to a team who they will be battling with for a wild-card if the Bears aren't able to keep their division lead on the Cheeseheads).  Here are 4 reasons to fear, as well as hope, going into Sunday's post-Thanksgiving treat:

"Hope is a dangerous thing.  Hope can drive a man insane.":

• 2 words: Mike Vick. Vick has been like Bo Jackson circa Super Techmo Bowl this year, as he's making it look like everyone else is playing in quicksand.  The Bears live for the takeaway, and Vick has 1, yes 1, all year.  Give him time and he'll pick you apart either with his arm or his feet.
• The Eagles speedy wide receivers will pose a big test to the Bears secondary, as speed is not their specialty (outside of Danieal Manning).  Chris Harris especially will have to be a step ahead mentally to avoid being a step slow on the Eagles deep routes.
• The Eagles still have that Jim Johnson mentality on defense--Blitz, Blitz, Blitz.  The Bears will need to continue to play better on the o-line and utilize screen passes while keeping their run/pass balance to slow the Eagles down.  Trent Cole is a beast who will need to be double-teamed.
• Instead of mentioning Desean Jackson returning punts or Asante Samuel against Jay Cutler, I'm going to devote my fourth item to Mike Vick.  Yes, I realize he was also the first item, but he's just that good.  He is perhaps the league MVP and if the Bears want to win they CAN NOT afford to let him go off.

"Hope is a good thing.  Maybe the best of things..."

• In watching Giants/Eagles on Sunday night, it was pointed out on the broadcast that Vick doesn't tend to throw once he rolls to his right (as a lefty this is probably due to him not being as comfortable throwing across his body).  The Bears should line Julius Peppers up on the Right End--where he should then able to pressure Vick and push him out of the pocket towards Lance Briggs, who will be able to contain Vick from his weak-side linebacker spot.  I wouldn't mind seeing Briggs come on some delayed blitzes as well from his spot on the right side of Vick.
• The Bears will have to score more than 24 points to win this game, and I don't see this as an issue because I foresee a big game from Cutler.  The Bears recent run/pass balance has freed up some opportunities down the field for Cutler, often through the use of play-action.  I see a bomb to Devin Hester or Johnny Knox in our future.
• The Bears are 3-0 versus Mike Vick in his career, and even though Vick is playing at a different level right now this is not a coincidence or an aberration.  The Bears team speed on defense has always matched up well against Vick, and the frozen, soggy turf (along with the climate) has never been agreeable for him.  The Bears cover-2 defense also helps prevent the big pass play which has been a Vick staple.  Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, or even D.J. Moore can serve as a "spy" to help neutralize him on the ground.
• Takeaways are always huge for the Bears, and this game will be no different.  Another item I noticed on Sunday night is that Vick often holds the ball away from his body when he's running, and the Bears are notorious for causing fumbles.  Also, the Bears are very adept on the defensive line (namely Israel Idonije) at getting their hands up to tip passes.  Look for one to fall into the hands of a Bears defender (Moore, I'm looking for you to continue your knack for being in the right place at the right time--don't let me down).

The Verdict: Biggest game of the year.  There will be a playoff atmosphere.  I can't wait, and I hope that all the fans in attendance make Mikey want to run home to Mommy.  Bears 27 Eagles 24.  Hello legitimacy, nice to see you.  Sit a spell.  Take your shoes off.