Chicago's running game will be the focus of the defense – with or without Caleb Williams. When the Eagles hosted the Bears last season at Lincoln Financial Field, Chicago's offense put up 281 rushing yards against the Eagles' defense, with Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift each recording 100+ yards on the ground.
"We got to play it better, obviously," Fangio said. "They are one of the better running teams in the league. They got a really great O-line, great backs. Their scheme is good. We're going to have to play it a whole lot better."
Even without the threat Williams brings in the passing game, keeping the defense honest, Fangio doesn't believe Chicago's rushing attack will falter schematically without their starting quarterback.
"They're an under-center offense," Fangio said. "So, it's not like it's a lot of gun zone read, QB-generated runs. They're under center handing it off. They do a great job of blocking."
The Eagles' defense has no choice but to watch the tape from last year against the Bears, no matter how tough of a watch it is.
"You aren't going to be able to flush it away," Fangio said of the teams' performance last year against the Bears. "It's going to be on our cut-ups, so they'll be seeing it."
Swift has had a strong start to the season for the Bears, recording 169 rushing yards and three touchdowns through two games. Meanwhile, Monangai has averaged 7.3 yards per carry through the first two games of the NFL season, totaling 147 yards and a touchdown.
It will be up to the Eagles' front seven to not repeat the same mistakes as last year. This week, Fangio said that he believes that both edge rushers, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith, have done a "good job" so far. Fangio also mentioned that Jalen Carter played above his expectations coming off injury against the Titans.
"He actually did a little better than I thought he would because he's got a cast on his one hand and wrist area and that can really hinder you," Fangio said. "But he did better than I thought he would."
It will take all of the defensive players on the field for the Eagles to defend the run on Monday – no matter who starts at quarterback for the Bears. - Written by Caroline Connor