Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears want to win on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but they have already begun the chess match.
“Eagles prepared for three Bears QBs this week, just in case. One – Caleb Williams – has been ruled out,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted on X on September 26 in reaction to the new of Johnson and Co.’s final decision of the week on QB1.
Now, the reality is the Eagles prepared for the Bears’ offense, rather than a particular passer.
Bears’ Chess Match With Eagles Leads News Roundup
Bears, Eagles Playing Chess Not Checkers
That is what Eagles (and former Bears) defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters earlier in the week.
Surely, Fangio and the Eagles refined their approach to focus on the most likely starter. Williams did not practice all wee and was never expected to, per Johnson. Additionally, Tyson Bagent only returned on Friday.
There was some minor confusion over the wording for Johnson’s comments about Bagent.
In the end, the fourth-year QB is questionable for this contest. He is the only player who had a remotely realistic chance of playing who has a designation, while Case Keenum remains in line to start.
If the Eagles spent even part of their week of preparation game-planning for Williams, then it is a won battle for the Bears. The same is true with Bagent if he does not play or even suit up. That is not to say they will win the war, though.
However, the chess match goes beyond the QB room.
Bears, Eagles Coaches Weigh In on Rule
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower was asked about the Eagles using their punter as a holder on kickoffs to assist with “dirty” kicks.
Hightower did not mince words. He said that aspect was intended to be used for inclement weather and noting the advantage having a physical holder provides. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, though, pushed back on the Eagles doing anything below the board.
It will be interesting to see how it is officiated on “Monday Night Football.”
Hightower helped develop the current kickoff system. He said there would be a discussion with all of the special teams coordinators regarding the rule, and they did.
Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson Gets Bad News From NFL
As Clocker Sports noted in the wake of the game, Bears starting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson received an unfortunate notice from the NFL.
“The NFL fined Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson $22,342 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) — the hit that knocked off Vikings RB Aaron Jones’ helmet last week,” The Ringer and Netflix’s Tom Pelissero posted in the wake of news, quoting a clip of the play.
“No flag was thrown.”
Jones spoke out about the incident after the game. He said that Stevenson was talking trash after the play. He also said that he refrained form pointing to the scoreboard in the moment.
Jones came away with a bruise on his face from the hit. He also helped the Vikings get the victory over the Bears. Meanwhile, Stevenson shares the loss with his teammates and bears full weight of the fine for his infraction on his own.
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