Eagles plan for anthem and Bears
First off, if you missed the news on the weekend, know that a large number of Philadelphia Eagles players intend to perform some manner of protest Monday night in Chicago, during the pre-game national anthem.
It’s intended to help increase awareness of social injustices in America, a movement begun by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Philly head coach Doug Pederson said Saturday if he’s asked by players, he’ll join them in the protest.
“The biggest thing is I just don’t want it to become a distraction to the rest of the team, that’s the biggest thing from my standpoint,” Pederson said.
Later reports said not all Eagles players plan to take part.
Once the flag is furled at Soldier Field, and football begins, the big question remains for the Bears: can Jay Cutler and the woeful offence score enough to defeat a rookie QB in his second start?
The Bears always seem to have the Eagles’ number (they lead the series, 2810-1).
Philly’s defence is underrated and should give Cutler fits. With Jeremy Langford coming off a poor debut as Chicago’s new No. 1 RB (17 carries for 57 yards), with only Alshon Jeffery as his only established WR weapon, and behind a struggling OL, Cutler has his work cut out.
Eagles QB Carson Wentz, meantime, probably will find that Chicago’s defence isn’t as easy to exploit as Cleveland’s was last week.
Looks like Wentz will be relying this year primarily on Mathews & Matthews: that is, RB Ryan Mathews, who rushed for 77 yards and a TD last week, and WR Jordan Matthews, who caught seven passes for 114 yards and a score against the Browns.
Pederson said Wentz has handled well all the distractions of suddenly being thrust into the starting role, after Sam Bradford’s trade to Minnesota.
“And that’s the one thing about him and his maturity level — how well he does balancing work with some of the outside influences,” Pederson said. “He was in here early (this week), getting on to Chicago.”